Knowledge Audit Checklist
A practical checklist for reviewing accuracy, ownership, structure, tagging, clarity and lifecycle needs.
Tip: Use “Save as PDF” from your browser print menu to create a clean handout.
Review each article through six lenses.
Use this checklist during content audits, source reviews or lifecycle updates.
1. Accuracy
- Information is correct and current.
- Deadlines, links and contact details are verified.
- Policy or program details match the source of truth.
2. Ownership
- Article has a clear owner or responsible area.
- Review expectations are known.
- Escalation path is clear when changes are needed.
3. Structure
- Title is clear and searchable.
- Folder placement makes sense.
- Categories are applied consistently.
4. Tagging
- Lifecycle tag is appropriate.
- Audience tag reflects who the article serves.
- Function tag explains what the content does.
- Version tag is added only when useful.
5. Clarity
- Content answers the likely question directly.
- Terminology is consistent.
- Instructions are easy to follow.
6. Lifecycle
- Content is evergreen, time-sensitive or archived.
- Expiration or review need is clear.
- Outdated content is updated, merged or retired.
Audit decision guide
Keep content that is accurate, useful and owned. Update content that is useful but outdated. Merge content that duplicates another article. Archive content that is no longer active but may be needed for historical reference. Remove content that is outdated, unused and no longer needed.
Capture what changed.
Use these fields in a spreadsheet, document or audit tracker.
Current Title
Document the article name before changes.
Recommended Title
Include bracket tags and optional version control.
Audit Action
Keep, update, merge, archive or remove.
Owner
Identify the team or person responsible.
Review Date
Set the next review date or lifecycle trigger.
Notes
Capture source links, issues and follow-up needs.