ISO 27001 - Annual Internal Audit Program Template
Annual Internal Audit Program - Certification-Ready ISMS Assurance
Required under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2 - examined during every certification and surveillance audit.
The Annual Internal Audit Program is a mandatory documented requirement under ISO/IEC 27001:2022. It defines how internal audits are planned, scheduled, conducted, and reported to evaluate the effectiveness of the ISMS.
Auditors review this program to confirm systematic audit coverage, auditor independence, audit criteria, and management oversight. Missing, informal, or poorly structured audit programs frequently result in nonconformities, corrective actions, or delayed certification decisions.
This template provides a structured, defensible, auditor-ready Annual Internal Audit Program aligned to ISO/IEC 27001 Clause 9.2 - ensuring consistent audit execution and evidence-based ISMS assurance.
Why This Document Matters
- Confirms management oversight of the ISMS internal audit function.
- Establishes a structured, repeatable internal audit cycle.
- Supports risk-based audit planning and prioritisation.
- Demonstrates compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2 requirements.
- Produces defensible evidence for certification and surveillance audits.
What's Included in This Template
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2-aligned annual audit programme structure.
- Defined audit scope, objectives, criteria, and frequency.
- Risk-based audit planning and prioritisation approach.
- Roles, responsibilities, and auditor independence requirements.
- Planned audit schedule covering ISMS clauses and Annex A controls.
- Management oversight, reporting, and follow-up mechanisms.
Common Audit Issues This Helps You Avoid
- Stage 1 audit findings due to absence of a documented audit programme.
- Stage 2 nonconformities from incomplete or inconsistent audit coverage.
- Repeat findings caused by poor audit planning and follow-up.
- Auditor challenges on Clause 9.2 compliance and effectiveness.
- Gaps between audit results, corrective actions, and management review.
Who Should Use This Template
- Organisations establishing an ISO/IEC 27001-compliant internal audit programme.
- Companies preparing for ISO/IEC 27001 certification or surveillance audits.
- Businesses formalising or correcting weak ISMS internal audit practices.
- Consultants designing and managing internal audit programmes for ISO/IEC 27001 clients.
- ISMS teams transitioning internal audits to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2 requirements.
Format & Customisation
- Editable Microsoft Excel format (.xslx)
- Fully customisable text, headings, and branding
- No specialised software required
- Compatible with Excel, Google Docs, and LibreOffice
Compliance Note
The Annual Internal Audit Program forms part of a complete ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS, supported by audit procedures, records, corrective actions, and management review evidence to demonstrate effective ISMS oversight during audits.
How Does It Work?
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1Download the Excel template instantly after checkout.
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2Replace company-specific details where applicable.
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3Customize wording in template if required.
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4Authorised for ISMS audit planning execution
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