Remote audits: what are they and how do they work?

Your auditor no longer has to come by. The audit is increasingly taking place via video call. Saves travel costs, but what does it mean for your certification?

What is remote auditing?

With a remote audit, the auditor is not physically present. Instead, the audit takes place via video call: interviews, sharing documentation via screen, and sometimes a virtual tour with a phone or tablet.

There are three forms:

Hybrid is the standard nowadays. Most certifiers combine remote sessions (documentation, interviews) with a shorter on-site visit for physical observations.

When is an audit allowed remotely?

New international guidelines have been in force since January 2025 (IAF MD 4:2025). The most important change: there is no longer a fixed limit. In the past, “maximum 30% remote” often applied. The certifier now determines per organisation how much remote is allowed.

That decision depends on:

• Your sector - IT companies can often be 100% remote, production is usually not
• Your processes - Physical actions require on-site observation
• Your track record - Are you already certified and did the previous audit go well?

Key message. Remote or on-site makes no difference to the validity of your certificate. The certificate does not state how the audit was carried out.

Suitability per standard

Benefits for you

Cost savings No travel costs for the auditor means 10-30% lower audit costs. The savings are even greater for international certifiers or remote locations.

Faster planning Not coordinating schedules for travel. A remote audit can often be planned within weeks, while on-site audits can sometimes take months.

Less disruption No tours that stop production. Interviews can be spread over several shorter sessions instead of two full days.

Flexible participation Do you work with remote teams or international colleagues? These can be more easily connected to a video call than to a physical visit.

Disadvantages and limitations

Technology must work A faulty internet connection can disrupt the audit. Test your connection in advance and have a backup ready (mobile hotspot).

Not everything can be assessed remotely What your production floor looks like, whether employees actually follow safety regulations, or whether waste is separated correctly - an auditor prefers to see with his own eyes.

Screen Fatigue A day of video calls is intensive. For both you and the auditor. Some certifiers therefore spread remote audits over several half days.

Less informal contact The coffee machine conversations in which you provide extra context disappear. Make sure you take enough time to explain matters during the audit.

How do you prepare?

Preparation for a remote audit is at least as important as for on-site. Some tips:

Technical:

• Test your internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps)
• Ensure that all participants can log in to the platform (usually Teams or Zoom)
• Camera and microphone working - no echo or noise
• Documents digital and easy to find

Organizational:

• Inform colleagues involved about the remote setup
• Plan an internal audit as a dress rehearsal
• Ask the certifier for a test session one week in advance

Documentation:

• All procedures up to date and digitally accessible
• CAPAs (improvement actions) documented - transparency is appreciated
• Registrations complete (training, calibrations, internal audits)

What do you ask the certifier?

When comparing certifiers - whether you’re certifying for the first time or looking to switch - ask these questions:

1. What is your policy for remote audits at my type of organisation?
2. What percentage of the audit is allowed remote?
3. Which platform do you use? (And may I suggest another platform?)
4. Do you offer a test session in advance?
5. What are the remote versus on-site costs?
6. What happens if the technology fails during the audit?