Audit framework and requirements

Successful audits of an operator’s compliance with the relevant module standards are critical for establishing and maintaining NHVAS accreditation. Audits certify that a management system for accreditation is in place, is being used, and adheres to the Scheme standards before accreditation is granted and/or maintained.

For more information on maintaining your accreditation, see Audits.

Under the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards and an independent Audit Framework, all audits are to be conducted by an approved independent auditor. These auditors must be registered or recognised by the NHVR as an NHVAS Approved Auditor.

Auditors carrying out audits on Basic and Advanced Fatigue Management (BFM or AFM) modules must have a Fatigue scope.

The Audit Framework and Auditor Code of Conduct applies a common set of principles, processes and audit methodologies, documentation and reporting of NHVAS audits. It also provides guidance relation to the conduct of an NHVAS Approved Auditor registered with the NHVR.

Two consecutive audit rule

When an auditor has carried out two consecutive audits of a module for an operator, a different auditor must conduct the next audit of that module.

In this example, as of 1 July 2025, there have been two consecutive audits for both Mass and Maintenance modules conducted by Auditor A; the next audit for these modules will need to be completed by a different auditor (Auditor B). The Fatigue (Basic) module can be audited by Auditor A one more time.  

Table 1: Two consecutive audit rule example
1 January 2025 1 May 2025 1 July 2025

Mass - Auditor A

Maintenance - Auditor A

 Fatigue (Basic) - Auditor A

Mass - Auditor A

Maintenance - Auditor A
  • First audit - Mass
  • First audit - Maintenance
  • First audit - Fatigue (Basic)
  • Second audit - Mass
  • Second audit - Maintenance

Audit process flow

Entry Audit (when establishing accreditation)

An Entry Audit is the first audit of your management system. This audit verifies that your management system/s will comply with the relevant NHVAS Business Rules and Standards. An Entry Audit may be arranged at any time if you are confident your management system meets the relevant accreditation requirements for the module/s. A successful Entry Audit is one prerequisite for you to become an NHVAS accredited operator.

For more information, see the different types of Audits for NHVAS.

NHVAS audit process flow, Entry Audit, Establish Accreditation Application, Compliance Audit Application, Initial Compliance Audit, Compliance Audit, Maintain Accreditation Application.
Figure 1: NHVAS audit process flow
NHVAS audit timeline from 1-12 months, Accreditations granted, initial audit reminder sent, compliance audit application, Xomplete initial audit and upload audit report, initial audit report approved.
Figure 2: NHVAS audit timeline 1-12 months
NHVAS audit timeline from 13-24 months, Accreditations granted, initial audit reminder sent, compliance audit application, complete initial audit and upload audit report, initial audit report approved.
Figure 3: NHVAS audit timeline 13-24 months