The phrase to be used may be: “in conformance with the Standards,” or “in Conformity to the Standards.” To use one of these phrases, an external assessment is required at least once during each five-year period, along with ongoing monitoring and periodic internal assessment and these activities need to have concluded that the internal audit activity is in conformance with the Definition of Internal Auditing, the Code of Ethics, and the Standards. Initial use of the conformance phrase is not appropriate until an external review has demonstrated that the internal audit activity is in conformance with the Definition of internal auditing, the Code of Ethics, and the Standards.