Explanation:
2. Prepare the audit checklist, 3. Obtain objective evidence, 4. Review audit evidence, 5. Document findings For a first-party audit, the sequence follows the normal audit flow described in ISO auditing guidance: first the audit is initiated and leadership is assigned, then audit activities are prepared, then evidence is collected during the audit, then that evidence is evaluated, then findings are recorded, and finally the audit report is issued. ISO 19011 describes the audit flow as initiating the audit, preparing audit activities, conducting audit activities, and preparing and distributing the audit report. ( ISO ) That is why, after 1. Appoint an audit team leader , the next correct step is 2. Prepare the audit checklist .
The checklist is part of preparing for the audit and helps the auditor plan questions, clauses, process interactions, and sampling points before going on to collect evidence. ( WEDEAQ | Official VDA QMC Partner ) After preparation, the auditor moves to 3. Obtain objective evidence . Audit evidence is gathered through interviews, observation, and review of documented information during the audit. This is a core activity of conducting the audit. ( DNV ) Once evidence is collected, the auditor must 4. Review audit evidence . ISO audit practice requires the evidence to be evaluated against the audit criteria to determine whether conformity or nonconformity exists.
Evidence is not simply collected and reported immediately; it is first reviewed and assessed. ( PRETESH BISWAS ) After reviewing the evidence, the auditor can 5. Document findings . Findings are the result of evaluating the evidence against criteria, so they logically come after evidence review. Recorded findings can include conformity, nonconformity, and opportunities for improvement, depending on the audit plan and method. ( PRETESH BISWAS ) The final step is 6. Issue the report , because the report is prepared only after the audit evidence has been reviewed and the findings have been determined and documented. ( ISO ) So, the correct full order is:
1. Appoint an audit team leader
2. Prepare the audit checklist
3. Obtain objective evidence
4. Review audit evidence
5. Document findings
6. Issue the report