Auditing is defined as systematic, independent and ______ process for obtaining audit evidence.

Step 1: Recall the definition of auditing in quality management standards. According to ISO 19011 (Guidelines for auditing management systems), an audit is defined as a "systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled." Step 2: Identify the missing characteristic in the given sentence. The sentence states: "Auditing is defined as systematic, independent and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ process for obtaining audit evidence." Comparing this to the standard definition, the missing word that describes the nature of the audit process is "documented". This emphasizes that audit activities and results must be recorded. The completed sentence is: "Auditing is defined as systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence." The answer is: documented Drop the next question.