A Brief Introduction
The ISO Lead Auditor Course aims to equip individuals with the required knowledge and skills to lead audit teams and carry out effective audits in compliance with ISO standards. This course is designed for professionals looking to improve their auditing skills and progress in quality management systems. Participants in the course will gain knowledge on planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on audits in an effective manner.
The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is a worldwide network of accredited auditors. IRCA is a division of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and is a leading international certification body. The CQI helps management systems auditors achieve IRCA certification.
Career Scope as ISO Lead Auditor
The ISO Lead Auditor course is intended for individuals seeking to advance their opportunities in quality management. This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to perform audits of management systems in accordance with ISO standards.
As an ISO Lead Auditor, individuals have the opportunity to work in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and more. The role involves auditing management systems to verify adherence to ISO standards and pinpoint opportunities for enhancement.
The demand for qualified ISO Lead Auditors is expected to grow alarmingly due to the increasing importance of compliance with ISO standards across industries.
Role & Responsibilities of ISO Lead Auditor
The ISO Lead Auditor oversees a team of Internal Auditors in conducting internal audits, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, laws, and guidance and that resulting reports are objective, unbiased, and beneficial. The ISO Lead Auditor is also responsible for selecting qualified internal auditors and providing them with the necessary information and resources to conduct quality audits.
The main responsibility of an ISO Lead Auditor is to perform audits on management systems following ISO standards, including planning, conducting, reporting, and follow-up. Some of the other responsibilities include:
- Developing audit plans and checklists
- Assist with follow-up audits as and when needed
- Performing on-site audits to evaluate adherence to ISO standards
- Regularly check and adjust auditing tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Creating audit reports that outline findings, recommendations, and necessary corrective actions.
- Sharing audit findings with stakeholders.
- Assess production processes to ensure conformity with quality standards.
- Recording audit results and creating audit reports.
- Examine organisational processes and assess potential areas for enhancement.
Employment Scope Career Options for ISO Lead Auditor
ISO Lead Auditors are in high demand in India and abroad due to the need for expertise in quality management systems. They have numerous career opportunities in environmental health, occupational health and safety, information security, food safety, medical device manufacture, and management systems.
Some of the top companies that recruit ISO Lead Auditors are Siemens, HCL Tech, Henkel Adhesive, DNV, BSI, SGS, Turttlemint, HKIT Security Solutions, Eurofins, etc.
Career scope for ISO Lead Auditor in Govt & PSU sector
Government and public sector organisations often seek out ISO Lead Auditors. These organisations may be required to adhere to quality management standards, and having a certified ISO Lead Auditor on staff can help guarantee compliance with these requirements. Career opportunities in this sector may include roles in government agencies, regulatory bodies, or public sector companies focusing on conducting audits and enforcing compliance with ISO standards.
Salary Range
The salary for an ISO Lead Auditor can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, industry, and location.
On average, a certified ISO Lead Auditor can expect to earn a starting salary of around 3 to 6 lacs per annum in India. Senior ISO Lead Auditors with extensive experience and expertise in the field can earn salaries exceeding 25 lacs or more per year.
How to Become ISO Lead Auditor?
To become an ISO Lead Auditor, candidates need to complete the 5-day training program accredited by recognized bodies like IRCA or Exemplar Global. Training usually consists of classroom instruction, case studies, group exercises, and an examination.
The course is available online as well as offline. You need to have good communication, observation, problem-solving, and analytical skills to excel in this field.
Here is a detailed guide on how to become an ISO Lead Auditor:
Education: Most certification bodies require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field and professional experience in auditing or a similar field.
Complete the Training: Once you register for the training, the next step is to complete the training program that includes auditing principles, relevant ISO standard requirements, and management system auditing techniques.
Pass the Examination: After the completion of the training, candidates are required to pass an examination that assesses their understanding of auditing principles and the relevant ISO standard. Please note that the minimum percentage required is 70% and above to obtain the ISO Lead Certificate. Anything less than that, you will only get the participant certificate.
Gain Audit Experience: After completing the Lead Auditor training course, candidates need to gain practical audit experience by conducting audits under experienced Lead Auditors. The hands-on experience is essential for developing auditing skills and applying ISO standards in real-world situations.
Obtain Certification: Individuals can apply for certification as an ISO Lead Auditor after gaining enough audit experience. This certification demonstrates proficiency in auditing, interpreting ISO standards, and providing guidance to organisations seeking compliance with quality management systems.
ISO Lead Courses
In a competitive job market, success often necessitates possessing qualifications beyond the traditional standards. ISO Lead Auditors Courses provide opportunities for professional development and strong career prospects. Many ISO courses can be undertaken depending on your career prospects.
Below listed are some of the most available ISO Lead Auditor Courses.
ISO 9001 | Quality Management System (QMS) |
ISO 14001 | Environment Management System (EMS) |
ISO 45001 | Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) |
ISO 13485 | Medical Device Management System (MDMS) |
ISO 27001 | Information Security Management System (ISMS) |
ISO 17025 | Testing and Calibration Laboratory Management System (TCLMS) |
ISO 19011 | ISO Auditor Skills Training |
Which ISO Certification Course is Best?
When choosing an ISO certification course, evaluating your career objectives, industry needs, and personal preferences is essential.
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 are standards individuals can pursue regardless of their qualifications or experience.
On the other hand, certain courses like ISMS and MDMS are focused on specific areas such as Information Security and Medical Device systems. These courses require individuals with educational qualifications or experience in the respective fields to participate. Therefore, the ISO lead auditor course selected should be based on your specialised area of expertise.
Top Institutes for ISO Lead Auditor
There are various institutes, training divisions of well-known certification bodies, and franchisees who are partners of training institutes offering Lead Auditor courses in India. ISO Lead Auditor courses in India are commonly offered by institutes with international accreditation, such as IRCA and Exemplar Global. Accredited institutions provide internationally recognised certificates, increasing their credibility.
Some of the top institutes that provide ISO Lead Auditor courses include FICCI, CII, DNVJL, BSI group, Bureau Veritas, TUV, Udemy, Novel Vista, etc.
Always choose an institute that is accredited by recognised certification bodies and employs experienced trainers capable of providing practical knowledge and hands-on experience in audit procedures.
Fees for ISO Lead Auditor Course
The fees for an ISO Lead Auditor course can vary depending on the institute and location. On average, the cost of a certification course ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 INR in India.
For example, the IRCA is a prominent accreditation body offering ISO training programs worldwide. The IRCA lead auditor training course is a comprehensive five-day course that provides instruction on auditing principles and practices. The fees for the IRCA Lead Auditor course in India range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.75,000, plus GST. There is also a fee for re-sit examinations if the candidate fails the first attempt.
Certification bodies approved as IRCA training partners generally have higher fees for ISO Lead Auditor courses compared to unaccredited training providers. It is because IRCA accreditation is widely recognised as a symbol of quality and assurance.
Conclusion
A career as an ISO Lead Auditor can offer significant professional and financial rewards. The demand for skilled ISO Lead Auditors is increasing due to the growing emphasis on quality management systems in various industries. Individuals can enhance their value in the auditing field by obtaining certifications and gaining practical experience.