ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course prepares professionals to plan and conduct audits of Quality Management Systems, assessing the conformity and effectiveness of the QMS against ISO 9001 requirements. The training addresses the full audit process, with a focus on evidence, consistency and professional judgement.
Quick Access: Introduction· Why this course exists· What this course enables· Frameworks and standards· Value· Objectives· Target audience· Prerequisites· Programme· Exam & Certification· Other information· Benefits· Logistics· Registration
Upcoming dates
Confirmed dates.
Synchronous, live training. Interaction with the trainer and the group.
Live Online • next edition
Live Online • base price
Language: available in Portuguese or English
Training: practical and case-study based
Exam: 4h
SPECIALIST LEVEL — advanced competences to address critical challenges in the area.
Why this course exists
To transform ISO 9001 requirements into real, evidence-based auditing aligned with international audit best practices.
Many organisations implement or maintain a QMS, but struggle when they need to demonstrate conformity, auditable evidence and readiness to respond to internal and external audits. This course prepares professionals to structure an Audit Programme, lead teams and conduct audits of a Quality Management System, with method, consistency and results orientation.
What this course enables you to do
Structure
Design and maintain an audit programme — internal and/or external — aligned with ISO 9001 and audit best practices.
Plan
Prepare and plan audits — objectives, criteria, scope, team, plan and approach — including internal audits and certification audits.
Conduct
Perform audits using appropriate evidence collection and verification methods, effective communication and team management in a real context.
Conclude
Record findings and nonconformities, build conclusions, produce the report and manage audit follow-up, supporting continuous improvement and maintenance of ISO 9001 certification.
Frameworks, standards and best practices addressed throughout the course
ISO 9000 family
ISO 9004
ISO 19011
ISO/IEC 17021-1
ISO/IEC 17024
Audit Programme
Internal audits & certification
BEHAVIOUR methodology — step by step
Value for the organisation
- Greater governance and control capability over the QMS, with structured internal audits and consistent evidence.
- Reduced risk of nonconformities in external audits through preparation, method and practical training.
- Continuous improvement based on findings, corrective actions and auditable follow-up.
- More competent teams to interact with Certification Bodies and support the maintenance of ISO 9001 certification.
Introduction
The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course is supported by practical exercises and challenges participants to audit a Quality Management System (QMS) based on the requirements of ISO 9001 and internationally recognised audit best practices.
In addition to knowing concepts, principles and requirements, the course focuses on the ability to put an ISO 9001 Audit Programme into practice, including planning, evidence collection and verification, audit communication, recording findings and audit closure.
Throughout the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course, participants acquire the knowledge and competences required to plan and conduct internal and external audits in accordance with the guidance of the international standards ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021, including team management and conflict management competences in an audit context.
This Training Plan and all associated documents are protected by Copyright and registered as a literary work with IGAC.
General Objectives
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Acquire competences to perform ISO 9001 internal audits based on the guidance of ISO 19011.
- Acquire competences to perform ISO 9001 certification audits based on the guidance of ISO 19011 and the specifications of ISO/IEC 17021.
- Acquire the competences required to manage a QMS audit team.
- Understand the functioning of a Quality Management System that complies with ISO 9001 requirements.
- Understand the relationship between a Quality Management System and compliance with the requirements of the different interested parties.
- Improve analysis competences regarding the internal and external environments of an organisation, and the respective decisions for audit purposes within the context of a QMS.
- Acquire the knowledge required to succeed in the Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam.
Target Audience
- Internal auditors and Quality Management specialists.
- Auditors who wish to perform and/or lead certification audits of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Project managers or consultants who wish to acquire knowledge and competences regarding the audit process of a QMS.
- Professionals responsible for quality conformity within an organisation.
- Members of a Quality Management team.
- Quality Management System specialists/consultants.
- Professionals who wish to prepare themselves to assume audit roles in Quality Management Systems (QMS).
Prerequisites
There are no mandatory formal prerequisites. However, previous familiarity with quality management, processes and management system documentation is recommended.
In addition, other specific requirements may apply, where relevant, depending on the quotation or proposal presented.
