Why Internal Audits Determine Success in the Accreditation Process
The accreditation process is not just about preparing for an audit day; it is about proving that the system truly works. At this point, internal audits are one of the most critical tools that determine the success of accreditation.
Many organizations view internal audits as a formality. However, when conducted through a professional accreditation consultancy approach, internal audits have a direct impact on audit success.
What Is an Internal Audit?
An internal audit is the objective and systematic evaluation of an organization’s own activities against applicable standards, regulations, and accreditation requirements.
- Identify deficiencies before external audits
- Reduce the risk of nonconformities
- Prove that processes are actually implemented
For this reason, internal audits should be considered a “rehearsal” for accreditation.
The Role of Internal Audits in Accreditation Assessments
During accreditation assessments, auditors seek answers to the following questions:
- How well does the organization understand itself?
- Can it identify its risks in advance?
- Can it detect and correct its weaknesses before the audit?
The answers to these questions are found directly in internal audit records.
Why Accreditation Remains Weak Without Internal Audits
Organizations that fail to conduct effective internal audits typically experience:
- Repeated nonconformities
- Superficial corrective actions
- Lack of management control over processes
Auditors interpret this as a sign of an immature management system.
How to Establish an Effective Internal Audit in the Accreditation Consultancy Process
1. Planned and Comprehensive Internal Audit Program
Internal audits should be planned:
- At least once a year
- To cover the entire accreditation scope
- Based on a risk-based approach
Unplanned or narrowly scoped audits fail to reveal real issues.
2. Assigning Competent Internal Auditors
Internal auditors must:
- Be independent from the activities they audit
- Have strong knowledge of the applicable standard
- Be competent in audit techniques
At this stage, accreditation consultancy services strengthen the process through internal auditor training.
3. Auditing Implementation, Not Just Documentation
A common mistake is: “The documents exist, so there is no problem.”
However, auditors examine:
- Actual on-site practices
- Whether personnel understand the processes
- Whether records are genuinely created
Internal audits must adopt the same approach.
4. Effective Management of Nonconformities
Nonconformities identified during internal audits must be:
- Clearly and realistically defined
- Subject to root cause analysis
- Closed through effective corrective actions
This process demonstrates the maturity level expected in accreditation audits.
5. Integration with Management Review
Internal audit results must:
- Be discussed during management review meetings
- Be translated into decisions and actions
This step demonstrates management’s ownership of the system.
The Direct Link Between Internal Audits and Accreditation Success
Organizations with effective internal audits achieve:
- Shorter audit durations
- Lower risk of major nonconformities
- Faster accreditation approval
- Smooth surveillance audits
These outcomes clearly highlight the strategic role of internal audits in the accreditation process.
Sertifike’s Accreditation Consultancy Approach to Internal Audits
At Sertifike, we view internal audits as:
- Not merely a mandatory pre-audit step
- But a core tool for accreditation sustainability
Within our Accreditation Consultancy services, we provide:
- Standard-based internal audit planning
- Internal auditor training
- Mock (trial) audits
- Nonconformity and corrective action management
Our goal is not to make organizations appear ready for audits, but to ensure they are genuinely prepared.
Conclusion
In the accreditation process, internal audits are one of the most decisive success factors. When conducted effectively, internal audits transform audits from a risk into an opportunity and elevate the organization to a mature operational level.
Establishing the internal audit process correctly with professional accreditation consultancy support is the strongest assurance of successful accreditation. At Sertifike, we confidently manage this process on your behalf.
