Artificial intelligence has taken over all jobs! A popular belief that has been going around for a while now. Yes, automation and technology have made certain job positions redundant. But, the roles with complex decision-making abilities and those that require human interaction still stand firm.
ISO 9001 Auditor roles are one such example. Some may argue that machines can be programmed to audit, but the job requires much more than just going through checklists and ticking boxes. To excel in this role, one needs technical skills and certifications.
Here are the top certifications and skills to become a successful ISO 9001 Auditor.
What an ISO 9001 Auditor Does?
When you hear the word auditor, the first thing that comes to mind is numbers and financial statements. However, an ISO 9001 Auditor’s job goes beyond numbers.
An ISO 9001 Auditor is responsible for auditing and assessing an organization’s quality management system (QMS). They ensure that the organization complies with the ISO 9001 standard – a globally recognized certification for quality management.
An auditor’s primary role is to identify gaps or non-compliance in the organization’s QMS and provide recommendations for improvement. It requires a keen eye, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
Top Certifications for ISO 9001 Auditor Roles
There are several certifications available in the market that cater to ISO 9001 Auditor roles. These certifications provide the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the role. Let’s look at some of the top certifications for ISO 9001 Auditors.
Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) auditor certifications
The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) is a globally recognized professional body that offers certifications for quality professionals. They have two main auditor certifications related to ISO 9001 – the CQI Internal Quality Auditor Certification and the CQI Lead Quality Auditor Certification.
CQI Internal Quality Auditor Certification
This certification is suitable for individuals who are new to auditing or those who want to refresh their knowledge and skills. It covers the fundamentals of auditing, ISO 9001 standard requirements, and practical application techniques.
To obtain this certification, candidates must have practical experience in quality management or have completed a CQI-recognized auditor training course. It is a great starting point for those looking to build a career as an ISO 9001 Auditor.
CQI Lead Quality Auditor Certification
The CQI Lead Quality Auditor Certification is ideal for experienced auditors who want to take on leadership roles. It covers advanced auditing techniques, risk management, and stakeholder communication. This certification also requires practical experience and completion of a CQI-recognized auditor training course.
Obtaining this certification demonstrates your expertise in leading and managing audits, making you a valuable asset for any organization seeking ISO 9001 compliance.
International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) certifications
The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is a leading professional body for auditors. They offer two main certifications related to ISO 9001 – the IRCA Internal Auditor Certification and the IRCA Lead Auditor Certification.
IRCA Internal Auditor Certification
The IRCA Internal Auditor certification suits individuals who want to conduct internal audits within their organization. It covers the principles of auditing, audit planning, and reporting techniques. To obtain this certification, candidates must have practical management system audit experience. Some IRCA schemes may also require additional work experience in a specific sector. You must also complete an IRCA-certified auditor training course to be eligible for this certification.
IRCA Lead Auditor Certification
The IRCA Lead Auditor certification suits experienced auditors who want to take on leadership roles. An IRCA-approved Lead Auditor course is mandatory for this certification. You must also have practical experience in leading and conducting management system audits. CQI and IRCA accredit the course providers in specific management systems like ISO 9001.
The experience and training must be within 5 years from the date of application. As a certified IRCA Lead Auditor, you can lead audits for ISO 9001 compliance in organizations, making you a sought-after professional in the industry.
PECB Certified ISO 9001 Auditor
PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) is another leading certification body that offers ISO 9001 Auditor certifications. PECB’s Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification covers the principles and practices of quality management, audit planning, and conducting successful audits.
To obtain this certification, candidates must complete the PECB ISO 9001 training course, pass the exam, and then apply for the certification. No prior auditor experience is required, making it an excellent option for individuals who are new to the role. PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Implementer certification is also available for those interested in implementing and maintaining a quality management system.
BSI ISO 9001 Auditor Certification
The British Standards Institution (BSI) offers certifications related to ISO 9001, including the BSI ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification. It covers auditing, risk management, and reporting principles and practices. To obtain this certification, candidates must complete the Lead Auditor Professional training modules, pass the exam, and submit an application. The practical application of your knowledge is also assessed during the training, making it a comprehensive certification for aspiring ISO 9001 Auditors.
Top Skills for ISO 9001 Auditor Roles
A successful ISO 9001 Auditor possesses a combination of technical and soft skills. As an auditor, you are responsible for evaluating an organization’s quality management system and identifying areas for improvement. Here are the top skills that will help you excel in this role.
1. Knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and quality management principles
The foundation of an ISO 9001 Auditor’s role is their certifiable knowledge of the ISO 9001 standard and quality management principles. They are responsible for ensuring the organization’s processes comply with these standards and principles.
