Frequency of internal audits

Answer:

There is no rule or guidance that defines how many audits per year the organization should have but it is usual to have at least one internal audit per year. The phrase "determined by the importance of the process" doesn't implies that you must have additional audits but it is the easiest way to meet the requirement and satisfy the auditor by arranging additional audit for the key processes in your company. But the standard does not explicitly requires it and not even the auditor can make you do that.

For more information, see: What questions to expect on the ISO 9001 cer tification audit https://advisera.com/9001academy/blog/2016/04/19/what-questions-to-expect-on-the-iso-9001-certification-audit/

The entire QMS process need only be reviewed once over the course of your 3 year cycle. You need to have an audit plan though that shows that. A management review also needs to be held at some frequency, I would suggest minimum 1/year but better 1/qtr to review objectives