What type of audit is conducted after validating an auditee's action plans and corrective actions?

The type of audit conducted after validating an auditee's action plans and corrective actions is known as an audit follow-up. This audit specifically focuses on assessing whether the corrective actions that have been implemented address the nonconformities identified in previous audits. The follow-up audit allows the auditor to verify that the actions taken are effective and that the issues have been resolved in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.

In the context of ISO/IEC 27001, which focuses on information security management systems (ISMS), it is crucial to ensure that any identified weaknesses are adequately addressed. This process also involves checking the timeliness of the corrective actions and confirming that they lead to the desired improvements in the management system.

Surveillance audits, on the other hand, are periodic checks carried out to ensure ongoing compliance but do not focus exclusively on previously identified issues. Internal audits are systematic evaluations of an organization's ISMS conducted by its own staff and can cover a wide range of areas but do not specifically follow up on prior action plans. Certification audits, while thorough evaluations for initial certification or recertification, happen less frequently and are not strictly focused on previously identified corrective actions. Thus, audit follow-up is specifically intended for assessing the effectiveness of corrective actions after they have been