Top 11 Lead Auditor Certifications

Certifications for a lead auditor are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary experience and qualifications to excel in their role. Certified lead auditors must have a thorough knowledge of audit techniques, principles, and standards in order to be successful. Employers value these certifications as evidence that an individual is knowledgeable, experienced, and capable of performing their duties effectively. Additionally, certifications provide assurance to employers that a lead auditor is competent in their field and has been formally evaluated by a recognized organization. Certifications also indicate that an individual is committed to ongoing professional development and continuing education. As such, certifications can be invaluable when it comes to obtaining or advancing one’s career in the field of auditing.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Lead Auditors and explain how they can help enhance a lead auditor's career.

What are Lead Auditor Certifications?

Lead Auditor Certification is a type of professional certification awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an audit training program and have demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively audit organizations in accordance with a specific set of standards. The certification is typically used as a benchmark for employers when hiring auditors or for those seeking to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Lead Auditor Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, the certification provides assurance that the auditor has met the necessary qualifications and has received proper training on how to conduct effective audits. Additionally, it can help employers save money by reducing the need to hire additional personnel or engage outside consultants. For employees, having Lead Auditor Certification can help them stand out from other applicants when they are looking for new job opportunities. Having this certification also demonstrates that they have the skills necessary to properly assess an organization’s compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

In addition to providing assurance that auditors possess the necessary qualifications, Lead Auditor Certification can also help organizations demonstrate their commitment to quality management systems and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. By having experienced lead auditors on staff, organizations can ensure that their internal processes are meeting all applicable requirements and that any potential issues are identified early on before they become major problems. This helps organizations maintain their reputation as well as protect themselves from potential legal liabilities associated with non-compliance.

Pro Tip: When considering lead auditor certification, be sure to research the specific qualifications required for your desired certification. Different certifications may require different qualifications, such as experience in a particular industry or knowledge of certain audit standards. Additionally, many certifications require you to complete continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Lead Auditor do?

Top 11 Lead Auditor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Lead Auditors today.

1. Certified Lead Auditor (CLA)

A Certified Lead Auditor (CLA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in auditing management systems. It is awarded by the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). The CLA certification is designed to provide assurance that the auditor has the knowledge, skills and experience to conduct effective audits of management systems.

The CLA certification requires successful completion of a five-day course, with an additional two days for examination. The course covers topics such as auditing principles and practices, audit preparation, conducting an audit and reporting on audit results.

To become certified as a CLA, you must first register with IRCA and complete the five-day course. After completing the course, you must pass the exam to receive your certificate.

The cost of becoming a CLA varies depending on where you take the course and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay between $2,500-$3,500 USD for tuition and exam fees.

2. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQA certification is designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to audit quality systems in a variety of industries. This certification is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to quality assurance and their ability to identify issues and recommend solutions.

The CQA certification process typically takes 4-6 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam administered by ASQ. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a series of courses related to quality auditing and submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be awarded their CQA certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on how many courses are taken and which type of membership with ASQ you choose. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500-$1,000 USD for non-members or $400-$800 USD for members of ASQ.

3. International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)

The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is a register of auditors who have been certified by an accredited certification body. It is a global standard for auditing and provides assurance that the auditor has the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out their role effectively.

To become registered with IRCA, an individual must first complete a course in auditing from an approved training provider. The course typically takes between two and four days to complete, depending on the level of training required. Upon successful completion of the course, the individual will then be eligible to apply for IRCA registration.

To apply for IRCA registration, the individual must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of qualifications and experience. Once approved, they will receive an IRCA certificate which is valid for three years.

The cost of obtaining IRCA registration varies depending on the level of training required and can range from around £500-£1,500 per person. Renewal fees are also applicable after three years in order to maintain registration status.

4. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to audit an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. The certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for conducting internal or external audits of QMSs, as well as those who wish to pursue a career in auditing.

The certification process typically takes between four and six weeks depending on the individual's availability and commitment. It involves completing an online course, taking an online exam, attending a two-day classroom training session, and passing a written exam.

In order to get certified, individuals must first complete an online course which covers the fundamentals of ISO 9001:2015, including its requirements and implementation guidance. After completing the course, they must take an online exam which tests their understanding of the material. Once they have passed this exam, they can attend a two-day classroom training session which covers more advanced topics related to auditing. Finally, they must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD.

5. AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification

AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to ensure that organizations meet the requirements of the AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS) standard. The certification is awarded by accredited third-party certification bodies and is accepted worldwide as a benchmark for quality management system excellence.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks and consists of three parts:

1. Pre-audit preparation: This involves preparing documents, processes, and procedures in accordance with the AS9100 standard.

2. Onsite audit: During this phase, auditors will review the organization’s QMS and evaluate its compliance with the AS9100 standard.

3. Post-audit evaluation: After the onsite audit, the auditor will provide feedback on any areas where improvement is needed and make recommendations for corrective action plans if necessary.

