PR 328 ISO 9001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course

Yes, this is an IRCA Certified Training Course under Course ID 18114. This certification means that the course follows a recognised auditor competency framework. The course also includes formal assessment requirements, including a final written examination as referenced in the course requirements.

This course is suitable for professionals who need to audit a complete Quality Management System, known as QMS, against ISO 9001:2026. It is also suitable for people involved in internal audits and those supporting certification audits. The course is relevant for learners who need skills for supplier or customer audits, known as second-party audits, as well as certification-body style audits, known as third-party audits. Learners should already have working knowledge of ISO 9001:2026, or should have completed a Fundamentals course before attending.

Yes, before registering for this course, you should be familiar with ISO 9001:2026 requirements, or you should have completed a recognised ISO 9001:2026 QMS Fundamentals course. This background knowledge is important because the course is designed for learners who are ready to move into Lead Auditor-level training.

This course is the right level if you already understand the basics of ISO 9001:2015, or if you have completed Fundamentals training. It is suitable if you are ready for an intensive five-day programme that includes a facilitated full-system audit and an exam. However, it may be too advanced if you are completely new to ISO 9001:2015 or auditing concepts.

To participate in a virtual live class, you will need a laptop or desktop computer capable of running a modern web browser and the learning platform, known as LMS. You will also need an HD webcam, speakers, and a microphone. A stable internet connection is required, with a minimum of 3 Mbps download and upload speed. Two monitors are highly recommended for the best learning experience.

The course is highly interactive and learner-centred, rather than being slide-heavy. It focuses on the practical application of audit tools, techniques, behaviours, and decision-making. The programme also includes a consultant-facilitated end-to-end audit experience across the full audit lifecycle.

Yes, there is an exam. To receive a Certificate of Achievement, you must complete the CQI-IRCA online, computer-marked exam, which is administered through the CQI-IRCA online exam system. Once you are registered with CQI-IRCA, you will have a 30-day window to complete the exam online. After you pass the CQI-IRCA exam, Kelmac Group issues your CQI-IRCA-recognised Certificate of Achievement in line with the course scheme requirements.

After completing the course, you will be able to audit a complete ISO 9001:2026 QMS using a structured audit lifecycle approach. You will be able to plan and prepare audits, including defining the scope, objectives, audit plan, checklist or protocol, and audit trails. You will also be able to collect and verify evidence and communicate effectively during audit activities. In addition, you will be able to write clear audit findings, contribute to professional audit reporting and follow-up, and support audits across internal, supplier or customer, and certification-focused contexts.

You will receive access to the relevant course materials, including the applicable standard and supporting reference documents. The programme also includes templates, practical exercises, and audit-related documents to support structured learning. Learners will use case-based materials and sample documentation during activities such as audit planning, checklist preparation, findings writing, and audit report development. These materials are designed to build both your technical understanding of QMS ISO 9001:2015 and your practical auditing capability.

This course includes additional learning time compared to many competitor offerings. It places a strong focus on auditing business processes, rather than only reviewing clause compliance. The course uses a facilitated end-to-end audit approach designed to verify core audit skills consistently. It is also delivered in a highly engaging style, with minimal slides and a strong practical emphasis.

At Kelmac Group, our ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor training develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct first-party, second-party and third-party Quality Management System (QMS) audits. The training covers the principles and techniques required to plan, conduct, report and follow up audits in accordance with ISO 9001:2026 and relevant auditing principles.

Yes. At Kelmac Group, we incorporate practical auditing activities and real-world audit scenarios into our multi-accredited Auditor/Lead Auditor training. These activities are designed to help you apply audit principles in realistic situations and build confidence in planning, conducting, reporting and following up on QMS audits.

Our training helps you develop the practical competencies needed to initiate, plan and prepare audits, conduct effective audit activities, evaluate conformity, identify opportunities for improvement, lead audit teams, communicate audit findings, prepare reports and evaluate implementation and effectiveness of audit follow-up activities. We focus on applying ISO 9001:2026 requirements from an auditor’s perspective so that you can perform audits effectively and add value to an organisation.

Yes. The auditing principles and skills developed through our ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor training can be applied across a wide range of sectors. At Kelmac Group, the programme is designed for quality professionals, auditors, consultants and management system practitioners working across industries such as manufacturing, medical devices, automotive, pharmaceuticals, food, engineering, services and other regulated sectors.

Yes. Our ISO 9001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor training is designed for professionals looking to develop the knowledge, auditing competence and confidence required to progress toward Auditor/Lead Auditor responsibilities. The programme is CQI-IRCA and Exemplar Global certified and is intended to support professionals seeking internationally recognised auditor competence. However, completing the training alone should not be presented as an automatic guarantee of Audtor/Lead Auditor certification or employment; any external auditor registration or certification may have additional competency and experience requirements.