Programme
Introduction to the QMS and ISO 9001 framework
- Fundamental quality management concepts and principles
- ISO 9001 structure and requirements
- Interpretation of requirements and identification of typical evidence in a QMS
Planning and initiating an ISO 9001 audit
- Preparation and planning — objectives, criteria, scope, team and plan
- Audit programme and audit approach
- Audit communication and stakeholder management
Conducting an ISO 9001 audit
- Evidence collection and verification — documentary and on-site
- Audit techniques, interviews and sampling
- Team management, client communication and conflict resolution
Concluding and following up an ISO 9001 audit
- Identify and record findings, including nonconformities
- Prepare audit conclusions and audit report
- Follow-up activities and audit cycle closure
- Review and exam preparation exercises
Exam(s) and Certification
Exam “Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor”
The exam covers the following competence domains:
- Domain 1: Fundamental principles and concepts of Quality Management
- Domain 2: Quality Management System (QMS)
- Domain 3: Fundamental audit concepts and principles
- Domain 4: Preparing an ISO 9001 audit
- Domain 5: Conducting an ISO 9001 audit
- Domain 6: Concluding an ISO 9001 audit
- Domain 7: Managing an ISO 9001 audit programme
Language(s): Portuguese and English. Please contact BEHAVIOUR regarding availability in other languages.
Duration: 4 hours (240 minutes).
Format: Multiple-choice questions and open questions, based on a main case study and related to the competence domains.
Number of questions: 48 questions.
Pass mark: 700/1000 points.
Results: Pass or Fail.
Issuing entity: Behaviour (legal entity), through its certification service Behaviour Certification Services.
Retake: 1 free retake within a maximum period of 1 year after the date of the initial exam.
Certification — levels and requirements
After successfully completing the exam, the candidate may apply for one of three levels, according to experience:
- Certified ISO 9001 Associate Auditor: no previous experience required
- Certified ISO 9001 Auditor: 2 years of professional experience; 1 year in quality management; audit activities totalling 200 hours
- Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor: 5 years of professional experience; 2 years in quality management; audit activities totalling 300 hours
A Certificate and a Digital Certification Badge will be issued to participants who successfully complete the certification exam and satisfy all requirements of the certification for which they are applying. The certification is issued by Behaviour (legal entity), through its certification service Behaviour Certification Services.
The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification is developed and maintained in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17024.
Certification programmes are valid only for individuals, and the award and maintenance of certification depend on the exam result, professional experience and compliance with the applicable agreement and Code of Ethics.
If the professional does not comply with the agreement or the Code of Ethics, the certification is not granted or is revoked.
Other Information
General Information
- Training available in Portuguese or English.
- Online training materials available in Portuguese or English, with online access, in accordance with the awarded conditions.
- Practical step-by-step audit methodology.
- Behaviour digital Training Attendance Certificate with 40 CPD/CPE credits.
- Online Certification Exam, in Portuguese or English. The exam may be taken up to 2 months from the course start date.
- Digital Certification Diploma and Digital Certification Badge after passing the exam and completing the application process. This registration process has no associated cost.
Trainer(s)
Benefits
View benefits
- ISO 9001 defines requirements for an auditable and certifiable QMS, recognised internationally.
- ISO 9001 enables certification and international recognition, supporting entry into new markets, operational optimisation and continuous improvement — quality, productivity, competitive advantage and customer satisfaction.
- The course is based on the BEHAVIOUR pedagogical model, with a programme in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024.
- Audit-oriented course, with a step-by-step process covering audit programme, planning, evidence collection, findings and follow-up.
- Preparation for internal and external audits, with best practices based on ISO 19011 and requirements applicable to certification audits in ISO/IEC 17021.
- The certification exam is supervised by an official BEHAVIOUR administrator.
- In case of failure, there is a free retake within the period defined in the scheme — up to 12 months.
Logistics
Useful information
- Live Online (synchronous time): 09h30–13h00 and 14h00–17h30 (Lisbon time), with short breaks
- Classroom (synchronous time): 09h30–13h00 and 14h00–17h30 (Lisbon time), with short breaks
- 28 hours of synchronous training, distributed across 4 consecutive days
- Estimated 12 hours of guided autonomous work, intended for content consolidation and exam preparation, carried out flexibly outside synchronous sessions
- Requirements: computer with stable internet, updated browser, PDF reader and audio/video
Hotels in Lisbon
Find out where you can stay in Lisbon, near Behaviour, for classroom training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Objective answers to the most common questions about the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course. Coming soon.
For general questions about registration, delivery modes, exams, certification and recertification, please consult the BEHAVIOUR® FAQs.
Registration
Complete the form to request your registration for the preferred edition. Check the upcoming dates.
Request more information
If you would like help to frame the course within your professional or organisational context, contact us and we will indicate the most suitable path.
Companies: request a proposal
For team registrations, we provide volume conditions and a proposal tailored to the organisational need.
This course can be attended by individual professionals. It may also be integrated into capability-building paths for audit, quality, risk and continuous improvement teams that need to evaluate quality management systems.