IRCA Auditor Progression Pathway
Your Journey from Associate to Principal Auditor
1
Associate Auditor
Qualifications
- IRCA certified foundation course + Internal Auditor training, OR
- IRCA certified Auditor/Lead Auditor course, OR
- IRCA certified auditor conversion course
Experience
Limited or no experience in auditing required.
Suitability
Ideal entry point for new auditors or professionals wanting to develop auditing skills.
2
Internal Auditor
Qualifications
- IRCA Foundation + Internal Auditor Training, OR
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor Training course
Experience
- 5 internal audits minimum
- 3+ hours each
- All audit cycle elements
- Outside your work areas
- Within 5 years
Suitability
Perfect for professionals conducting internal audits for their employer. Next step after Associate Auditor.
5
Internal Audits
Internal Audits
3+
Hours Each
Hours Each
3
Auditor
Qualifications
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor course, OR
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor conversion course
Experience
- 4 management system audits
- All audit cycle elements
- 20 days total
- 15 days on-site minimum
Suitability
For auditors conducting both internal and external audits, but not yet leading teams.
4
System Audits
System Audits
20
Total Days
Total Days
15
On-site Days
On-site Days
4
Lead Auditor
Qualifications
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor course, OR
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor conversion course
Experience
- Auditor requirements PLUS:
- 3 audits as team leader
- 15 days total as leader
- 10 days on-site as leader
- Total: 7 audits, 35 days
Suitability
For leading audit teams, certification audits, and third-party auditing for certification bodies.
7
Total Audits
Total Audits
35
Total Days
Total Days
25
On-site Days
On-site Days
3
As Team Leader
As Team Leader
5
Principal Auditor
Qualifications
- IRCA Auditor/Lead Auditor course + 3 years full-time with certification body, OR
- 5+ years as IRCA Certified Auditor/Lead Auditor
Current Role
- Manager of audit programmes
- Developing/training auditors
- Audit method development
- Management systems consultancy
Suitability
For experienced professionals who no longer routinely conduct audits but maintain extensive auditing expertise.
Senior Recognition Level
For audit professionals with extensive experience who have moved into management, training, or consultancy roles.
For audit professionals with extensive experience who have moved into management, training, or consultancy roles.
