The correct answers are A and E .
A. Advise that the audit team make-up is a decision for the Certification Body — Correct
For a certification audit, the Certification Body is responsible for determining the audit team composition. This includes deciding the number of auditors, required competence, audit duration, technical expertise, impartiality, and ability to cover the full audit scope. The client may express a preference or raise a concern, but the client cannot dictate the audit team structure simply to reduce costs.
E. Suggest asking the Certification Body management to consider the request — Correct
The request may be passed to appropriate Certification Body management for review. The Certification Body can consider whether the request is possible without compromising audit duration, competence, impartiality, coverage of the audit scope, or certification requirements. However, any change must remain under the Certification Body’s control.
The other options are not appropriate:
B. Advise the EMS Manager that his request can be considered for future audits — Incorrect
This avoids the current request rather than addressing it properly. The Certification Body may consider the request now, but only through its own competent review process.
C. Suggest that the EMS Manager choose another Certification Body — Incorrect
This is unprofessional and unnecessary. The correct approach is to explain the Certification Body’s responsibility and review the request appropriately.
D. Advise that the contract has already been signed and cannot be revised — Incorrect
A signed contract does not automatically prevent changes. Changes may be possible if reviewed and approved by the Certification Body, provided audit integrity is maintained.
F. Advise that a remote audit could be conducted instead of an on-site audit — Incorrect
Remote auditing cannot simply be substituted to reduce travel expenses. The use of remote audit methods must be justified and must still allow the Certification Body to achieve the audit objectives. For many certification audit activities, especially where operational controls and site conditions must be verified, on-site evaluation may be necessary.
Therefore, the best two responses are A and E .
