CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner | ISO Lead Auditor Courses Online | 9001, 14001, 45001 | India & Worldwide – Enquire now!

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✔ CQI and IRCA Certified Course ✔ CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner ★ PR328 · Globally Recognised

ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor Course (Online)

Become a certified quality management systems lead auditor. A 40-hour, live online, CQI and IRCA certified training course — the gold standard for quality professionals worldwide.

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CQI and IRCA Certified Course logo — ISO 14001:2026 EMS Lead Auditor CQI and IRCA Approved Training Partner logo — 3FOLD Training
★★★★★  4.9 Google Rating · 1000+ reviews ·  Live instructor-led via Zoom ·  CQI/IRCA certificate within 48 hours of passing
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ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor

Live online · CQI & IRCA certified · next cohort enrolling now.

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40 Hours
Course Duration
Live Online
Instructor-led via Zoom
Flexible Formats
Weekdays · Sundays · Evenings
Realistic Case Study
Hands-on audit simulation
Course Overview

Lead quality audits with confidence — to the global gold standard

3FOLD Training's CQI and IRCA certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor Course (PR328) is a 40-hour live online programme that gives you the knowledge and practical skills to plan, conduct, report and follow up first-, second- and third-party audits of quality management systems — in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021.

The course develops real auditing skill through audit simulations, case studies and role-play exercises, supported by live coaching from experienced lead auditors and a comprehensive LMS with video lessons, mock exams and practice tests.

Delegates who successfully complete this course (within the five years before applying to become a certificated auditor) satisfy the training requirement for initial certification as an IRCA QMS auditor.

Reserve Your Place

What You'll Achieve

Learning outcomes

OUTCOME 1

Understand the purpose of ISO 9001 QMS standards, auditing principles, third-party certification and the business benefits of an effective quality management system.

OUTCOME 2

Learn the role of a lead auditor in planning, conducting, reporting and following up quality management system audits.

OUTCOME 3

Plan, conduct, report and follow up ISO 9001 audits in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021 guidelines.

Skills You'll Gain

Practical, job-ready auditing skills

By the end of the course you'll be able to run a full quality management system audit with confidence — these are the competencies you'll build and practise.

Audit planning & programme management Stage 1 & Stage 2 auditing Developing effective audit checklists Leading opening & closing meetings Gathering objective audit evidence Interviewing & questioning techniques Auditing leadership, context & support Auditing operations & performance evaluation Writing defensible nonconformity reports Audit reporting & conclusions Corrective action review & follow-up Applying ISO 19011 & ISO/IEC 17021
Career Outcomes

Where this qualification can take you

ISO 9001 is the world's most widely adopted management system standard, and regular audits are a core requirement. A globally recognised CQI/IRCA lead auditor qualification positions you for first-, second- and third-party auditing, consulting and management roles.

Step 1

Internal QMS Auditor

Audit your own organisation's quality management system and prepare it for certification.

Step 2

QMS Lead Auditor

Lead audit teams and conduct first-, second- and third-party audits, including for certification bodies.

Step 3

Quality Manager / Consultant

Advise organisations on ISO 9001 implementation, or lead quality and business-excellence programmes.

Curriculum

Course content — five structured lessons

Each lesson blends instruction with hands-on exercises, simulations and discussion, building a complete audit from planning to follow-up.

1

Introduction to ISO 9001:2015 QMS & ISO 19011:2018 Auditing Principles

QMS fundamentals, audit types and methodologies, the auditor's responsibilities — plus a practical Stage 1 audit plan and execution exercise.

2

Audit Planning for ISO 9001:2015 Using ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines

Stage 2 audit preparation, comprehensive checklists, opening meetings, and the role of context and risk — reinforced with simulated exercises.

3

Core Areas of ISO 9001:2015 Auditing

Conducting the audit and forming findings — auditing leadership responsibilities, objectives and organisational support structures.

4

Advanced Techniques in ISO 9001:2015 Auditing

Operations auditing and performance evaluation (clauses 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3), plus continual improvement — with practice questions.

5

Completion of the Audit — Reporting & Follow-Up

Generating audit findings, nonconformity reporting, writing the audit report, and reviewing corrective actions and follow-up per ISO 19011.

How You'll Learn

Practical, live and interactive

The course runs live online via Zoom and combines instruction with discussion, practical exercises and cooperative learning — focused on real audit scenarios across first-, second- and third-party QMS audits.

✓Live virtual instructor-led training (VILT) with experienced lead auditors
✓Hands-on audit simulations and role-play exercises
✓A realistic case study to simulate a real-life audit experience
✓Flexible schedules — weekdays, Sundays or evening blocks
Assessment & Certification

How you're assessed

Continuous evaluation through individual and group activities across the course, plus a final examination set by CQI/IRCA, sat online within 30 days of the course.

