The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) is the global professional body for quality management professionals.

IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) is a division of CQI and the world’s leading certification body for auditors of management systems.

Together, CQI & IRCA set the global benchmark for auditor training and certification.

A CQI & IRCA Certified Lead Auditor course is an internationally recognized training program designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform first-, second-, and third-party audits of management systems against ISO standards.

Successful completion qualifies you to apply for registration as a Lead Auditor with IRCA.

CQI and IRCA certified training programs are structured across three main certification levels:

1. Foundation Course

   Designed for individuals who are new to management systems or auditing. It introduces the basic concepts and terminology of the standard.

2. Internal Auditor Course

   Suitable for those who want to gain the skills to conduct internal audits within their organization. This course covers the principles of auditing and how to apply them internally.

3. Lead Auditor Course

   The most advanced level, intended for professionals aiming to conduct external audits as third-party auditors or lead audit teams. This course includes comprehensive training in audit planning, execution, and reporting in accordance with ISO standards and CQI & IRCA criteria.

Each level supports a specific stage in your career development and complies with CQI & IRCA’s globally recognized certification framework.

Courses may be delivered in-person or as Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT). All formats include interactive workshops, group activities, role plays, and case studies.

Yes. CQI & IRCA certificates are accepted by certification bodies, employers, and organizations worldwide.

Yes, CQI & IRCA Certified Lead Auditor courses can be customized for organizations.

At Quality Academy, we offer tailored in-house training for companies seeking to train a group of participants. Customization includes:

• Flexible scheduling to fit your team’s availability
• Live virtual or on-site delivery
• Industry-specific case studies and exercises
• Corporate branding (if required)

Please contact us directly to discuss your organization’s needs, and we’ll be happy to provide a customized proposal.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam format depends on the course and language:

Online multiple-choice-choice proctored exams (Open-Book Exam) - (105 minutes) are available for the following CQI & IRCA Certified courses:

• ISO 9001 (QMS)
• ISO 14001 (EMS)
• ISO 45001 (OHSMS)
• Combined ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 (HSE) – 120 minutes
• ISO 22000 (FSMS)
• FSSC 22000
• ISO/IEC 27001 (ISMS)

These are currently offered in English, Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Paper-based exams (Closed-Book Exam) - (120 minutes for most courses; 2 hours standard) are required for:

• Other courses or language options not yet supported online
• Locations or partners without online proctoring capability

Exams include a mix of scenario-based questions, short answers, and structured responses designed to assess both knowledge and auditing competency.

• Head, face and ears must be visible; no head coverings unless religious
• Webcam & mic stay on; remain centered and silent
• Only one 10‑minute break is allowed using the official button
• No food, phone, watch, internet searches, or leaving without logging break
• Violation may result in disqualification, even if answers are correct

Yes. You can request reasonable adjustments, such as:

• Extra 30 minutes if English is not your first language
• Female proctor review (for religious reasons)
• Extensions for illness or emergencies
• Requests must be made in advance by your training provider.

Results typically available within 10 UK working days (contact us if over 14 days). Certificate issued after passing based on course attendance and exam success

Yes. Completing the course meets the training requirement for IRCA registration. You can apply directly to CQI & IRCA for auditor certification based on your experience and audit logs.

You can register directly through the official CQI & IRCA website at www.quality.org. Alternatively, you may opt for Quality Academy to assist you with the registration process. If you choose this option, simply select it during your online course registration—please note that an additional administrative fee may apply.