Which of the following best defines “audit evidence”? a) A list of nonconformities found during the audit. b) Records, statements of fact, or other information relevant to the audit criteria. c) The audit report issued by the team leader. d) The audit plan approved by the client.
Answer: B
Explanation: Per ISO 19011, audit evidence is records, statements of fact, or other information that is relevant and verifiable. It is not just nonconformities; it includes conforming evidence too.
Most IRCA Lead Auditor courses (for ISO 9001, 14001, or 45001) follow a similar exam blueprint:
Knowing the questions is only half the battle. Here is the study strategy used by successful candidates:
Scenario:
During an audit, you find that the calibration of a critical pressure gauge was due 2 weeks ago, but no record of calibration exists. The production manager says, “We know it’s still accurate, so we delayed it due to workload.” irca lead auditor exam questions and answers
Question:
Is this a nonconformity? If yes, write a nonconformity statement following ISO 19011 guidelines.
Model Answer:
Yes, this is a nonconformity.
Nonconformity statement:
“The pressure gauge used for monitoring product quality (ID: PG-023) was not calibrated at the scheduled due date of [date], and no evidence of interim verification or risk assessment was provided.”
Clause reference:
ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 – Measurement traceability.
Question 1:
During an ISO 9001:2015 audit, you notice that the "Design and Development" procedure does not include a formal review at Stage 3. Which clause has been violated?
A) 7.1 Resources
B) 8.3.4 Design and development controls
C) 9.1 Monitoring and measurement
D) 10.2 Nonconformity and corrective action Which of the following best defines “audit evidence”
Answer: B) 8.3.4
Explanation: Clause 8.3.4 explicitly requires "reviews" at suitable stages of design and development. The absence of Stage 3 review is a direct nonconformity against this clause.
Question 2:
According to ISO 19011:2018, what is the primary difference between a "guide" and an "observer"?
A) An observer may take notes; a guide may not.
B) A guide facilitates the audit; an observer shadows for learning or regulatory purposes.
C) A guide must be from top management; an observer is always external.
D) There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.
Answer: B) A guide facilitates the audit; an observer shadows for learning or regulatory purposes.
Explanation: ISO 19011 defines a guide as someone appointed to assist the audit team (access, logistics), while an observer is a passive role (e.g., regulator watching the process).
Many students ask: "Where can I download IRCA lead auditor exam questions and answers PDF?"
Warning: IRCA prohibits the distribution of actual exam papers. Any site offering "exact past papers" is likely fraudulent. However, course providers (BSI, LRQA, DNV) offer sample papers that mimic the style. Legitimate question banks focus on similar scenarios, not verbatim copies. Passing Score: Typically 70% (but some sections require
We recommend:
For scenario questions, structure your answer:
P – Problem (State the nonconformity / situation clearly)
R – Requirement (Quote the ISO clause or audit principle involved)
O – Objective evidence collected (What you saw/heard/read)
V – Verification needed (How you confirm cause/risk)
E – Effect on audit conclusion (Major/minor NC, or OFI)
Example application:
You find that internal audits are not being conducted for the R&D department despite the procedure saying “all functions annually”.
| Trap | Solution | |------|----------| | Confusing "Guidance" vs "Requirement" | ISO 9001 text uses "shall" (mandatory) vs "should" (guidance). IRCA exams will test this. | | Writing "Observation" instead of "Nonconformity" | If evidence shows the requirement is unmet, it's an NC. Do not downgrade to an observation to be nice. | | Auditing the procedure, not the practice | Always verify records, interviews, and physical evidence. The exam scenario will hide clues in operator interviews. |