VCA audit checklist: which evidence do you prepare?
A VCA audit checklist is a working list that helps you collect evidence for each VCA question. Always use the official VCA 2026/6.1 checklist from SSVV for this. Since 1 July 2026, new and ongoing audits follow this version. This page helps you prepare for the VCA audit process and adds to the content explanation in the VCA requirements.
A practical way to sort evidence is into three types: a document that describes your working method, a record that shows you carry it out, and an observation or interview at the workplace. This is a tool for your preparation, not a separate category in the VCA checklist. The auditor must be able to follow the link between all three.
This list is a preparation aid. The official checklist, the scope of your application and the guidance from your certification body determine what applies to your audit.
Start with level and scope
VCA* focuses on direct control of VGM (safety, health and environment) on the shop floor, without subcontractors. VCA** adds the VGM structure and improvement. VCA Petrochemie also has additional requirements for the petrochemical context. SSVV describes the levels and certification criteria in the official checklist, so do not choose a level based on the number of employees alone.
First note which activities, sites and employees fall within the scope. Then mark for each question whether the evidence is a document, a record or proof from practice. This prevents you from showing a procedure without being able to demonstrate that someone uses it.
The certification criteria give you a quick scope check: VCA* has 24 mandatory questions, VCA** has 28 mandatory questions plus at least four of eight additional questions, and VCA Petrochemie has 34 mandatory questions plus at least one of two additional questions. Always use the current checklist for the content.
Checklist per VCA level
| Topic | VCA* | VCA** | VCA Petrochemie | Type of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Controlling risks | RI&E, task risks and LMRA suited to the work | Also a demonstrable structure and follow-up | Additional, suited to petrochemical risks | Document + record + interview |
| Training and instruction | Valid diplomas, instructions and toolbox records | Same basis, plus assurance and evaluation | Extra site- or task-specific qualifications where applicable | Record + interview |
| Workplace | Safe execution, PPE and work equipment | Also show supervision and improvement | Also specific measures and procedures for petrochemical risks | Observation |
| Project and preparation | Work preparation suited to the assignment | VGM project plan where the checklist requires it | Additional petrochemical preparation | Document + observation |
| Incidents | Reporting, recording and learning | Show analysis, measures and follow-up | Extra requirements from the scheme and the work location | Record + interview |
| Management and organisation | Roles clear in the work | Policy, objectives and involvement demonstrable | Meet VCA** plus petrochemical additions | Document + interview |
The table gives direction, not a replacement for the questions. For each topic, prepare one recent, representative example. A folder with a hundred old forms helps less than a clear chain from risk to measure to check.
Build three audit folders
1. Policy and risk. Add the scope, organisational structure, RI&E, relevant task risk analyses, work instructions and version control. For VCA** this folder also holds policy, objectives and evidence of management involvement.
2. Employees and records. Keep an up-to-date overview of diplomas, instructions, toolbox talks, task-specific authorisations where relevant, incident reports and follow-up actions. Note who is responsible for missing or expired records. Only include medical information where the scheme and applicable legislation require it. Do not store medical details in a general audit folder.
3. Project and workplace. Link a project plan or work preparation to the risk analysis, LMRAs, workplace inspections, equipment inspections and any work permits. Agree in advance which work location is available for the practical assessment.
Fictional example: installation company DeltaWest
This is an invented example and not a prescribed way of working. DeltaWest applies for VCA** for industrial installation and maintenance. The KAM coordinator creates three folders. In the “project and workplace” folder, for project Steamline-3, there is a work plan next to the TRA, three LMRA records and a workplace inspection. In the “employees” folder, there is a record of which fitter attended the toolbox talk on hot work. During the audit, DeltaWest can therefore trace the path from risk to instruction and then to visible behaviour. The auditor may still request other examples.
Check this just before the audit
Go through the scope with the person who is supporting the audit. For each main topic, choose an employee who can explain which risks they see and which measure they use. Check whether documents describe the same way of working as the workplace. An old procedure next to new practice is a sign to fix this first.
Ask your certification body which locations and contact people must be available. The official checklist also contains information on certification, levels and audit basis. Use the SSVV document page as a final version check.
Frequently asked questions about the VCA audit checklist
Does every form need to be on paper?
No. Digital records can work if they are accessible, traceable and protected against uncontrolled changes. Make sure you can show during the audit who made the record, when they made it and which action followed.
Is the same checklist suitable for VCA* and VCA**?
The official checklist contains different questions and criteria per level. Use a shared basis for risks, instruction and incidents, but for VCA** add the management and improvement evidence. For Petrochemie, check the additional requirements separately.
How much evidence should I bring?
Bring representative, recent examples that show the whole way of working. The certification body determines the audit sample. A large amount of evidence does not make up for a missing owner or a measure that was not carried out.
Related pages
- The VCA audit process – how the audit itself runs.
- VCA requirements – explanation per topic and level.
- VCA standard and versions – scheme, versions and structure.