ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (QMS) – CQI and IRCA Certified

This course offers an intensive deep-dive into auditing principles, tools and methods, with an emphasis on practical application throughout the audit lifecycle. 

Key topics include: 

• Explain the purpose and benefits of a QMS, trace the evolution of ISO 9000 standards and define key quality management terms and concepts. 
• Overview of ISO 9001 and ISO 19011, including their structure, scope and interrelationship 
• The 7 Quality Management Principles and their practical application 
• The Process-based QMS Model and its role in auditing 
• Types of audits: first-party, second-party and third-party; understanding compliance versus conformance 
• How to plan and prepare audits using the process approach, including audit objectives, scope and criteria 
• Developing effective audit documentation such as checklists and audit plans 
• Conducting, reporting and closing audits using appropriate questioning techniques and evidence analysis 
• CQI IRCA Auditor Certification requirements and their implications for professional progression 

Please note: This course is intensive and requires evening study to reinforce daily learning. Learners should be prepared to commit time outside of the scheduled sessions to review materials and prepare for assessment. 

This programme is ideal for learners who intend to become practising auditors or wish to enhance their knowledge of auditing within quality management systems. It is particularly relevant to individuals from any background who are responsible for performing or managing audits. 

This course will benefit: 

• Individuals designing, implementing or managing quality systems  
• Internal or external auditors, including those involved in cross-audits 
• Quality Managers, Engineers and Coordinators 
• Applicants to CQI IRCA QMS Auditor grades* 
• Departmental managers and Supervisors from areas such as design, purchasing or engineering 
• Sub-contractors or suppliers preparing for customer audits (2nd Party audits) 

*Successful completion of this CQI IRCA certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (QMS) Training course will satisfy the training requirements for CQI IRCA certification to all grades of Quality Management System Auditor, however, additional requirements apply. Please see CQI IRCA website http://www.quality.org/IRCA-grades 

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

• Describe the responsibilities of a quality lead auditor in planning, executing, documenting and following up on audits of quality management systems, in alignment with the guidelines of ISO 19011.   
• Plan, conduct, report and follow up QMS audits using a process-based approach 
• Develop audit checklists and plans aligned to ISO 19011 
• Demonstrate questioning techniques and evidence evaluation 
• Distinguish between 1st, 2nd and 3rd party audits and compliance contexts 
• Meet the training requirements for CQI IRCA QMS auditor certification 

Learners will finish the course with the capability to conduct professional audits that add value to organisational processes. 

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  Elizabeth Walker

  Elizabeth has extensive industry experience planning, establish...

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  Finbarr Stapleton

  Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry...

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• 

  Gerry Higgins

  With extensive experience of implementing quality, environmenta...

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Learners are expected to have prior knowledge of the following: 

• The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and the 7 Quality Principles 
• The relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction 
• Key quality management terms and ISO 9000 concepts 
• Process-based QMS models and structure of ISO 9001 
• Requirements of ISO 9001:2015 

This knowledge may be gained through completion of the SQT ISO 9001:2015 Foundation (QMS) training course. Enrolled learners may access this programme free of charge (IRCA certification optional and incurs a fee). 

If you have access to a copy of ISO 9001, please have it available for the course. 

Please note: The final examination for this course is challenging and requires a strong grasp of ISO 9001 principles and audit methodology. Meeting the entry criteria is key to engaging effectively with the course and succeeding in the final exam. 

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.

Assessment for this programme is based on two key components that evaluate both participation during the course and applied knowledge after completion: 

• Continuous assessment 
• Open-book online exam (within 30 days from last day of training) 

Continuous assessment (70% pass mark):
Learners are assessed continuously throughout the course via interactive exercises and engagement in Q&A sessions: 

• Role-playing audit scenarios 
• Involvement in case study exercises 
• Active participation in course discussions 
• Tutor-led evaluation of individual contributions 

 Full attendance and participation are required for successful completion.  Feedback on individual learner's performance is provided (confidentially) during the week. 

Open-book online exam (50% pass mark): 

Learners have 30 days from the final day of training to complete the online exam. 

 Questions include: 

• Multiple choice, matching, sequencing and drag-and-drop formats 
• Scenario-based tasks that assess audit planning, execution and decision-making 
• Evaluating real-world cases and select appropriate audit actions 

Exam Preparation and Conditions
Learners are provided with 24 practice questions to familiarise themselves with the online SARAS exam format. These are accessible towards the end of the course and are strongly recommended. 

The final exam is computer-marked and open book; to maintain exam integrity, submitted answers cannot be changed, so accuracy on first attempt is essential. 

The exam is open book, allowing use of course notes and a copy of the ISO 9001 standard in either paper or electronic format, internet use is strictly prohibited. 

IT Requirements
It is strongly recommended that learners review the IT requirements for the SARAS proctoring exam platform before the course begins. A reliable internet connection, a supported browser and access to a quiet test environment are essential for successful exam completion. 

Assessment criteria: 

• 70% pass mark for continuous assessment 
• 50% pass mark for the open-book online exam 

Exam results will be issued 7 weeks after course completion. 

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs: 

Learners receive: 

• Pre-training consultation to align with your QMS system (for in-company courses) 
• Where appropriate, exercises incorporate the organisation’s own QMS documentation, offering learners the opportunity to practise audit techniques in a relevant and realistic setting.  
• Access to a certified ISO 9001 Foundation e-learning module (if required) 
• Access to practice questions and exam simulator 
• Real-time support from expert tutors 

Class sizes are generally limited to 10–12 to support personalised learning and individual

This course is: 

• Certified by CQI IRCA (Course Certificate No. 1823) 
• Recognised as meeting the training requirements for CQI IRCA QMS Auditor certification (subject to additional criteria)* 

*Learners who successfully complete this CQI and IRCA certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (QMS) course will satisfy the training requirements for certification to all grades of Quality Management System Auditor. Please note that additional criteria may apply for full CQI IRCA registration. For further information, learners are encouraged to consult the IRCA website: www.quality.org/IRCA-grades 

Learners who complete this programme may also wish to: 

• Apply for CQI IRCA QMS Auditor certification 
• Complete ISO 14001 Lead Auditor (EMS) 
• Complete ISO 45001 Lead Auditor (OHSMS) 
• Complete ISO 50001 Lead Auditor (EnMS) 

This certification lays the foundation for a professional auditing career.