Auditor and Lead Auditor qualification

Qualifying as an auditor or lead auditor in specific EA sectors requires more than a course certificate. Our documented procedure assesses, verifies and formally attests your competence, so you, your clients and certification bodies can rely on the result.

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A consistent, impartial and documented process

This procedure sets out how QA Quality Academy assesses, verifies and formally attests auditor competence in specific EA sectors. It is part of our certification scheme for persons, structured according to ISO/IEC 17024. It is designed to be consistent and impartial, and to follow the principles of ISO 19011 (auditing) and ISO/IEC 17021 (the competence that certification bodies expect from their auditors).

It applies to all auditors applying for initial qualification or requalification to perform audits in one or more EA sectors.

Who does what

  • Quality Manager: manages and supervises the whole assessment and attestation process, and makes the final approval decision.
  • Training Coordinator: plans and coordinates training activities, and keeps competence and training records up to date.
  • Lead Auditor: evaluates the auditor's performance during supervised audits and gives documented feedback.

The process at a glance (ISO/IEC 17024 structure)

  1. Application: signed application form and the documents listed below.
  2. Eligibility prerequisites: evidence of a relevant training course (from QA Quality Academy or any other provider), plus a check of education, work, audit and sector experience.
  3. Exam and assessment: a written multiple-choice test and a practical assessment during supervised audits.
  4. Certification decision: taken by the Quality Manager, who was not involved in your assessment.
  5. Validity and maintenance: the certificate is valid for one year, and during that year you may be asked for evidence of continued activity and professional development.
  6. Annual renewal (recertification): the certificate is renewed every year, based on up-to-date evidence.
  7. Appeals and complaints: handled impartially, with written outcome.
  8. Use of certificate: rules that protect the value of your certification.

Full details on impartiality, appeals, complaints and use of the certificate are on the Competence Certification page.

What you need to demonstrate

Your competence must be documented and verifiable in these areas:

  • knowledge of the applicable management system standards (for example ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001);
  • understanding of sector-specific processes, technologies and the risks that come with them;
  • skill in auditing principles, methods and techniques, as described in ISO 19011.

Your application file

Please send:

  • a detailed curriculum vitae, including your education and your professional and audit experience;
  • a copy of your diploma and/or academic degree, and of your professional certifications;
  • a copy of your auditor qualification certificate and the certificates of completion of relevant training courses;
  • a consultancy experience attestation form;
  • an audit experience certification form, with records of your previous audits and sector experience.

How your competence is assessed

  • Evidence of a relevant training course, from QA Quality Academy or another provider. QA courses are optional.
  • Sector-specific training, where required.
  • Written multiple-choice test of your theoretical knowledge. You must pass it (pass mark: 70%).
  • Practical assessment of your performance during supervised audits.

The decision

The Quality Manager reviews all the documents you submitted and the results of your evaluation. In line with ISO/IEC 17024, the decision-maker must not have taken part in your exam or assessment. If you meet all the requirements, you are formally issued an Auditor Competence Certificate for the relevant EA sector(s).

Traceable records, kept for at least five years

All records of applications, assessments, evaluations and issued certificates are stored securely for at least five (5) years.

Reference standards

  • ISO/IEC 17024: Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons (scheme structure)
  • ISO 19011: Guidelines for auditing management systems
  • ISO/IEC 17021-1: Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems

Are you a certification body?

We support certification bodies in developing and qualifying their auditors' competence, with a documented process and records you can use as evidence. Tell us what you need and we will send you a proposal.

Start your qualification

Send us your request. We will reply with the list of documents, the next steps and a tailored quote.

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