What is one of the key objectives of conducting an audit according to ISO 19011?

The primary objective of an audit, as defined in ISO 19011:2018 – Clause 5.1, is to evaluate the extent to which the management system conforms to planned arrangements and is effectively implemented and maintained.

Audits are not meant to issue certificates or impose penalties — they are tools for continual improvement, helping organizations assess the performance and effectiveness of their systems.

This aligns with the purpose of internal audits described in ISO/IEC 42001:2023 – Clause 9.2, which is to verify the effectiveness of the AIMS (Artificial Intelligence Management System).