Course Overview

This CPD-UK approved Lead Auditor course is designed to develop the practical competence and professional judgement needed to lead first, second, and third-party audits of a Quality Management System against ISO 9001:2015. The programme draws on ISO 19011:2018 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 to build the structured discipline expected of a Lead Auditor – including audit planning, audit team management, evidence-based reporting, and the interpersonal skills required to handle complex audit situations.

Who Should Attend

• Senior internal auditors progressing to lead audit responsibilities
• Quality managers, management representatives, and senior process owners
• Consultants who lead audits on behalf of client organizations
• Trainee auditors at certification bodies
• Career-driven QMS professionals seeking advanced auditor competence

What You Will Learn

• Plan, lead, and manage a full QMS audit – from stage 1 readiness through stage 2 conformity assessment
• Apply ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 to the conduct of certification-style audits
• Manage audit teams, allocate roles, and conduct effective opening and closing meetings
• Gather robust audit evidence through structured interviews, observation, and document review
• Grade and report nonconformities with clarity, precision, and supporting evidence
• Handle audit conflict, evidence challenges, and difficult auditees professionally

Course Content

• ISO 9001:2015 deep dive and the role of the Lead Auditor
• Audit principles, audit programme, and audit planning
• Stage 1 audit – documentation review and audit readiness
• Stage 2 audit – site auditing, sampling, interviewing, and evidence gathering
• Audit team leadership and time management
• Nonconformity grading, evidence chains, and audit reporting
• Audit follow-up, corrective action verification, and closure
• Practical role-play audits, mock audits, and case studies throughout

Methodology

The course is highly interactive and case-based. Participants work through structured role-play audits, mock-audit case studies, and group exercises that build progressively across the five days. The schedule mirrors real audit timelines to develop practical pacing and decision-making skills.

Assessment

Continuous assessment is conducted throughout the course, complemented by a final written examination on day five. Participants who achieve the required pass marks in both continuous assessment and the written examination are awarded the Lead Auditor certificate.

Certificate

Prerequisites