The audit lifecycle describes the ISO 19011 process for conducting an individual audit.

The correct sequence of the steps of the audit lifecycle according to ISO 19011:2018 is:

Step 1: Audit initiation

Step 2: Audit preparation

Step 3: Conducting the audit

Step 4: Preparing and distributing the audit report

Step 5: Audit completion

Step 6: Audit follow-up

This sequence reflects the logical order of the audit activities, from establishing the audit objectives, scope and criteria, to verifying the implementation and effectiveness of the corrective actions. However, ISO 19011:2018 also recognizes that some audit activities can be iterative or concurrent, depending on the nature and complexity of the audit. For example, audit preparation and conducting the audit can overlap when new information or changes occur during the audit. Similarly, audit follow-up can be integrated with audit completion when the corrective actions are verified shortly after the audit. Therefore, the audit lifecycle should be adapted to the specific context and needs of each audit.