ISO 9001 Lead Auditor FAQs
1. What is the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam?
The “ISO 9001 Lead Auditor” certification is for those who want to prove they have the skills to audit a quality management system and lead an audit team. Key market skills include the ability to efficiently plan and conduct audits following the certification process, apply audit techniques and practices, and manage or contribute to audit teams and programs.
2. What is the target audience for the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam?
The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification is designed for:
- Auditors who want to conduct and lead QMS audits on behalf of certification bodies.
- Professionals interested in adopting PECB’s AMS2 Methodology for audit conduct.
- Individuals accountable for ensuring conformity to ISO 9001 requirements.
- Technical experts aiming to get ready for a QMS audit.
- Professionals aspiring to build a career in conformity assessment.
3. Is there any prerequisite for the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam?
- For this certification, you need a basic grasp of ISO 9001 requirements for a quality management system (QMS) and a thorough understanding of audit principles.
- Experience of five years with two years of work experience in Quality Management Audit activities and a total of 300 hours in MS audit/assessment experience.
4. What you will learn in the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam??
Upon completion of this, the participant will have the capability to:
- Clarify the fundamental concepts and principles of a quality management system (QMS) based on ISO 9001.
- Interpret ISO 9001 requirements for a QMS as viewed by an auditor.
- Assess QMS conformity to ISO 9001 requirements using essential audit concepts and principles.
- Strategically plan, execute, and conclude an ISO 9001 compliance audit in line with ISO/IEC 17021-1 standards, ISO 19011 guidelines, and other auditing best practices.
- Effectively manage an ISO 9001 audit program.
5. How many questions will be there in the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam?
The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam consists of a total of 80 questions.
6. What is the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam format?
The exam is available in multiple-choice. This assesses candidates’ understanding of both simple and complex concepts. It includes stand-alone questions and scenario-based questions. Stand-alone questions are independent, while scenario-based questions are context-dependent, requiring candidates to read a scenario and answer five related questions. Answers involve applying concepts from the training course, analyzing problems, and evaluating alternatives. Each multiple-choice question presents three options: one correct response (keyed response) and two incorrect responses (distractors).
This is an open-book exam, allowing candidates to use:
- A hard copy of the ISO 9001 standard
- Training course materials (accessed through the PECB Exams app and/or printed)
- Personal notes from the training course (accessed through the PECB Exams app and/or printed)
- A hard-copy dictionary
7. What is the passing score for ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam?
To pass the exam, you need a score of at least 70%.
8. What are the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam taking requirement?
Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins; late arrivals won’t get extra time and might not be allowed to take the exam. Bring a valid ID (national ID, driver’s license, or passport) and show it to the invigilator. For those taking paper-based exams, additional time may be given if you’re taking the exam in a non-native language:
- 10 extra minutes for Foundation exams
- 20 extra minutes for Manager exams
- 30 extra minutes for Lead exams
9. How many exam formats does PECB offers?
PECB offers two exam formats:
- Paper-based: No electronic devices are allowed, and the exam is supervised by an approved invigilator.
- Online: Conducted via the PECB Exams application, supervised remotely by a PECB Invigilator using a camera.
10. What is the cost of the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam?
You can take the exam without attending the training course, and the fees are as follows:
- Lead Exam: $1000
- Manager Exam: $700
- Foundation Exam: $500
- Transition Exam: $500
The certification application fee is $500.
11. What are the major topic areas for the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam?
The major topics include:
- Fundamental principles and concepts of a quality management system (QMS)
- Quality management system (QMS)
- Fundamental audit concepts and principles
- Preparing an ISO 9001 audit
- Conducting an ISO 9001 audit
- Closing an ISO 9001 audit
- Managing an ISO 9001 audit program
12. How will I receive the Exam Results?
The communication of exam results is done through email. The timeframe for receiving results is within three to eight weeks for essay-type exams and two to four weeks for multiple-choice paper-based exams, starting from the exam date. Online multiple-choice exam results are instantly provided. Successful candidates can apply for one of the credentials in the respective certification scheme. For those who don’t pass, the email includes a list of domains where improvement is needed to guide preparation for a retake.
13. What is the PECB Exam Retake Policy?
Candidates can retake the exam without a set limit, but there are time constraints. After the first attempt, a 15-day waiting period is required before the next attempt (1st retake). If a candidate fails the first attempt after completing a training course with a partner, they can retake the exam for free within 12 months (the training course fee covers the first attempt and one retake). Otherwise, retake fees apply. PECB recommends attending a training course for better preparation after a failed retake.
14. How to apply for certification Renewal?
PECB certifications are valid for three years. Certified professionals must meet requirements related to the designated credential, including fulfilling the required number of continual professional development (CPD) hours and paying an annual maintenance fee of $120 to maintain their certification.
15. Is there any training course for the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam?
Yes, the PECB ISO 9001 Lead Auditor 5-day training equips you to conduct quality management system (QMS) audits effectively. You’ll learn essential audit principles, procedures, and techniques following ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO 19011 standards. The course integrates these with auditing best practices to create a comprehensive methodology for planning, executing, and concluding ISO 9001 conformity assessment audits.
Beyond theory, the training includes practical elements like examples, exercises, and quizzes. These cover crucial aspects of conformity assessment audits such as interpreting ISO 9001 requirements in an audit context, auditing principles, applying audit methods, evidence collection and verification, leading audit teams, creating nonconformity reports, and preparing final audit reports.
Upon completing the course, an exam follows. A successful exam result allows you to apply for the “PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor” credential. This UKAS-accredited and globally recognized certificate attests to your professional competence, confirming your ability to audit a QMS based on ISO 9001 standards.
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