ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems - Lead Auditor Training (CQI IRCA) (SkillsFuture-supported)*

At the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Apply principles and requirements in Quality Management System audits.
• Review audit procedures and systems to develop an audit plan and checklist.
• Explain the third-party certification process and the respective roles of certification and accreditation bodies.
• Set up appropriate external audit and verification activities.
• Review corrective action plans and verify implementation and effectiveness through audit follow-up.
• Address differences of opinion concerning audit findings and conclusions and record unresolved issues through the audit reporting process.
• Select and apply appropriate judgement-based and statistical sampling techniques to collect audit evidence and support audit conclusions.

The CQI IRCA certification and cost are not included in this course and are undertaken separately with the relevant certification body

Topics covered by the course include:

1. QMS Introduction and Process Approach

• Purpose and benefits of QMS, including an understanding of the basic QMS principles
• Terms, Fundamentals and Principles
• Ascendance of ISO 9000 series
• Process Approach with PDCA
• QMS Requirements ( Clauses 1 to 10), including process effectiveness, risk and opportunity, quality culture and ethical behaviour, climate change, organisational knowledge, and technology and AI considerations.

2. Auditing Principle

• Auditing objectives
• Types of audits
• Audit life cycle
• Terms and Definition
• Principle of Auditing
• ISO 19011:2026 Annex A guidance, including process auditing, audit methods and remote auditing

3. Role and Responsibilities of an Auditor

• Audit Programme objectives
• The auditee's responsibilities
• The lead auditors’ responsibilities
• Auditors’ qualifications and certifications

4. Planning an Audit

• Pre-Audit planning
• Reviewing documentation
• Developing an audit plan
• Preparing checklists, working documents and sampling plans
• Communication factors

5. Conducting an Audit

• Opening meeting
• Collecting objective/audit evidence
• Effective interviewing techniques
• Identifying and recording nonconformities
• Preparing for the closing meeting

6. Reporting Audit Results

• Conducting the closing meeting
• Preparing the audit report
• Distributing the audit report

7. Corrective Actions

• Corrective action responsibilities
• Follow up scheduling
• Monitoring corrective action

8. ISO 9001:2026 Certification and IRCA Auditor Registration 

• Third-party certification process and separate IRCA auditor registration requirements
• Surveillance audits

9. Exercises/ Role play (50% of course time)
10. Continuous Assessment and Final Examination

The ISO 9001 Quality Management System Auditor/Lead Auditor Course is specially designed for:

• Quality professionals/consultants
• Management representatives/managers/process owners
• ISO coordinators
• Auditors/lead auditors
• Internal auditors of QMS and other management system standards

Prior knowledge of Quality management systems (ISO 9001:2026) concepts is mandatory.

Please Note: This Quality Management System Lead Auditor Course is not for filling gaps in the knowledge about the standard; but for enhancing the knowledge about the same with regards to conducting relevant audits.

A pre-test is carried out to test the prior knowledge.

This course develops practical QMS auditing skills that can support quality management and auditing roles. IRCA Lead Auditor certification requires a separate application and evidence of the required work and audit experience.

Successful completion of the course can support progression towards roles such as:

• ISO 9001:2026 Lead Auditor
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Quality Control Manager
• Compliance Auditor
  
  

The course content and structure are developed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD. With immense experience and knowledge of the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD have developed the course content based on the current business landscape and market requirements.

Participants will be assessed throughout the course.

1. Continuous Evaluation: Participants are assessed through punctuality, code of conduct, participation, presentation and communication skills, exercises, role play, workshops, pre-test/verbal test and daily tests. A minimum overall score of 70% is required.
2. Summative Assessment:  Learners undertake a written test and a case study assessment as part of the Singapore course assessment arrangements. A Competent grading is required for the award of a Statement of Attainment.
3. CQI and IRCA Online Examination: Learners undertake the final online examination in accordance with the applicable CQI and IRCA examination arrangements.

Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Learners must meet the applicable CQI and IRCA final examination passing requirements.

Permitted reference materials and examination conditions are subject to the applicable CQI and IRCA learner examination guide.

Issue of certificate:

TÜV SÜD South Asia is an approved training partner of CQI and IRCA. Participants who achieve at least 70% in continuous assessment and meet the final examination passing requirements will receive a certificate of successful completion. The course completion certificate does not itself confer IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor certification or registration. Participants who do not meet the successful completion requirements will receive a certificate of attendance, subject to the applicable attendance requirements.

1. Can I also attend e-learning courses on top of attending ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems - Lead Auditor Training (CQI IRCA) course?
Yes, you can register for any e-learning course at TÜV SÜD.

2. What is the funding eligibility criteria?
Self-sponsored learners: Up to 50% of course fees for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents between 21 and 39 years old, and up to 70% of course fees for Singapore Citizens above 40 years old.

Company-sponsored learners:
1. SME employers who sponsor the following persons can apply for up to 70% funding
2. All employers can apply for absentee payroll
a. Singapore Citizens and PR: $4.50 per hour, capped at $100,000 per enterprise per calendar year
b. Singapore Citizens aged 30 and above (or Persons with Special Needs aged 13 and above), earning a monthly salary ≤$2,500: 95% of hourly basic salary, capped at $13 per hour

3. How do I enroll for the ISO9001 Quality Management Systems - Lead Auditor Training (CQI IRCA) course?
To enrol and check your eligibility for SSG funding, please click on ‘Request training schedule’ button and fill up the form. Our team will contact you for the next steps to evaluate your eligibility for this course and enrolment procedures.

4. What is the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems - Lead Auditor Training (CQI IRCA) course methodology?
Participants will learn through lectures, case studies, group exercises and discussions.

5. Can I get a refund if I cancel my enrolment?
Yes, please contact us at [email protected] for more details. Terms and conditions apply.

6. Are there any tests during the course?
Yes. Participants are assessed continuously through exercises and workshops, with daily tests on Days 1 to 4. Online examination practice is also included in the course timetable.