A transition audit is the audit that moves an existing certificate to the new edition when a new edition of a standard is published.
It must be carried out within the transition period; certificates that have not completed the transition by the end of the period lose their validity.
Three methods
- Together with the scheduled surveillance audit
- Together with the recertification audit
- Through a standalone interim transition audit
The first two options mean adding scope to an audit that will take place anyway and usually do not incur an additional audit fee. The third means a separate audit day.
Differences between standards
Not every standard allows the same flexibility. The ISO 14001:2026 transition can be made by all three methods, whereas in SA 8000:2026 the transition is only possible at the recertification audit.
We recommend confirming with your certification body which methods apply to your standard.
Preparation
Before going into a transition audit, the gap analysis is expected to be complete, the documentation updated and at least one internal audit cycle conducted against the new edition. The transition scope also needs to be notified before the audit; the scope cannot be extended on audit day.
Transition audit rules vary from standard to standard. You can plan the calendar and method options specific to your standard on your own certificate cycle in programmes such as the ISO 14001:2026 transition training or the ISO 9001 training. Our other training topics are on the Academy page.