Lead Auditor
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
2026 edition
Self-paced PECB training delivered via myPECB.
Global training partner Aegentra is an official PECB authorised training partner and an official CompTIA partner.
Audit a quality management system rather than build one. Covers ISO 9001 requirements from an auditor’s perspective, the auditing guidelines of ISO 19011, and the certification process requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 — Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, evidence-based and risk-based auditing, on-site activities, drafting nonconformity reports, and managing an audit programme. Concludes with the official PECB certifying exam.
- Typical study effort
- 35–45 hours
- CPD credits
- 31
- Course languages
- English
Who it is for
- Auditors performing QMS audits for certification bodies
- Professionals adopting PECB’s audit methodology
- Individuals responsible for maintaining conformity to ISO 9001 requirements
- Technical experts preparing for a QMS audit
- Professionals pursuing a career in conformity assessment
What you will learn
- Explain the fundamental concepts and principles of a quality management system based on ISO 9001.
- Interpret the ISO 9001 requirements for a QMS from the perspective of an auditor.
- Evaluate QMS conformity to ISO 9001 requirements in accordance with fundamental audit concepts and principles.
- Plan, conduct, and close an ISO 9001 audit in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements and ISO 19011 guidelines.
- Manage an ISO 9001 audit programme.
- Act with due professional care during an audit.
Course content
Day 1 — Introduction to the QMS and ISO 9001
- Training course objectives and structure
- Standards, regulatory frameworks, and the certification process
- Fundamental principles and concepts of a quality management system
- Overview of ISO 9001 requirements from an auditor’s perspective
Day 2 — Audit principles and preparing for and initiating an audit
- Fundamental audit concepts and principles
- The impact of trends and technology in auditing
- Evidence-based auditing
- Risk-based auditing
- Initiation of the audit process
- Stage 1 audit
Day 3 — On-site audit activities
- Preparing for the Stage 2 audit
- Stage 2 audit
- Communication during the audit
- Audit procedures
- Creating audit test plans
Day 4 — Closing the audit
- Drafting audit findings and nonconformity reports
- Audit documentation and quality review
- Closing of the audit
- Evaluation of action plans by the auditor
- Beyond the initial audit
- Managing an internal audit programme
Day 5 — Certification exam
- PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam
- Seven competency domains
Prerequisites
- PECB expects knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS requirements and a thorough understanding of auditing principles.
- A prior Foundation certificate is not listed as a requirement; training prerequisites are separate from credential experience requirements.
The exam
- Format
- Open-book, multiple-choice
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Questions
- 80 multiple-choice questions in the current English PECB examination record
- Pass mark
- 70%
What is included
Course materials
- PECB ISO 9001 Lead Auditor slide deck (digital)
- Over 450 pages of information and practical examples
- 12 months access via myPECB
- Attestation of course completion worth 31 CPD credits
Exam package
- Certification and examination fees included in the course price
- Exam covering seven competency domains
- First exam attempt plus one free retake within 12 months
- PECB Provisional / Auditor / Lead Auditor credential on pass