Overview
Designed for quality leaders and auditors, this programme builds the competencies needed to plan, conduct, report, and follow up QMS audits in line with ISO 19011. Highwave Training scenarios and sector-specific workshops ensure you can interrogate processes, evaluate risk-based thinking, and drive continual improvement across your organisation or clients.
Learning Outcomes
- Interpret ISO 9001:2015 requirements through the lens of risk, opportunity, and customer satisfaction.
- Develop audit programmes, plans, and checklists that align with organisational priorities.
- Collect objective evidence, manage interview dynamics, and evaluate process effectiveness.
- Report nonconformities clearly, facilitate root-cause analysis, and verify corrective actions.
Target Audience
Quality managers, internal/external auditors, consultants, and professionals pursuing CQI/IRCA or Exemplar Global lead auditor recognition.
Course Details
Modules & Syllabus +
Module 1 – ISO 9001 Framework & Risk-Based Thinking
- Context analysis, leadership responsibilities, and quality policy deployment.
- Planning, risk and opportunity management, and integration with business strategy.
- Process approach, PDCA cycle, and relationship to other management system standards.
Module 2 – Audit Programme Management
- ISO 19011 principles, auditor competence, and impartiality.
- Scoping, scheduling, sampling, and resource allocation.
- Developing audit plans, checklists, and communication protocols.
Module 3 – Conducting the Audit
- Interview strategies, evidence collection, and process verification.
- Assessing performance metrics, customer feedback, and supplier controls.
- Managing audit teams, handling challenging situations, and maintaining records.
Module 4 – Findings, Reporting & Follow-up
- Writing nonconformity statements with clear clause references and evidence.
- Root-cause analysis techniques and best practice corrective action management.
- Closing meetings, audit reports, and verifying corrective actions.
Module 5 – Certification Pathways & Workshop
- CQI/IRCA and Exemplar Global recognition requirements and application guidance.
- Mock examination, scenario debriefs, and personal development planning.
Duration & Assessment +
Five-day delivery (40 contact hours) plus pre-course study pack. Assessment includes:
- Continuous tutor evaluation during workshops and simulations.
- Group practical audit exercise with evidence review and reporting presentation.
- Final written examination covering ISO 9001 requirements and ISO 19011 audit process.
Certification +
- Meets formal training requirements for CQI/IRCA QMS Lead Auditor (PR328) and Exemplar Global AU/TL/QM competencies.
- Delegates receive a detailed competency statement and guidance on experience log completion.
- Optional post-course mentoring and witness audit arrangements available through ZTC.