Lead Auditor Courses

To become a lead auditor, you need to complete a CQI and IRCA certified training course for your chosen ISO standard, pass the course assessment, and then build up the required audit experience.  

Most certification bodies require a combination of formal education, relevant work experience, and a minimum number of audit days before you can register as an approved auditor. 

Once you have met these requirements, you can optionally apply to become an IRCA registered certified auditor by submitting evidence of your qualifications and audit log to CQI and IRCA. 

The best course depends on your career goals and the industry you work in. A CQI and IRCA certified programme is widely recognised as the gold standard, as it is accepted internationally and meets the requirements for auditor certification.  

When choosing a provider, look for one that offers interactive learning, experienced tutors, and a high pass rate. SEQM Training delivers CQI and IRCA certified courses across multiple ISO standards, giving you the flexibility to train in the discipline that matches your professional needs. Their blended 27 hours self-paced plus 2-day practical workshop is ultra flexible – only having to commit two days training for the practical workshop on fixed dates, the rest can be completed in your own time. 

A typical course runs for five days. At SEQM Training, this is split into 27 hours (approx. three days) of self-paced learning followed by a two-day tutor-led live workshop. The programme includes a combination of teaching, group exercises, practical audit simulations, and a formal written examination.  

Virtual online classroom is available, allowing you to attend remotely while still completing all of the required learning and assessment activities efficiently. 

Salaries vary depending on the ISO standard, industry sector, location, and level of experience. In the UK, a lead auditor can typically expect to earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year in a permanent role.  

Freelance and contract auditors may charge daily rates ranging from £30,000 to £60,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the audit.  

Holding a recognised CQI and IRCA certified qualification can increase your earning potential and open up opportunities both in the UK and internationally. 

A lead auditor course prepares you to plan, lead, and report on first-party, second-party, and third-party management system audits, including certification audits conducted on behalf of a certification body. An internal auditor course focuses specifically on conducting first-party audits within your own organisation. The lead auditor programme is more comprehensive, running over five days compared to two, and covers additional skills such as audit team management and advanced audit techniques.

Some familiarity with the relevant ISO standard and general management system concepts is required. You may already have acquired this through work experience, but if you are completely new to the subject, completing a foundation level course first can be a useful stepping stone.

The course covers audit principles based on ISO 19011, the requirements of the relevant ISO management system standard, audit planning and preparation, techniques for gathering and evaluating objective evidence, writing audit findings and nonconformities, conducting opening and closing meetings, and managing an audit team. At SEQM Training, the programme is delivered as a blend of three days of self-paced online learning followed by a two-day tutor-led live workshop that includes practical audit simulations and group exercises.