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WHO IS A LEAD AUDITOR?

A Lead Auditor is an individual who audits the management systems processes of companies, institutions, and organizations on behalf of an accredited certification body. Lead Auditors are responsible for reviewing all documentation, such as procedures, instructions, and processes, of the companies they audit, ensuring that they adhere to standard requirements. They also ensure that the documentation is integrated with the practical implementation in the field, verifying that what is documented is being practiced.

What is a Lead Auditor and Who Is It Referred To?

Companies obtain certification and audit services from accreditation-approved certification bodies to document their management systems. The question of what a lead auditor is often arises after this service. In certification bodies, individuals responsible for auditing companies' management systems and reporting the results of these audits are referred to as lead auditors.

The appointment of a lead auditor is distinct from that of an internal auditor. To clarify these two terms that are often confused when educational efforts are just beginning, we can answer the question of what an internal auditor is. Section 9.2 of Management System Standards addresses "internal audits." According to this section, companies implementing management systems must conduct internal audits of all management system processes at least once a year. Impartiality is essential in these audits. In other words, no one can audit their own unit. Each unit must be audited by an internal auditor from a different unit. Internal auditors are required to undergo ISO 19011 training. In companies where individuals do not meet these criteria, external services can be sought. Therefore, these two roles have distinct responsibilities and training requirements. Lead auditor training spans five days, with each day consisting of eight hours, totaling 40 hours. After completing the 40-hour training, lead auditor candidates take an exam. Those who pass the exam are awarded an internationally recognized lead auditor certification.

Requirements

The requirements for becoming a lead auditor are determined by certification bodies accredited for this task. However, in general, there is no specific requirement to fulfill in order to receive this training. Among the qualifications for becoming an auditor, the most crucial one is having an interest in the process of auditing management systems. If process audits are conducted on behalf of a company, the candidate assigned as the controller must have a minimum of 4 years of work experience, with at least 2 of those years spent working in a management system. Individuals meeting these conditions and requirements can complete a 24-hour lead auditor training for a specific standard. It can be expected that those individuals have spent 1 year of their 4 years of work experience in management systems.

Roles of a Lead Auditor

In addition to understanding what a lead auditor is, you might also be interested in learning about their responsibilities. If you believe this role is suitable for you, you should also be knowledgeable about your duties. Here are some of the most important tasks:

A lead auditor prepares the audit plan based on information received from the certification body and informs the company. They conduct opening and closing meetings during the audit. They provide general information during these meetings. They answer questions from the individuals who will guide the audit in the company. During system audit processes, the lead auditor manages other auditors. Additionally, they provide leadership to all relevant processes during the audit. Once the audit is completed, the lead auditor conducts a final check in the company, writes the audit report, and informs the company of any nonconformities. They monitor whether these nonconformities are rectified within the company, and keep track of the progress of the company. Apart from these, the most important duty of a lead auditor is to ensure impartiality and confidentiality. All these processes collectively answer the question of what a lead auditor does.

Becoming an ISO Lead Auditor

To become an ISO lead auditor, you must undergo a 40-hour lead auditor training from authorized organizations approved according to international criteria on the subject. It's also important to complete the exam at the end of this training. ISO lead auditor training provides an overview of the standard and how to audit these standards. Group work, exercises, and case studies conducted during these training sessions are designed to help lead auditor candidates better understand the process and enhance their auditing skills. After completing ISO lead auditor training, candidates are required to complete a 15-day lead auditor internship within 3 years. Once these conditions are met, lead auditors / auditors can apply to the certification body along with the audit log, and take on the role of the company's controller in process audits.

ISO training is particularly favored by companies in Ankara and its surroundings, especially those involved in establishing, implementing, and managing management systems. Currently, such companies either educate their existing personnel on this matter or seek candidates with these competency criteria during their hiring process. Individuals who thoroughly grasp basic, internal audit, and documentation training tend to stand out in the hiring process. If you are considering choosing from competent organizations for lead auditor training, you can get in touch with Sigmacert.