ISO 9001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LEAD AUDITOR COURSE (CQI IRCA)

ABOUT THE COURSE

The purpose of this CQI and IRCA ISO 9001:2026 Quality Management System (QMS) Lead Auditor Training Course is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform first, second and third-party audits of QMS against ISO 9001:2026, in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO 17021-1, as applicable.

On this course, participants will learn the management systems approach to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a QMS, and how to plan, complete and report the audit of an entire QMS.

Participants will also gain insights into performance-based auditing, allowing them to move beyond checklist audits and deliver value-driven assessments that support performance improvement, customer satisfaction, and sustained success.

For more than 100 years, The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) through their International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) certification, been championing organisational excellence by setting professional standards for quality management in the UK and globally. CQI IRCA is the only body that can award Chartered Quality Professional status. This course meets the requirements for certification to IRCA's QMS Auditor Scheme.

Duration: 5 - days course

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THE COURSE?

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Gain essential knowledge and understanding of QMS ISO 9001:2026 and ISO 19011:2026 audit process.
• Assess the Quality Management System of an organisation in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2026 standard and ensure improved performance of QMS.
• Plan – Conduct and Manage – Complete the QMS audit in accordance with the audit principles of ISO 19011:2026.
• Understand the necessary document requirements of QMS by referring to the sample documents of an organisation.
  

Topics to be covered in this course include:

• QMS Concepts and ISO 9001:2026 Standard
• Auditing Concepts
• Roles, Responsibilities, and Competency of Auditors
• Planning an Audit
• Conducting an Audit
• Reporting Audit Results
• Follow-up Actions
• CQI / IRCA Certification Process

WHAT IS THE COURSE METHODOLOGY?

This intensive course will last 5-days and be available in both Virtual Instructor-Led Training or Face-to-Face formats. Through a combination of interactive sessions, audit simulations, case studies, role-plays, and exercises, participants will develop strong auditing capabilities aligned with ISO 19011:2026 guidelines.

The examination and certification requirements are as follows:

• Exam Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Questions: 40
• Pass Criteria: Minimum 50% overall and per section
• Assessment Type: Open book (ISO standards allowed)
• Mode: Online (CQI/IRCA)
• Minimum 70% score in continuous assessment
• Certification issued only upon meeting both continuous and final exam criteria
• Retake Policy: One retake allowed within 12 months (additional charges applicable)

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE COURSE?

This course is specially designed for:

• Professionals who wish to gain better understanding of QMS based on ISO 9001:2026 and its best practices.
• Professionals and organisations that need to conduct internal audits, supplier audits, compliance, or become the coordinator of their QMS.
• Professionals aspiring to become certified Lead Auditors.

Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of ISO 9001:2026 requirements, management systems, and quality management. This course is designed as an advanced-level program and is not intended for beginners.

WHO IS THE COURSE ADVISOR?

With a global vision, CQI IRCA offers personal development programmes and training solutions to individuals and multinationals. The course content and structure of this CQI IRCA certified course are developed by TÜV SÜD South Asia.

TÜV SÜD as the approved partner of CQI IRCA in delivering this course, has international and local experts in all key markets worldwide. With 160 years of experience, we provide industry-specific know-how and an internationally recognised quality mark, as embodied in our claim “Add value. Inspire trust.”.

All local tutors are qualified based on CQI IRCA requirements through a series of competency tests. CQI IRCA training courses are delivered with stringent quality assurance measures to ensure world-class delivery.