Guidance and recommendations related to the ISO 9001:2015 Pre-Assessment:

  • Study the ISO 9001:2015 standard before taking the pre-assessment.
    • Be familiar with terminology changes to the standard, understand the new clause structure, and how to find information in the standard quickly.
  • This assessment consists of knowledge and application sections.
    • The assessment is not timed, so you will have time to review the standard as necessary, but you must achieve an overall score of 80% to pass.


Guidance and recommendations related to the 9100 AATT Application Exam:

  • For the 9100 AATT Application Exam, it is important to review the Foundations: Understanding 9100 and 9100 Forms and Audit Reporting Training.
  • Utilize the Trial Assessment Scenario and Trial Assessment Scenario Review to familiarize yourself with the materials and assessment methodology to better prepare you for the final assessment.
    • The Trial Assessment Scenario consists of a single 15-minute scenario that asks you to evaluate audit evidence and make decisions based on your understanding of 9100:2016 and your ability to use the 9101:2016 forms. Once you complete the scenario you will be taken to the Trial Assessment Scenario Review module, where the correct answers will be explained along with the rationale.
    • You are encouraged to take this opportunity to experience the assessment methodology and establish your approach to the pacing and time management for the actual assessment.
  • Time management in this assessment is critical.


Analysis reveals that common areas of weakness in auditor scoring include:

  • The difference between a statement of nonconformity and objective evidence (i.e. when asked to choose all correct and valid statements of nonconformities).
    • Ensure that you can tell the difference between a statement of nonconformity and objective evidence. Low performance related to not being able to properly identify or differentiate between statements of nonconformity and objective evidence.
  • Selecting the most appropriate clause on a nonconformity statement, and how an NCR can be invalid when it is written against an inappropriate clause.
  • The difference between process realization and process results.
  • Missed key details included in the scenario artifacts, in addition to the scenario description.
    • Ensure that you have read the scenario carefully and are identifying the key details included in the scenario artifacts, in addition to the scenario description.
  • Prioritization of key issues raised by the question, as it relates to the specific scenario or question cited.
    • Look particularly for major issues impacting process and company performance.


Guidance and recommendations related to the 9110 and 9120 AATT Application Exams:

  • Spend ample time completing and reviewing the material included in the related the Foundations: Understanding and the Forms and Audit Reporting training modules. Also, we recommend that you refer to the Trial Assessment Scenario and Trial Assessment Scenario Review. Although the scenario of the Trial Assessment is related to application of the 9100 requirements, the intent is to familiarize (or refresh) you on the assessment methodology in preparation for the final assessment.
  • Time management is critical in these assessments.
  • As these assessments have half the amount of questions as the 9100 assessment, each question has a greater impact on your final result.  Be sure to review the scenarios and your answers carefully.


Analysis reveals that common areas of weakness in auditor scoring include:

  • Missing some unique differences in 9110/9120 and the associated business context when compared to 9100/manufacturing.
  • Selecting the most appropriate clause on a nonconformity statement, and how an NCR can be invalid when it is written against an inappropriate clause.
  • Ensure that the objective evidence is appropriately stated in alignment with the scenario.
  • Ensure that the selected clause and/or statement of nonconformity matches the objective evidence provided.
  • Missed key details included in the scenario artifacts, in addition to the scenario description.
  • Ensure that you have read the scenario carefully and are identifying the key details included in the scenario artifacts, in addition to the scenario description
  • Prioritization of key issues raised by the question, as it relates to the specific scenario or question cited.
  • Look particularly for major issues impacting process and company performance.