What is an IRCA?

The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is a global network of certified auditors. IRCA is a part of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and is the world’s premier and largest international certification body. The CQI is aimed at assisting management systems auditors in obtaining IRCA certification. This aids them in demonstrating their proficiency. 

An IRCA-certified training course attracts around 60,000 delegates each year. IRCA’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System lead auditor certification is highly valued,  popular, and demanded by the delegates. It ascertains your credibility and qualification to perform quality management system audits. It also enhances your knowledge and skills to conduct audits based on the guidelines of auditing management systems as per ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021. 

This article outlines simple steps to become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and how you can attain the IRCA Grade Membership status.

Steps to become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor:

Step 1: Pick a CQI IRCA ATP Institute

Obtaining the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification from a CQI’s IRCA Approved Training Partner is very important and the first step to attaining the IRCA auditor grade membership status. Whether you are a quality management system professional or you are aspiring to be, getting the  ISO 9001 Lead Auditor credential offers you a world of possibilities and gives you worldwide recognition and value. Know which institute is best to become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Step 2: Attend all the classes

To become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor you have to do more than just enroll for the course. You also need to attend all the training sessions.  If you miss any of the classes, you will not be eligible to take the lead auditor final exam. Ensure that you try as much as possible not to miss any class. Should you miss any class due to an unforeseen reason, then you may reschedule to attend at a more convenient time.

Step 3: Complete the necessary exams

Clear all the assessments i.e., continuous and summative assessment (final exam).

Step 4: Get your Certificate

• • • Certificate of Attendance – The learner has attended the course but did not complete the required assessment. This certificate does not meet the formal training requirements for the IRCA Auditor Certification Scheme.
    • Certificate of Achievement – The learner has met the formal training requirements and passed the final assessment for the IRCA Auditor Certification Scheme and is valid for five years from the date of completion.

Step 5: Gain Auditing Experience

Begin your auditing experience after completing the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course and maintain the audit log.

NOTE: Auditing experience before the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training will not be considered.

Step 6: Apply for IRCA Grade Membership

Before applying for the membership know which grade is relevant to you. There are different types of IRCA Grade Membership: Associate Auditor, Internal auditor, Auditor, Lead auditor, and Principal Auditor are the five grades given by the Chartered Quality Institute & the International Register of Certificated Auditors (CQI IRCA). Here you can check our article on how to apply for CQI IRCA Auditor Grade Membership.

Step 7: Become a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.

Once you get the IRCA grade membership for Lead Auditor you become a  certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.

Where can you complete the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training?

As a matter of fact, you must complete the 40-hour ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training program from an Approved Training Partner of CQI’s IRCA to complete the initial step on becoming a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor. 3FOLD Training is an Approved Training Partner of CQI IRCA and provides the training to those who aspire to become certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditors.

3FOLD Training provides quality training at an affordable fee with virtual live class training allowing you to attend from anywhere without needing to travel. This helps in meeting other delegates from all around the world allowing you to build a solid professional network. Get support from the product managers at 3FOLD Training throughout your ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training. Grab this opportunity by enrolling today for the upcoming batch.

Contact us today for more information on becoming a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor through enquiry form, email, or whatsApp.