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. 

This course is delivered by experienced tutors with deep industry knowledge and auditing expertise. Each tutor brings real-world auditing experience, sector-specific insights and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engaging, hands-on exercises and personalised support. 

Elizabeth Walker

Elizabeth has extensive industry experience planning, establishing, implementing and maintaining management systems. These systems include Quality, Food Safety, Energy, Environmental and Health and Safety. Elizabeth holds a BSc Degree in Industrial Biology, Diploma in Food Technology and is a competent Integrated Management System Auditor.

Elizabeth has considerable experience in the implementation of & transition to ISO 9001:2015. Auditing experience includes carrying out internal audits and supporting third party audits (Customer/Regulatory & Certification) of clients Quality Management System. Elizabeth also delivers training programmes in ISO 9001:2015 implementation and internal auditing and lead auditor training programmes.

Finbarr Stapleton

Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and is a member of IOSH. He has over thirty years experience, initially as Laboratory Manager in an Analytical Laboratory, a number of years experience as an EHS Manager in the Food Industry and subsequently in technical consultancy.

He has successfully implemented OHSAS 18001/45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in a large number of industries. He has extensive experience of quality management and environmental and health and safety management systems, energy management, waste management as well as environmental and health and safety legislation. He is a qualified Auditor of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Finbarr has also extensive experience of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. He has carried out a number of projects on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He regularly carries out audits and risk assessments for client companies. He has also qualified as a dangerous goods safety adviser.

Finbarr has assisted a number of companies in making successful applications to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for an IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control) licence and has also carried out Environmental Impact Assessments for a number of companies.

Finbarr also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education. He is the lead tutor for the Nebosh International Certificate and Diploma courses.

Gerry Higgins

With extensive experience of implementing quality, environmental, health and safety, asset, energy and information security management systems and advising companies on how to integrate them, Gerry adopts a very practical approach to designing, implementing and maintaining management systems and brings this expertise to any training course, which he delivers.

Gerry has carried out first-, second- and third-party audits in a number of jurisdictions and across a range of organisations involved in manufacturing and service industries in both the public and private sector. He has also assisted many companies to demonstrate compliance with their statutory and regulatory requirements.

He has consulted with companies on developing appropriate sustainability, decarbonisation and energy transition strategies and on enhancing their circular value chains.

He has a degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Limerick and is a chartered engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He is also a Fellow and chartered environmentalist through IEMA and holds a Certificate in Circular Economy & Sustainable Strategies from the University of Cambridge

Gerry founded Antaris in 1994 and now works as a consultant to the company. Antaris is at the forefront of climate action in Ireland and is a signatory to the science-based target initiative (SBTi), which commits us to reducing our absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and to measure and reduce our scope 3 emissions. Antaris is also a member of 1% for the Planet, committing us to donating 1% of our annual gross revenue (sales, not profit) to grassroots environmental organisations dedicated to protecting our planet.

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.