Finding an ISO 42001 auditor: What to look for

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ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard dedicated to artificial intelligence management systems (AIMS). It provides a structured framework for organizations to responsibly develop, implement, and manage AI systems, with a strong focus on governance, risk, and accountability. If your organization is rolling out AI-based products or services, achieving ISO 42001 compliance signals that you take safety, ethics, and oversight seriously.

But certification isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a reflection of your operational integrity. And getting certified depends on working with the right audit partner. The auditor you select plays a central role in shaping the experience: confirming that your controls are in place, interpreting technical decisions, and ultimately guiding you through a two-stage audit process.

This guide breaks down what to look for when selecting an ISO 42001 auditor. We’ll cover how ISO 42001 audits work, key qualities to prioritize, and common pitfalls to avoid—plus how Thoropass streamlines the certification journey.

Understanding the ISO 42001 framework

ISO 42001 establishes requirements for implementing an AI management system using the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach. These requirements address everything from data governance and system transparency to human oversight and ethical alignment. It’s designed for any organization that develops, provides, or uses AI—from startups deploying machine learning tools to global enterprises integrating AI across services.

Certification involves a two-stage audit process. Stage 1 evaluates your organization’s documentation and readiness. Auditors review your current controls, scope definitions, and overall AIMS approach. Stage 2 is an in-depth, operational assessment—reviewing implementation and effectiveness across your teams through interviews, evidence review, and observation. Both stages follow ISO 19011 audit methods, and some may incorporate virtual walkthroughs in line with remote audit guidance.

After certification, you're placed on a three-year cycle, including periodic surveillance (typically annual) and a full recertification review in year three. Maintaining compliance requires active monitoring and continual improvement.

Qualities to look for in an auditor

Not every firm offering ISO 42001 audits is qualified—or a fit for your organization. These are the core attributes you should prioritize when selecting a certification body (CB) and their auditing team.

Accreditation backed by AI-specific competence. Only certification bodies accredited under ISO/IEC 17021‑1 and ISO/IEC 42006 are recognized to assess ISO 42001. Make sure the CB is accredited by a national body (like BSI, Intertek, or TÜV SÜD) that is part of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). Confirm their active scope includes AI management systems.

Experience within your industry and tech environment. Auditors should understand how AI works in your specific setting. Whether you’re deploying generative models in healthcare or machine learning in finance, auditors need to contextualize risks, interpret your systems, and assess controls from a position of informed competence.

Communication and project management skills. Strong auditors ask relevant questions, flag potential gaps early, and provide clear expectations throughout. An audit timeline can stretch across weeks—sometimes months—so having proactive, structured communication makes a major difference.

Use of modern tools for streamlined audits. The best auditing partners use secure platforms that support digital evidence collection, task tracking, and remote engagement. This aligns with ISO guidance (TS 17012, IAF MD 4) and minimizes the burden on your team.

Proven reputation and reliable outcomes. Ask for references in your industry or similar AIMS environments. Look for mapped timelines, transparency on findings, and support through remediation—especially if this is your first ISO audit.

Evaluating fit for your organization

Finding the right auditor isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about operational alignment. Choose an audit partner whose approach matches your maturity level, timelines, and strategic goals.

Calibrate scope based on your AI footprint. How broadly is AI used in your environment? You’ll need to define a clear AIMS scope—functions, use cases, and interfaces—as it sets the boundaries of what the auditor evaluates. A good auditor will challenge vague or overly broad scoping during Stage 1 and help ensure your system is certifiable.

Set costs and expectations early. Certification isn't just about final approval; it's a multi-phase engagement. Get clarity on pricing for Stage 1 vs. Stage 2, expected timeframes, on-site vs. remote procedures, and what happens if corrective actions are needed.

Look for multi-framework understanding. Many organizations piggyback ISO 42001 on top of ISO 27001, NIST AI RMF, or other standards. Your auditor doesn’t need to certify across all frameworks but should understand overlaps and opportunities to align controls.

Common mistakes when choosing an auditor

Even well-resourced organizations fall into common traps when engaging ISO auditors. Avoid these key missteps to set your program up for success.

Focusing on speed or budget alone. Low bids and fast timelines may signal cut corners. The certification should be thorough, credible, and tailored—not rushed or templated. A fast audit that skips rigor will raise red flags for partners or clients who verify certifications.

Overlooking real-world system experience. A good auditor doesn’t just review documents—they assess the actual implementation. Look for auditors who understand your technical stack, workflows, and vendor integrations. If you use large language models or deploy AI in sensitive domains, your partner should assess model risk, data controls, and oversight mechanisms confidently.

Skipping post-audit support. What happens if findings emerge? The best audit partners provide clear remediation guidance—helping you understand where controls fell short and how to close them. Avoid firms that “certify and walk away.”

How Thoropass helps

Preparing for an ISO 42001 audit is a major undertaking—especially if it’s your first AIMS system. Thoropass helps organizations get certified with support from qualified auditors, deep knowledge of the ISO 42001 framework, and tools that streamline every stage.

Why it matters: audit readiness shouldn’t come down to last-minute evidence scrambles or disconnected spreadsheets. With Thoropass, you centralize your policies, controls, risk documentation, and AI inventories. Our platform maps evidence directly to ISO 42001 requirements and supports secure sharing for remote or hybrid audits.

Our experts know what auditors look for and ensure you’re prepared before engaging a certification body. From defining your AIMS scope to tracking readiness tasks and guiding remediation, we help you stay audit-ready—not just audit-hopeful.

Want to simplify ISO 42001 certification? Schedule a consultation with a Thoropass expert to explore your next steps.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ISO 42001 auditor is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make on your compliance journey. You need a partner who understands AI risk, aligns with your technical and operational environment, and applies rigor to the certification process.

Early preparation, verified accreditation, and seamless tools reduce friction and keep your team focused on innovation—not paperwork. With the right fit, ISO 42001 certification becomes a strategic asset, signaling trustworthy AI practices across your ecosystem.

FAQs about choosing an ISO 42001 auditor

How can I verify that an auditor is accredited for ISO 42001?

Check whether the certification body is accredited by a national accreditation body under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). You can use tools like IAF CertSearch or country-specific databases (e.g., UKAS CertCheck) to verify both the body and its certification scope include ISO 42001.

Can I use the same auditor for ISO 42001 and ISO 27001?

Yes—if the certification body is accredited for both frameworks, bundling can streamline the audit process. Many AIMS controls overlap with an existing ISMS (information security management system), so a dual-audit approach can reduce cost and effort.

What should be included in my AIMS scope?

Your AIMS scope should clearly define which AI systems, functions, and business units are included. It must reflect where AI is developed or used, the lifecycle stages you control, and the interfaces to other systems or parties. Aligning the scope to actual risk exposure and operations is critical for credible certification.