Definition
An external audit is an audit performed by an organization external to the auditee. In management system practice this usually means a second-party (customer/supplier) audit or a third-party (certification body) audit.
External does not automatically mean certification — customer audits are also external.
Common types
Second-party: customer audits suppliers against contracts and standards. Third-party: certification bodies audit for certification decisions. Other external parties may audit for regulatory or scheme purposes.
Relationship to internal audit
Internal audits prepare the organization and provide ongoing assurance. External audits provide outside confidence or certification outcomes. Both can raise nonconformities requiring corrective action.
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Need help applying this?Consultancy vs certification
Beyond Carbon provides ISO consultancy, implementation support, documentation assistance, and audit preparation support. Independent certification bodies issue certificates after successful certification audits. Beyond Carbon does not present itself as a certification body or accreditation body.
FAQs
No. Customer audits are external but second-party.
Certification bodies.
No. We help you prepare for them.
Core evidence discipline is similar; criteria and stakes differ — read the audit plan and contract requirements.
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