PR381: QMS ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor
Quality Management System (QMS)
Course Duration
05 Days / 40 Hours
Delivery Options
Live Virtual · Classroom · Corporate
Delivery Language
Arabic / English / French / Spanish
Course Certification
Certified Course No.
2953
Price starts from
This five-day course develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan, conduct, report and follow up on audits of quality management systems against ISO 9001:2026. Participants work through first-, second- and third-party audit scenarios, applying ISO 19011 guidance and ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements where applicable. Interactive exercises, case studies and workshops cover audit planning, evidence gathering, findings, reporting and corrective-action follow-up. The course is suited to quality managers, consultants and professionals developing their lead auditor competence.
This course is suitable for:
- Quality managers and QHSE professionals responsible for quality management systems.
- Internal auditors seeking to develop their lead auditing skills.
- Professionals preparing to conduct supplier or third-party QMS audits.
- Consultants and trainers working with ISO 9001:2026.
- Individuals involved in implementing, maintaining or assessing a QMS.
Previous auditing experience is not required. Familiarity with quality management principles and the requirements of ISO 9001:2026 is recommended before attending.
Learners must have a working knowledge of quality management principles and ISO 9001 requirements before attending. Those familiar only with ISO 9001:2015 should review the changes introduced in ISO 9001:2026 before the course. Completing a QMS Fundamentals course covering ISO 9001:2026 is another way to prepare.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and requirements of ISO 9001:2026, including the changes from the 2015 edition.
- Interpret ISO 9001:2026 requirements when assessing a quality management system.
- Explain how ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 apply to QMS audits, as relevant to the type of audit.
- Plan and conduct an audit, including defining its scope, preparing an audit plan and leading opening and closing meetings.
- Gather and evaluate objective evidence through interviews, observation and document review.
- Develop audit findings and write clear, evidence-based nonconformity reports.
- Manage audit team roles, communicate findings and prepare an audit report.
- Explain the follow-up process, including the evaluation of corrections and corrective actions.
- Duration: 5 days (40 contact hours)
- Delivery Mode: Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) or Classroom
- Exam: 2-hour written (paper-based) or 105-minute online exam
- Certification: Certificate of Achievement (upon successful completion)
- Accreditation: CQI & IRCA Approved Training Partner (ATP No. 6051029)
- Language: English (other languages available upon request)
- Materials: Official licensed digital training materials included
- Assessment Method: Continuous assessment + final exam
This course covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to audit a quality management system against ISO 9001:2026:
- Quality management and ISO 9001:2026: The standard’s purpose, quality management principles, process approach and Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle.
- ISO 9001:2026 requirements: Interpretation of the requirements, including the revised emphasis on leadership, quality culture, risks and opportunities, and the explanatory guidance in Annex A.
- Audit principles and approaches: First-, second- and third-party audits; the audit process; and the application of ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 where relevant.
- Audit planning: Defining audit objectives, scope and criteria; preparing an audit plan; and assigning audit team responsibilities.
- Conducting an audit: Opening meetings, interviews, observation, document review and the evaluation of objective evidence.
- Audit findings and reporting: Evaluating conformity, writing evidence-based nonconformity reports, and presenting conclusions at the closing meeting.
- Audit follow-up: Reviewing corrections and corrective actions and reporting on follow-up activities.
- Auditor roles and certification: Lead auditor responsibilities, the certification audit process and an overview of the separate requirements for IRCA auditor certification.
Continuous Assessment
Learners’ participation and performance are assessed throughout the course, including workshops, case studies, role plays, group exercises and other course activities. Full attendance and active participation are required.
Final Examination
- Delivery: Online and remotely proctored
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Exam Type: Open book
- Passing Criteria: A minimum of 40% in each section and 50% overall
- Languages: Available in English, Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin (others on request).
Learners who successfully complete the continuous assessment and pass the final examination will receive the CQI & IRCA Certificate of Achievement.
Click here for the full details regards the CQI and IRCA Online Proctored Examinations.
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final examination, participants will receive a CQI & IRCA Certified ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor Certificate of Achievement.
- Course Certification Number: 2953
- Certification Body: Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) & International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)
- Certificate Type: Certificate of Achievement – Recognized internationally
- Eligibility: Full attendance, active participation, and successful exam result
- This certificate fulfills the formal training requirement for individuals seeking registration as an IRCA Lead Auditor.
Your course fee includes:
- CQI & IRCA Certified Training
- Comprehensive Training Materials
- Digital Learner Handbook
- Practical Exercises, Workshops & Case Studies
- CQI & IRCA Online Examination
- CQI & IRCA Certificate of Achievement upon successful completion
- Certificate of Attendance, where applicable
- Tutor Support Throughout the Course
Looking for training for 4 or more people? Choose our in-house training and our tutors will come to you so you save on travel and accommodation-related expenses.
