An ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor is a professional trained to assess and verify the compliance of an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) with the ISO 9001:2015 standard. This role involves planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on audits to ensure the QMS meets the standard’s requirements, focusing on customer satisfaction, continual improvement, and adherence to regulatory obligations. Lead Auditors must possess a deep understanding of the standard, strong auditing skills, and the ability to guide organizations toward effective quality management practices.

Course Information

The ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform first-party (internal), second-party (supplier), and third-party (certification) audits of Quality Management Systems (QMS) based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Course Objectives
Understand the principles and requirements of ISO 9001:2015.
Develop auditing skills to assess QMS effectiveness.
Learn how to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on audits.
Gain knowledge of ISO 19011: Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems.
Prepare participants for certification audits and ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015.

Key Topics Covered
Overview of ISO 9001:2015: Principles of Quality Management, structure of the standard, and its relevance.
Auditor Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding the role of lead auditors in assessing organizational compliance.
Audit Planning and Preparation:Establishing audit objectives and scope.
Preparing audit checklists.
Audit Execution:Conducting opening and closing meetings.
Interviewing, sampling, and collecting objective evidence.
Audit Reporting and Follow-Up:Writing clear and actionable audit reports.
Addressing non-conformities and corrective actions.
ISO 19011: Techniques and guidelines for auditing management systems.
Practical Exercises:Role-playing scenarios and simulated audits.

Course Format
Duration: Typically 4–5 days.
Delivery: In-person or online, depending on the provider.
Assessment: Written exams, role-play exercises, and practical evaluations.

Who Should Attend?
Quality Managers and QMS Consultants.
Internal and external auditors.
Professionals seeking to advance their auditing skills.
Individuals aiming for ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification.

Prerequisites
A basic understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and quality management principles is recommended but not always required.

Certification
Upon successful completion of the course and examination, participants receive a Lead Auditor Certificate, typically issued by an internationally recognized certification body such as IRCA, CQI, or Exemplar Global.