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Sampling

What is Sampling?

The process of selecting a subset of items from a population for testing or examination. In auditing, sampling methods include statistical sampling, judgmental sampling, and attribute sampling.

Audit

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as sampling. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on sampling

Requirements naming sampling across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

To assure batch uniformity and integrity, written procedures shall describe in-process controls and tests to be conducted on appropriate samples.

CFR211-F-110 · Section 211.110 - Sampling and Testing of In-Process Materials and Drug Products

Requires documented sampling plans and procedures where the laboratory performs sampling of substances or materials.

ISO-17025-7.3 · Sampling

Product sampling and testing must be conducted to verify product safety and quality compliance.

2.5.4 · Product Sampling, Inspection, and Analysis

Gather evidence of sufficient quality and, where sampling is required, apply and clearly explain a sound sampling methodology and sample size.

IRAP-EV-2 · Evidence gathering and sampling
FedRAMP High1 control

Use sample of backup information to restore selected system functions as part of testing; HIGH only.

CP-9(2) · Test Restoration Using Sampling

Apply documented sampling for multi-site ISMS audits including site selection rationale.

27006-7.1.2 · Multi-Site Sampling

Questions people ask about sampling

What is Sampling?
The process of selecting a subset of items from a population for testing or examination. In auditing, sampling methods include statistical sampling, judgmental sampling, and attribute sampling.
Why is Sampling important for compliance?
Sampling is a key concept in Audit. Understanding sampling helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Sampling?
Sampling appears in the requirement text of 21 CFR Part 211 - Current Good Manufacturing Practice, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General Requirements for Testing and Calibration, SQF Code Edition 9 - Safe Quality Food, Australia IRAP - Information Security Registered Assessors Program, FedRAMP High. Across these standards we have identified 16 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Sampling?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how sampling applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Sampling applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.