ISO 19011:2026 – What Has Changed?
Written by: Deb Piatt, Sr. QMS, LMS and EEI Mgr.
ISO 19011:2026, Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems, introduces several updates from the 2018 edition. The revision reflects changes in how organizations operate and how audits are planned, managed, and conducted, with increased attention to risk, technology, remote auditing, and organizational context.
Key changes include:
- Expanded remote auditing guidance. ISO 19011:2026 provides greater guidance for remote auditing methods and virtual locations and incorporates references to ISO/IEC TS 17012 for the use of remote auditing methods.
- Greater integration of risk-based auditing. Risk considerations are more broadly incorporated into audit planning, audit programme implementation, and reporting, including strategic, technological, cybersecurity, supply-chain, and compliance risks.
- Increased focus on technology. Technology and digital tools are now considered within the audit programme, audit planning, and risk analysis. The presentation also identifies ICT, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data analytics as relevant technology-related topics.
- Climate change considerations. Climate change is explicitly identified as a factor to consider when understanding an organization’s context for audits.
- Audit programme enhancements. The revised guidance places greater emphasis on audit programme objectives, risk-based planning, adaptability, technology, data security, observer participation, and regular evaluation of programme effectiveness.
- Updated terminology and auditing principles. New or modified terminology includes remote auditing methods and virtual locations. Updates were also made to the auditing principles of integrity, confidentiality, and the risk-based approach.
ISO 19011:2026 also expands Annex A with additional guidance for audit planning and conducting audits, particularly in relation to remote auditing methods and virtual locations.
Overall, ISO 19011:2026 addresses a more technology-enabled, risk-focused, and remote auditing environment while strengthening guidance for the effective management and execution of audit programmes.
Transitioning to ISO 19011:2026
ISO 19011:2026 was released for immediate implementation. Unlike management system standards there is no transition period. The expectation is organization’s will obtain a copy of ISO 19011:2026, identify the gaps in the audit program, audit activities and auditor competencies. Existing management system auditors and those responsible for the audit program should be trained to the new standard and implement the requirements as applicable.
3rd Party certification audits will include assessment of organizational audit programs and auditor competencies.
For more information regarding ISO 19011:2026 transitional training contact Elcometer Education Institute at (248) 650-0500; by email at training@elcometeredu.com or Visit our website at www.elcometeredu.com.