When we talk about ISO 9001 standards, it refers to the specific requirements an organization must meet to obtain certification. These standards are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are periodically updated to reflect industry best practices. A successful auditor knows these standards inside and out. They also profoundly understand quality management principles such as customer focus, continuous improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.
2. Experience with auditing techniques
Auditing is a technical process that requires specific techniques to evaluate an organization’s processes and procedures. A successful ISO 9001 Auditor has practical experience in conducting audits using these techniques. Audit planning, documentation review, interviews, and data analysis are just a few examples of auditing techniques an auditor must be familiar with.
The tools and methods used for auditing depend on the organization’s size, complexity, and industry. A competent auditor is adaptable and can apply different techniques to different scenarios.
For those new to auditing, obtaining certification and gaining practical experience before taking on a lead auditor role is recommended.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills
Auditing is a collaborative process that requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. As an auditor, you will interact with various stakeholders, including employees, managers, and senior leadership. You can not gather the necessary information and provide feedback without effectively communicating with these individuals.
Strong communication skills include active listening, asking relevant questions, and providing constructive feedback. An auditor must be able to communicate their findings clearly and concisely, which is easily understood by all parties involved.
4. Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Auditing is not just about finding problems but also about providing improvement recommendations. A successful auditor can think critically and develop practical solutions to address identified issues.
You must be able to analyze data, identify trends and patterns, and draw conclusions based on your findings. The ability to think outside the box and create creative solutions is also valuable for an auditor. Your recommendations should not only address current issues but also prevent future problems.
5. Attention to detail and accuracy
An auditor’s job is to scrutinize every aspect of an organization’s quality management system and identify discrepancies or non-compliance. The details of documents, processes, and procedures must be carefully reviewed to ensure accuracy.
The ability to spot inconsistencies or non-conformances requires a keen eye for detail. All information must be thoroughly analyzed; nothing should slip through the cracks. A successful auditor can spot errors or deviations from the standard and address them appropriately.
6. Time management and organization
As your auditing career grows, you will likely juggle multiple audits with different organizations. The resources and the timeline allocated for each audit will also vary. As an auditor, you must manage your time effectively and stay organized to meet deadlines.
A successful ISO 9001 Auditor plans their audits, creates a schedule, and prioritizes tasks to complete them on time. Managing time and staying organized also helps with conducting thorough audits without skipping essential steps.
7. Industry-specific knowledge and experience
Some organizations require auditors with industry-specific knowledge and experience. For example, a medical device manufacturer may prefer an auditor with expertise in the medical industry. The more experience and knowledge an auditor has in a particular field, the better equipped they are to evaluate that organization’s quality management system. A successful ISO 9001 Auditor stays updated on industry trends and regulations to understand their clients better.
8. Familiarity with quality management systems
Apart from ISO 9001 standards, organizations may also have their own quality management system (QMS). An auditor must be familiar with the QMS used by their auditing organization to understand its procedures, processes, and terminology. You should also be familiar with other common QMS frameworks, such as ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, or ISO 27001, as they may come up during audits. The ability to compare and contrast different systems can help identify potential areas for improvement.
9. Proficiency in relevant software and technology
With the rise of digital transformation, many organizations have begun using software and technology to manage their quality management systems. As an auditor, you must be comfortable working with these tools and understanding how they integrate into the organization’s processes. Some standard software and technology used in quality management include document control systems, data analysis tools, and audit management software. The more proficient you are with these tools, the more efficient and thorough your audits will be.
10. Continuous learning and improvement mindset
As an ISO 9001 Auditor, your job is to audit and provide recommendations for improvement. A successful auditor must have a growth mindset and be open to learning new skills and techniques continually. The ISO 9001 standard is regularly updated, and auditors must stay updated. Additionally, staying updated on industry trends and technological advancements can also help improve your auditing skills.
11. Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
While conducting an audit, the auditor may need to work with a team of auditors or collaborate with the organization’s employees. An auditor must be able to lead a team effectively, delegate tasks and responsibilities, and ensure everyone stays on track. Good communication skills, teamwork, and collaboration are essential for a successful audit. As an auditor, you must also be able to handle any conflicts or challenges that may arise during the audit process.
Conclusion
In summary, being an ISO 9001 Auditor requires technical knowledge, soft skills, and industry-specific expertise. A Successful auditor is one who can effectively communicate, think critically, pay attention to detail, and manage time. They also possess a continuous learning mindset, are proficient in relevant software and technology, and can effectively lead and work with others. By mastering these skills, an ISO 9001 Auditor can provide valuable insights to organizations looking to improve their quality management systems.
So whether you are an aspiring auditor or looking to brush up on your skills, remember that becoming a successful ISO 9001 Auditor requires a well-rounded set of skills. Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career in auditing.