ISO 27001 - Internal Audit Checklist Excel Template
ISO 27001 Internal Audit Checklist (Excel) for Certification Readiness
Required under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2 and reviewed during certification and surveillance audits.
The Internal Audit Checklist is a mandatory operational tool under ISO 27001:2022, used to plan, conduct, and document internal audits of the ISMS. It ensures audits are performed at planned intervals using defined criteria and objective evidence.
Auditors rely on internal audit records during Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits to confirm ISMS effectiveness, control implementation, and continual improvement. Poorly structured or incomplete audit checklists frequently result in nonconformities, follow-up actions, or certification delays.
This Excel-based Internal Audit Checklist provides a structured, defensible, and auditor-ready format aligned with ISO 27001 requirements - ensuring consistent audit coverage, traceable evidence, and confident audit outcomes.
Why This Document Matters
- Demonstrates that ISMS internal audits are planned and conducted in line with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2.
- Defines clear audit criteria and scope for consistent ISMS evaluation.
- Confirms risk-based audit coverage across controls, processes, and obligations.
- Provides structured evidence of audit execution, findings, and follow-up actions.
- Supports management review and continual improvement with traceable audit records.
What's Included in This Template
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 9.2–aligned audit checklist structure.
- Predefined audit criteria and checkpoints for ISMS processes and controls.
- Internal audit scope and applicability sections mapped to ISMS boundaries.
- Audit evidence recording fields (objective evidence, observations, findings).
- Roles and responsibilities tracking for auditors and auditees.
- Follow-up and corrective action references to support continual improvement.
Common Audit Issues This Helps You Avoid
- Incomplete or poorly planned internal audits that fail to meet Clause 9.2 requirements.
- Undefined audit criteria or scope, leading to inconsistent ISMS evaluations.
- Missing or weak audit evidence to support findings and conclusions.
- Untracked nonconformities and corrective actions following internal audits.
- Lack of documented audit frequency, methods, or responsibilities.
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit findings related to ineffective internal audit processes.
Who Should Use This Template
- Organisations establishing an ISO 27001-compliant internal audit programme for the first time.
- Companies preparing for certification, surveillance, or recertification audits.
- Businesses standardising or improving ISMS internal audit practices.
- Consultants conducting internal audits for multiple ISO 27001 clients.
- Teams transitioning internal audit processes to ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
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 Internal Audit Checklist forms a key part of an ISO/IEC 27001-compliant ISMS, supporting structured audits, evidence-based findings, and effective demonstration of ISMS performance during certification and surveillance 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 and retained as ISMS internal audit evidence.
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