✓Exam duration 1 hour 45 minutes (＋30 minutes if English is not your first language)
✓40 objective questions — multiple choice, multiple answer and drag-and-drop; open book
✓First exam attempt included in your course fee; registration handled for you
✓CQI/IRCA certificate issued within 48 hours of your result
Official Certification

An officially certified CQI and IRCA course

This is not a generic quality auditing workshop. 3FOLD Training is a CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner, and this programme is an officially CQI and IRCA certified course — so your training and certificate are recognised worldwide.

  • Course reference: PR328: QMS ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor
  • Aligned with CQI/IRCA course specifications and the current exam format
  • Delivered by 3FOLD Training — a CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner

Click the certificate to view it full size.

× CQI and IRCA official course certification — PR328: ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor, awarded to 3FOLD Training
Why Train With 3FOLD

A CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner you can trust

Officially Approved

An audited CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner delivering certified lead auditor courses across ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.

Expert Tutors

Led by practising, experienced environmental lead auditors who bring real-world audit judgement to every session.

Up to Date

Course materials fully aligned with CQI/IRCA course specifications and the current online exam format.

Full Support

End-to-end guidance — from a free prior-knowledge module to exam registration and a fast certificate turnaround.

Real Practice

A complete case-study company and simulated audit give you genuine experience, not just theory.

Globally Recognised

An internationally respected qualification that opens doors to first-, second- and third-party auditing roles worldwide.

Is This Course For You?

Who should attend

This course suits anyone aiming to become a certified QMS lead auditor or to strengthen their quality auditing capability, including:

  • Quality managers, engineers and management representatives
  • Management system and ISO 9001 implementers and consultants
  • Internal auditors moving towards third-party / certification auditing
  • Professionals pursuing IRCA QMS auditor certification
Learner Reviews

What our learners say

★★★★★ 4.9 / 5  ·  based on 120+ verified reviews
★★★★★
"I recently completed the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor course with 3FOLD Training, and I am very satisfied with the overall experience. The trainers were highly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive throughout the course. The training materials were well-structured, practical, and aligned with real-world auditing practices. The course helped me gain a deeper understanding of ISO 9001 requirements, audit planning, conducting audits, and reporting findings. The guidance provided during the preparation for the examination was excellent and contributed significantly to my success in passing the CQI IRCA Lead Auditor exam. I highly recommend 3FOLD Training to anyone looking to advance their auditing and quality management skills. Thank you to the entire 3FOLD team for their support and professionalism."
— Ahmad Dibajeh, Quality Assurance Manager
★★★★★
"As someone who didn't have any formal experience of quality management or audit, the instructor's approach in the class was ideal for me - we read through the slides and activities together and discussed our understanding as well as areas of confusion and disagreement. The instructor was always very patient and very clear when giving information or instructions. I opted for the 8-hour Sunday classes (online) and found that having that much time to progress through the learning was extremely helpful in building my understanding. Happily, I passed the exam on my first attempt. :)"
— Lara Khouri, Founder & Lead Advisor
★★★★★
"I completed the CQI IRCA – ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training with 3FOLD, and it was a great learning experience. The trainer explained concepts clearly with practical examples, making the sessions engaging and easy to follow. Their support and guidance helped me pass the exam on my first attempt. I would definitely recommend 3FOLD to anyone looking to boost their career with globally recognized certifications."
— Mahmud Islam, Civil Engineer
Answers

