# ISO 27001 Stage 1 Audit | Secureframe

> Understand the ISO 27001 Stage 1 audit (documentation review), what auditors evaluate, how to prepare, common Stage 1 findings, and the gap between Stage 1 and Stage 2.

canonical: https://secureframe.com/glossary/iso-27001-stage-1-audit

An ISO 27001 certification audit happens in multiple stages. For organizations pursuing certification for the first time, the audit process begins with a Stage 1 audit, also referred to as an ISMS design review.

## What is ISO 27001 Stage 1 Audit?

The auditor will review documentation associated with the information security management system (ISMS) to ensure policies and procedures are compliant with the requirements listed in [clauses 4-10](https://secureframe.com/hub/iso-27001/clauses). If the auditor is satisfied with the design review, the certification process progresses to the Stage 2 audit.