How to Become an ISO 9001 Auditor?

Posted by Stream Line on December 12th, 2020

A lot of people may be wondering what ISO 9001 is and there have been several misconceptions that have caused some confusion as to what it is really about. In simple terms, ISO 9001 is a standard that ensures consistency of organizations when it comes to customer satisfaction and quality. It can be used with any type of organization, whether it's a business, a non-profit organization or a government related organization. This standard utilizes certain processes that are backed up by specific principles of quality management systems (QMS), including customer and process orientation, leadership principles and building a good working relationship with the people involved within the organization as well as with its suppliers. ISO 9001

You might be looking at the possibility of pursuing a career as an ISO 9001 auditor, also known as a quality auditor. It is important to note that there are specific requirements that are based on educational attainment, work experience (both quality and general work experience), ISO 9001 lead auditor training and the number of audits you have performed. These requirements are dictated by certification organizations such as IRCA or RABQSA. It is typically required for one to become a registered auditor if one will be pursuing a career as an ISO 9001 auditor. For example, IRCA has the following requirements:

1. You should have attained at least secondary education.

2. You should have at least 5 years of general working experience. If you have a degree, 4 years will suffice.

3. You should have at least 2 years of quality related work experience. These 2 years should have been mostly spent on quality related work. If you have previously worked as a quality inspector, quality assurance specialist or manager or a quality engineer, then you meet this requirement.

4. You should complete the ISO 9001 training requirements. This is typically met by successfully taking an ISO 9001 lead auditor course. This course is usually 5 days long and you will be asked to take a final exam at the end of the course. Learners are also evaluated on a daily basis throughout the course.

5. You should have performed the role of an auditor-in-training and accomplish 4 audits with a total duration of at least 20 days. Not less than 10 of these 20 days should been spent at the actual site of the auditee. To perform these types of audits, you may need to contact the certifying office for assistance. ISO Certificate

The career of a quality auditor heavily relies on his or her work experience. You are definitely required to have quality related work experience prior to becoming an ISO 9001 auditor. Aside from that, even if you are a registered auditor, your career options, choices and compensation are also based on your gained work experience. If you have proven yourself to be a qualified ISO auditor, you might want to take on more responsibilities as a supervisor and handle a team of auditors. Companies or organizations might also want to hire you because of your experience when it comes to improving and monitoring their existing quality systems management. Another option would be to become a consultant and provide suggestions and advice for improvement of quality related areas. As long as you are dedicated, passionate and willing to learn, a lot is in store for you if you choose to pursue a career as an ISO 9001 auditor.

View More:- ISO 45001