Gain the confidence to effectively audit a QMS in accordance with internationally recognized best practice techniques. Demonstrate your commitment to quality by transforming existing auditor skills to ISO 9001:2026. Consolidate your expertise with the latest developments and contribute to the continual improvement of the organization.

You’ll grasp the key principles and practices of effective QMS audits in line with ISO 9001:2026 and ISO 19011:2026 ‘Guidelines for auditing management systems’.

Using a step-by-step approach, you’ll be guided through the entire audit process from initiation to follow-up. Over 5 days, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills required to undertake and lead a successful management systems audit. Learn to describe the purpose of an ISO 9001:2026 QMS audit and satisfy third-party certification. You’ll acquire the skills to plan, conduct, report and follow up a QMS audit that establishes conformity and enhances overall organizational performance.

How will I benefit?

This course will help you:

• Identify the aims and benefits of an ISO 9001:2015 audit
• Interpret ISO 9001:2015 requirements for audit application
• Plan, conduct and follow-up auditing activities that add real value
• Grasp the application of risk-based thinking, leadership and process management
• Access the latest auditor techniques and identify appropriate use
• Build stakeholder confidence by managing processes in line with the latest requirements
• Meet training requirements for CQI and IRCA certification

What will I learn?

On completion, successful delegates will have the knowledge and skills to perform first, second and third-party audits of quality management systems against ISO 9001, in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021, as applicable.

Knowledge:

Explain the purpose of:

• A QMS
• QMS standards
• Management system audit
• Third-party certification
• Business benefits
• Explain the role and responsibilities of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow-up a QMS audit in accordance with ISO 19011, and ISO/IEC 17021, as applicable

Skills:

Have the skills to:

• Plan
• Conduct
• Report, and
• Follow up an audit of a QMS to establish conformity (or otherwise) with ISO 9001 and in accordance with ISO 19011, and ISO/IEC 17021, as applicable

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for anyone who is and will be leading auditing, maintaining, or overseeing an ISO 9001:2026 Quality Management System, as well as those seeking to develop competence to become a management system lead auditor.

Duration

5 days

How will I learn?

Our high-impact accelerated learning approach is proven to fast-track learning by improving knowledge retention and skill application. This course is activity-based, resulting in a deeper understanding of material and greater impact on job performance.

What will I gain?

On completion, you’ll be awarded an internationally recognized BSI Training Academy certificate.

Prerequisites

As part of our accreditation with CQI and IRCA, BSI must demonstrate that delegates have the necessary prior knowledge to attend this course. The requirements of the standard are not explained in the Lead Auditor Course. Therefore, you will be provided with the link to a Prior Knowledge Check that must be completed before attending.

(Essential) You should already have a good knowledge of ISO 9001:2026 requirements and the key principles of a QMS. If not, we strongly recommend you attend our ISO 9001:2026 Requirements course, or equivalent. It will also help if you have attended an internal auditor course or have experience with conducting internal or supplier audits.

Further information

You will sit a 2-hour exam to test your knowledge and understanding. Detailed course notes and lunch are provided. CQI and IRCA course reference number: 2902