STEP 8: Test Your Audit Readiness
Find Compliance Gaps Before Auditors Do
Ensure audit readiness with internal checks
Audit success depends on testing your readiness
Too many companies skip this step, only to learn that their controls don’t map correctly, evidence is scattered, or processes are inconsistent across departments.
A test of audit readiness helps you:
- Uncover gaps before the auditor does
- Validate evidence collection and documentation
- Align expectations between your team and the audit firm
- Build internal confidence that you’re truly audit-ready
- Reduce delays and disruptions when the real audit begins
Evidence Review
Can you produce documentation that supports each control? Is it current, complete, and mapped to the appropriate framework?
Policy & Procedure Review
Your team isn't comfortable in leading deep compliance conversations especially if you’re buried in delivery.
Interviews & Walkthroughs
Could your employees answer an auditor’s questions confidently and accurately? Are control owners ready to show their work?
Control Testing
Are technical and administrative controls functioning as expected? Can you demonstrate effectiveness over time?
Auditor Alignment
Talk to your auditor and understand how they’ll approach the audit, what documentation they expect, and what systems they’ll sample.
Readiness Testing Action Plan
- Assign Control Owners Early
Identify who owns each control, policy, or requirement and train them on what “audit-ready” means for their domain. - Run Internal Readiness Assessments
Schedule internal checks using your GRC platform or checklist aligned with your target framework. - Use Evidence-Based Testing
Validate readiness by linking live system data, documents, and training records to each control. - Simulate an Audit
Treat one of your assessments like a mock audit. Time how long it takes to respond to evidence requests. - Score and Track Progress
Grade each area (People, Processes, Technology, Controls) for readiness and revisit anything not “audit-ready.”
Work with Your External Auditor
Ready for the real test?
This is where preparation meets performance.
Let’s make sure your audit process is streamlined, stress-free, and built on mutual trust
You May Be Wondering...
Kevin Brown
ISO & Director of Professional Services
How do I know if I’m ready for an audit?
You’re ready for an audit when your policies are in place, your controls are being followed in day-to-day operations, and you can prove it with documentation and evidence.
A readiness test helps confirm all of that—and gives you a chance to fix anything that’s missing before the auditor takes a look.
What can I expect during pre-audit testing?
Pre-audit testing typically involves a detailed review of your documentation, policies, and actual practices.
You'll be asked to show evidence—like screenshots, logs, or reports—that prove your controls are being followed.
It's a collaborative process, not a pass/fail exam, and it’s meant to prepare you for success.
What happens if I find gaps during testing?
Finding gaps is actually a good thing—it means you found them before the real audit.
You’ll have a chance to remediate any issues, improve documentation, or put missing processes in place.
The goal is to make sure everything’s ready before the official auditor reviews your program.