•Audits can be internal or external but must involve a trained and certified auditor, whereas an assessment may be carried out by the organization or an auditor.
•An audit involves much more planning activity because the level of rigor is much higher than for an assessment.
•An assessment may employ some of the same principles, practices and processes as an audit - but it does not have to.
•Assessments can result in ambiguous findings; an audit should provide greater clarity.