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How to Prepare for ISO 27001 Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits: Expert Tips

by Rebecca Kappel on June 16, 2025

ISO 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that your organization is committed to protecting sensitive data and managing risks related to information security. However, before you can claim that certification, your organization needs to pass through two essential audits: Stage 1 and Stage 2.

While both audits are necessary steps in the certification process, Stage 2 is the audit that most people refer to when they talk about the ISO 27001 audit. This is the critical audit where auditors evaluate the actual implementation of your ISMS and assess whether your security controls are operating effectively. Stage 1 is more of a documentation review, ensuring you’re on the right track, but it’s Stage 2 security that ultimately determines whether you’ll be granted ISO 27001 certification.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire ISO 27001:2022 audit process, giving you clear insights into what’s involved in each stage, what auditors are looking for, and how to prepare effectively for both. Whether you’re just beginning to prepare or you’re already gearing up for Stage 2, this blog will provide the expert tips and actionable advice you need to successfully navigate the certification journey.

ISO 27001 Stage 1 Audit: Documentation and Readiness

What to Expect

The Stage 1 audit primarily involves a documentation review. Auditors will examine the framework you’ve established for your ISMS, ensuring that it meets the requirements outlined in ISO 27001. This stage is designed to assess whether your policies, procedures, and controls are documented and aligned with the ISO 27001 standard.

During Stage 1, auditors focus on key documents such as your Statement of Applicability (SoA), risk assessments, and ISMS policies to confirm that you have adequately outlined how your organization manages information security. This stage is critical for identifying any documentation gaps that may exist before moving on to the more comprehensive Stage 2 audit.

Common Challenges

Many organizations face challenges when it comes to incomplete or inconsistent documentation. This can delay the Stage 1 audit and may result in additional work to get everything in order. Organizations that haven’t been maintaining regular updates or internal audits often find themselves rushing to ensure their documentation meets ISO 27001 standards.

To avoid this, it’s recommended to conduct internal reviews to pinpoint any gaps in documentation well before the Stage 1 audit. If you’re using manual tracking or outdated templates, you might miss crucial elements required for the audit, which can delay the process.

Expert Tips for Stage 1

Organize Documentation: Ensure that all ISMS-related documents, such as your policies, procedures, and risk assessments, are up-to-date and accessible. Keep all records organized and easy to reference.
Perform Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to ensure that your documentation aligns with the ISO 27001 standard. This can help you identify and correct any discrepancies early on, reducing the risk of issues during the Stage 1 audit.
Engage Stakeholders: It’s important that all relevant departments are involved in the documentation process, from IT and security to HR and legal. This collaborative effort ensures that every area of the business contributes to a comprehensive and effective ISMS.

Stage 2 Audit: Implementation and Effectiveness

What to Expect

Stage 2 is the more intensive of the two audits. During this audit, auditors evaluate how effectively your ISMS is implemented across the organization. They will review your security controls in action and assess whether your team follows the documented policies and procedures.

Auditors will not just look at your documentation—they want to see evidence that the controls are operational. This includes reviewing records from your internal audits, seeing how risk management is handled in practice, and interviewing employees to ensure they understand their roles in maintaining information security.

Common Challenges

The biggest challenge many organizations face during Stage 2 is proving that their controls are not only documented but actually functioning effectively. Auditors will often interview employees to ensure they are aware of the procedures they need to follow. If your employees are not well-versed in the ISMS or its specific security protocols, this can cause problems during the audit.

In addition, showing consistency in how your security measures are applied can be difficult, especially in organizations with a large workforce or distributed teams.

Expert Tips for Stage 2

Demonstrate Control Effectiveness: Be prepared to show how your security controls are functioning in real-world scenarios. This might include presenting evidence from internal audits, security incident reports, and operational records. Make sure that your staff can demonstrate how they follow the security protocols you’ve outlined.
Ensure Employee Awareness: Train your employees regularly so they understand their roles within the ISMS. Employees must be familiar with your information security policies and procedures, and be able to speak to how they apply them in their day-to-day operations.
Document Evidence: Keep detailed records of all activities, audits, incidents, and improvements. This documentation will be essential to demonstrate that your ISMS is operational and continuously improving, which is a key part of the ISO 27001 standard.

Best Practices for Both Audits

Here are some best practices drawn from experts in the field that can help ensure your success during both audits:

Secure Management Commitment: Ensure that senior leadership is actively involved in the ISO 27001 process. Top-down support is essential for obtaining the necessary resources and ensuring that information security is a priority throughout the organization.
Adopt a Risk-Based Approach: ISO 27001 emphasizes a risk-based approach to information security. Make sure that your ISMS identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks in a structured, documented manner. This will help demonstrate that you are prepared to handle potential security threats.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: The ISO 27001 standard is based on continual improvement. You should regularly review and improve your ISMS to keep up with emerging risks and industry best practices. This approach helps to avoid complacency and ensures that your security practices remain relevant and effective.
Conduct Regular Internal Audits: Internal audits help to identify and resolve issues before the external auditors come knocking. Conducting these audits regularly ensures that your ISMS stays on track and that your documentation is always aligned with ISO 27001.
Create a Culture of Security: ISO 27001 isn’t just about policies and paperwork—it’s about fostering a culture of security across your organization. Everyone, from top management to entry-level employees, should understand their role in safeguarding information and be encouraged to uphold security standards.

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Learn more about ISO 27001 (Stage 1 & 2)

After Certification: Maintaining Compliance

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. The certification is valid for three years, and your organization will need to undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. These audits are less intensive than Stage 2 but are crucial to maintaining your certification and ensuring that your ISMS is still effective.

To remain compliant, your organization should continue to refine and improve its ISMS, address any non-conformities that may arise, and make sure that employees remain engaged and well-informed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on ISO 27001 Audits

1. What Happens if We Fail Stage 1 or Stage 2?

If you don’t pass Stage 1, auditors will provide feedback and recommendations for improvement. You’ll be given time to address any issues before moving to Stage 2. If Stage 2 doesn’t go well, corrective actions will be necessary, but you’ll have a chance to fix the problems before moving forward.

2. How Long Does the Entire ISO 27001 Certification Audit Process Take?

The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of your organization. Smaller businesses may complete the process in less time, while larger organizations may need additional time for documentation, training, and implementation.

3. What’s the Cost of ISO 27001 Certification?

Costs can vary widely depending on whether you hire external consultants, the size of your organization, and the cost of the certification audit. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of internal resources for documentation, training, and maintaining your ISMS.

4. Can Small Organizations Achieve ISO 27001 Certification?

Yes! ISO 27001 is scalable and can be implemented by organizations of all sizes. Even smaller businesses can achieve certification by focusing on clear documentation, streamlined processes, and using tools like Centraleyes to help simplify and automate aspects of the process.

5. How Do I Stay Compliant After Certification?

ISO 27001 is about continual improvement. After certification, maintain regular internal audits, ensure employee awareness, and perform annual surveillance audits to stay compliant.

Last Word From Centraleyes

Centraleyes supports your ISO 27001 journey from the very beginning—starting with initial assessments and carrying you all the way through to full certification. With Centraleyes+, our premium service, you gain access to an AI-powered platform that not only streamlines risk and compliance workflows but also connects you directly with globally recognized, certified auditors. That means no third-party coordination, no unnecessary delays—just a seamless path to certification.

Our platform simplifies the process of tracking, managing, and documenting your ISMS controls, keeping everything aligned with the latest standards. Minimize the stress, reduce the manual work, and stay in control.

Start preparing today with Centraleyes and move confidently toward ISO 27001 certification.