Getting this audit experience is difficult for some. Some internal audits and supplier audits can count. Consulting audits can count too. If you don’t have access to this, then often a certification body will allow you to participate in audits but there is usually some payback associated with that. Some less than professional certification bodies will actually charge you to be part of a team that they are charging the client for. You maintain a log of the audits that you have participated in and get the auditee or team leader to sign off on your logs. These, along with other evidence is submitted to the registration organization for review – and issue of your formal status as a registered auditor.
Once you have achieved lead auditor there is no guarantee that a certification body will contract with you or employ you. The work can be grueling, is not particularly well respected and not always well paid. You can use your qualification to set up as a consultant – but because many of us have had less than professional experiences of so-called professional auditors, the status doesn’t always mean much.Most people who complete the lead auditor training course stop there claiming to be “ISO lead auditors” on their resume and most employers understand that and the value it brings.
IDA is an Accreditation Forum which provides assessment and accreditation services, GITCHIA is a certification Body which offers education and certification under ISO/IEC 17024 for individuals on a wide range of disciplines.
We help professionals and organizations show commitment and competence by providing them with valuable education, evaluation and certification against rigorous internationally recognized standards. Our mission is to provide our clients with comprehensive services that inspire trust, continual improvement, demonstrate recognition, and benefit the society as a whole.
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