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of a CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor?
The role involves leading and conducting audits to assess an organization's compliance with ISO 9001 requirements. Lead auditors are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of an organization's QMS and ensuring it meets quality standards.
What are the benefits of taking the ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor certification?
Enhanced career prospects and marketability, the ability to lead and conduct 1st, 2nd and 3rd party audits effectively, demonstrated competence in ISO 9001 auditing skills, and recognition as a skilled quality management professional.
Who should attend this QMS Lead Auditor training program?
The training program is suitable for individuals seeking to become certified lead auditors for ISO 9001 QMS or enhance their auditing skills.
Is there a prerequisite for attending the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor course?
Learners are expected to have a basic understanding of ISO 9001 and quality management principles. We also cover this through our complimentary self-paced QMS Foundation course.
How long does the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor online course take to complete?
40 hours, completed through various available schedules (weekends, weekdays, evening blocks, etc.). Please review our upcoming schedule.
Is there an exam for the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor course?
Yes, CQI IRCA administers the final online assessment. Our course is fully aligned with the final assessment.
What is the format and duration of the exam?
The exam duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes (with a 30-minute extension for learners whose first language is not English). The exam contains 40 questions, including multiple choice, multiple answer and drag-and-drop. All questions are objective — no typing required.
What is the passing score for the exam?
To pass, you need at least 40% in each domain being tested and a minimum of 50% overall.
Can I use reference materials during the exam?
Yes, the exam is open book and participants may use any reference materials (question banks are not allowed), either hard or soft copy. You are not allowed to browse the internet.
How and where can I register for the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor exam?
We will register you for your online exam. CQI IRCA will send you two emails — one with login details for the practice questions portal and the other with login details for the exam portal. You will have access to two SARAS portals: one for practice questions and one for your exam.
What is the cost of the CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 QMS examination?
The cost of the examination (first attempt) is included in your training package. You must appear for the exam within 30 days of completing the course. Appearing after 30 days is considered a re-sit (the first attempt is forfeited) and learners must pay for the assessment (USD 50).
How long does it take to receive the exam results and the certification?
Once you complete your exam, the CQI IRCA assessment AI software reviews the recording for anomalies. If there are no issues, results are sent to us within 2 to 5 working days. Within 48 hours of receiving your result, we issue either the Certificate of Achievement (pass) or Certificate of Attendance (fail).
Can I retake the exam if I don't pass it on the first attempt?
If you fail your exam, you can request a resit within 12 months by paying a fee of USD 35. Once CQI IRCA approves the resit, you have 30 days to appear for it. If unsuccessful in the resit, you may reattend the training at no additional cost; however, a USD 85 exam retake and levy fee applies for the new exam attempt.
What is the validity of the QMS Lead Auditor Certificate?
The Certificate of Achievement remains valid for 5 years from the issue date for registering with CQI IRCA Auditor Membership. While the certificate has no expiration date, industry acceptance may vary if ISO standards are updated, rendering the certificate outdated.
What career opportunities are available for CQI IRCA ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditors?
ISO 9001 is globally recognized and many organizations adopt it for quality management, with regular audits as a key requirement. An internationally recognized auditor qualification such as CQI IRCA gives you a competitive advantage and enables you to conduct 1st, 2nd and 3rd party audits — leading to job opportunities, consulting roles and part-time auditing positions.
Are there any study materials or resources recommended for preparing for the exam?
Yes, and they are part of our course material.
Is the Lead Auditor exam available in languages other than English?
At present, the CQI IRCA online exam is delivered only in English.
Is the course suitable for beginners with no prior experience in quality management or auditing?
While CQI IRCA suggests prior knowledge for the lead auditor course, it's not mandatory for all learners. 3FOLD offers a complimentary, self-paced QMS Foundation Course; completing it ensures learners acquire the necessary knowledge to successfully complete the lead auditor course, even without prior experience.
Can individuals from non-technical backgrounds or non-QMS roles benefit from the course?
Yes. The course covers fundamental quality management principles and auditing techniques applicable in various roles — QMS is not a technical topic.
Flexible Schedule

Flexible formats, one course

Choose the rhythm that fits your work. Every format covers the same 40 hours and the same five lessons.

Full-Day Format
Weekdays or Sundays · 9:00 AM start · focused completion
  1. Day 1 — ISO 9001:2015 QMS & ISO 19011 auditing principles; Stage 1 audit
  2. Day 2 — Audit planning, checklists & opening meetings
  3. Day 3 — Conducting the audit: leadership, objectives & support
  4. Day 4 — Operations, performance evaluation & improvement
  5. Day 5 — Findings, NC reporting, audit report & follow-up
13-Evening Part-Time
Short evening sessions · 7:00 PM start · learn around work
  1. Sessions 1–3 — QMS fundamentals, ISO 19011 auditing principles & Stage 1 audit
  2. Sessions 4–5 — Audit planning, checklists & opening meetings
  3. Sessions 6–8 — Conducting the audit: leadership, objectives & support
  4. Sessions 9–11 — Operations, performance evaluation & improvement
  5. Sessions 12–13 — Findings, NC reporting, audit report & follow-up
Upcoming Sessions

Upcoming live online sessions

Choose your preferred batch and reserve your place. All sessions are delivered live online via Zoom; times shown in Gulf Standard Time (GST). After you register, a member of the 3FOLD team will contact you within 24 hours with your Zoom joining instructions and LMS access — please ensure your email address is correct.

Live Online · Weekday Evenings
June 22 – July 8, 2026
Dubai (GST): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
13 evenings
AED 2020 / USD 550 45% off (reg. AED 3636 / USD 990) · incl. VAT
Pay in AED Pay in USD
Limited seats — fast filling
Live Online · Weekends
June 28 – July 26, 2026
Dubai (GST): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5 Sundays
AED 2020 / USD 550 45% off (reg. AED 3636 / USD 990) · incl. VAT
Pay in AED Pay in USD
Limited seats — fast filling
Corporate · Group Training
Custom Schedule
Tailor-made schedules for your team or organisation
On Request group & corporate rates available
Request a Quote
Any team size — worldwide

Can't see a date that suits you? Message us on WhatsApp for the latest calendar and group-booking options.

Ready to become an ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor?

Reserve your place on the next live cohort, or talk to an advisor about dates and group bookings.