SOP Writing Checklist
A practical checklist for turning repeatable work into a clear standard operating procedure.
Working record
| Check | What to do | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | State the task or problem the procedure covers and the condition that starts it. | The purpose record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
| Owner | Name the person who can approve the decision and the person who carries out the next action. A team name alone can leave the handoff unclear. | Named decision owner, action owner and review date. |
| Steps | Write the actions in execution order with their inputs and expected outputs. Test the instructions with a representative case. | The steps record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
| Exceptions | Document the cases the normal process cannot complete and who should resolve them. | The exceptions record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
| QA | Choose checks that verify the intended result and likely failure points. Keep evidence of the test. | The qa record, its source and the person responsible for resolving missing evidence. |
Review the decision
A practical checklist for turning repeatable work into a clear standard operating procedure. Keep purpose, owner, steps attached to the conclusion so the next owner can challenge the assumptions. Resolve missing evidence before treating this record as approval.
Continue the decision
How to Build a Project Cost Estimate With Fewer Surprises · How to Build a Business Plan That Can Actually Guide Execution.
Calculation and source notes
Keep the displayed formula, input units and model scope with the result. Corrections or questions can be sent through the request section on this page.
Content updated: October 11, 2026