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Course overview
This five-day comprehensive certified programme is designed to equip learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to lead audits of quality management systems in accordance with ISO 19011. Delivered in association with CQI and IRCA Approved Training Partner Antaris, the course is aligned with international best practices and provides a pathway to globally recognised auditing credentials.
The training also places emphasis on auditing external suppliers, ensuring learners are equipped to evaluate supplier conformance with ISO 9001 and represent their organisations professionally and fairly during supplier audits.
Through a blend of workshops, case studies, role plays and accelerated learning techniques, learners will develop the competence to plan, conduct, report and follow up audits that contribute to continuous improvement within their organisations and beyond.
Please note: Prior knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and the process-based approach to quality management is highly recommended. Learners who require additional preparation may avail of free access to SQT’s ISO 9001 QMS Foundation E-learning training programme (IRCA certification optional and incurs a fee).
Who's It For?
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.
What you'll learn
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.
Study method
- Blended
- Virtual
- In-class
- Online
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Duration study load
- 5 training days
Delivery
This programme is delivered by Classroom, Virtual Training, Blended, or In-Company training
Entry requirements
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 the 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.
Professional recognition
The International Register of Certificated Auditors (CQI IRCA) is the world’s original and largest international certification body for auditors of management systems.
Assessment
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 the 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 selecting 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 the 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.
Testimonials
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Irene O"Found Gerry very engaging - he delivered content and course in a clear and concise manner. Loved the use of break out rooms and exercises to keep us engaged rather than just loads of reading material."
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Anna T"Very intense and very interactive which makes it interesting and engaged all time taking into account the subject and the amount of information we had to learn"
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Bashir S"Great delivery by Finbarr. All aspects of the material covered in great details"
Additional information
How do we train and support you?
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
Subjects
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.
About SQT Training
We are a specialist provider of bespoke training programmes that help organisations become leaner, more compliant and more progressive. For over 30 years, we’ve brought the latest thinking, the leading techniques and the most experienced industry experts into ambitious organisations, large and small, throughout Ireland, the UK, and beyond.
We trained some of the very first ISO Lead Auditors, and many years ago, we coached the earliest adopters of Lean Six Sigma.
We empower people with the capability to help their organisations reach the highest standards, maintain compliance, and drive efficiency.
Our programmes are renowned for their dynamic, practical, real-world approach and are built on a foundation of theory and practice that works. That’s why the likes of CRH, eBay, Glanbia, Kerry Group, Medtronic, Musgraves and Pepsi trust us to train their people – over 65,000 in 27 years.
As well as In-House programmes we run virtual and blended public courses.
