When does the audit team formally present the audit conclusions and the certification recommendation?

The audit team formally presents the audit conclusions and the certification recommendation during the closing meeting. This is a critical component of the audit process, as it provides an opportunity for the audit team to communicate their findings to the organization being audited. The closing meeting is typically held after the completion of the audit activities, allowing the auditors to summarize the results, discuss any non-conformities identified, and articulate their overall assessment regarding the certification.

Presenting conclusions at this stage allows the organization to clarify any points and ensures that there is mutual understanding about the audit results. It also serves to set the tone for any follow-up activities or corrective actions that may be required.

The other options do not align with standard auditing practices. For instance, during a surveillance audit, the focus is on monitoring compliance rather than presenting final conclusions, while an audit follow-up typically occurs after the closing meeting to verify that corrective actions have been taken. Presenting conclusions at the beginning of the audit would be premature, as this would not provide an accurate representation of the findings, which can only be determined once the audit activities are completed.