To become an AS9100 Lead Auditor, individuals must have a minimum of five years of experience in quality management systems or related fields, complete a training course approved by an accredited certification body, and pass an exam administered by that same body. The cost of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD.

6. ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that recognizes an individual’s ability to audit and assess the effectiveness of an organization’s environmental management system. It is designed to ensure that organizations are meeting their environmental obligations, as well as managing their resources in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks to complete, depending on the course provider. The first step is to attend a training course which covers topics such as the principles of auditing, ISO 14001 requirements, and how to conduct an effective audit. After completing the course, the candidate must pass a written exam and a practical assessment in order to be certified.

In order to get ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites such as having at least five years of experience in environmental management or auditing, or having completed a relevant degree or diploma program. Once these prerequisites have been met, individuals can then apply for the certification by submitting their application form and supporting documents to an accredited certification body.

The cost of ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

7. OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor Certification

OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides training and qualifications for individuals who wish to audit Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems. It is based on the OHSAS 18001 standard, which is a set of guidelines for implementing an effective OHS management system. The certification requires successful completion of a course, exam and practical experience in auditing.

The duration of the course depends on the provider, but it typically takes between two to five days. The cost also varies depending on the provider, but can range from $1,200 to $2,500 USD.

To become certified as an OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor, you must first complete a training course with an accredited provider. During the course, you will learn about OHSAS 18001 standards and how to effectively audit an organization’s OHS management system. After completing the course, you must pass a written exam and have at least three years of auditing experience in order to be certified. Once certified, you will be able to provide independent audits of organizations’ OHS management systems against the standard.

8. ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of ISO/IEC 27001:2013, the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to audit an ISMS in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001.

It usually takes around 5-7 days to complete the training and get certified. The first step towards getting ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification is to attend a training course. There are many accredited providers offering ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Training courses, both online and in-person. After completing the training, you must pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, online courses are cheaper than in-person courses, but they may not provide as much hands-on experience or access to expert instructors. In-person courses can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD depending on the length and quality of the course.

9. IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor Certification

IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to perform audits in accordance with the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) standard. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for leading, planning, and executing IATF 16949:2016 audits. The certification process includes classroom training, an online exam, and a practical audit experience.

The classroom training typically takes two to three days and covers topics such as auditing principles, IATF 16949:2016 requirements, audit techniques, and reporting. After completing the classroom training, participants must pass an online exam which tests their understanding of the IATF 16949:2016 standard. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certificate of completion.

To get certified as an IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor, individuals must have at least five years of experience in quality management systems or auditing processes. They must also complete a practical audit experience where they will demonstrate their ability to lead an audit team and report on findings in accordance with IATF standards.

The cost of getting certified as an IATF 16949:2016 Lead Auditor can vary depending on the provider offering the course and any additional fees associated with taking the online exam or practical audit experience. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 USD for the entire certification process.

10. ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program designed to provide auditors with the knowledge and skills necessary to audit medical device manufacturers against the requirements of ISO 13485:2016. This certification is aimed at those who wish to become Lead Auditors in the medical device industry, including regulatory bodies, third-party registrars, and internal auditors.

To obtain this certification, candidates must have a minimum of three years' experience in the medical device industry and must attend a training course that covers topics such as risk management, quality management systems, regulations and standards, auditing techniques, and corrective action. The duration of the training course varies depending on the provider but typically takes between two and five days.

The cost for ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider but can range from $1,500 to $2,500 USD. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for exams or other materials.

11. ITIL 4 Foundation & Lead Auditor Certification

ITIL 4 Foundation & Lead Auditor Certification is a certification program that provides IT professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage IT services, processes, and operations. It is based on the latest version of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is an internationally accepted set of best practices for IT service management. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and more.

The certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of training and can be completed in two days or less. To get certified, you must pass an online exam that consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The exam costs $250 USD and is offered by PeopleCert.

In order to become a Lead Auditor, you must have at least three years of experience in IT Service Management or related fields. You must also complete additional training and pass another online exam that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. This exam costs $500 USD and is offered by PeopleCert as well.

Overall, the cost for both certifications combined is approximately $750 USD.

Do You Really Need a Lead Auditor Certificate?

When it comes to auditing, the lead auditor certificate is an important credential that employers often look for in potential candidates. The lead auditor certificate signifies that a person has the knowledge and experience needed to effectively complete an audit process.

At its core, an audit is a systematic process of gathering evidence about the accuracy of financial statements and other documents related to a business or organization. A lead auditor is responsible for planning, leading, and carrying out the audit process. This requires a deep understanding of auditing principles and processes as well as leadership skills. As such, having a lead auditor certificate can be invaluable in helping someone get hired for an auditing role or even move up within their current position.

In addition to being beneficial from a professional standpoint, taking the time to obtain a lead auditor certificate can also be personally rewarding. It signals that you are committed to learning more about the profession and have taken steps to hone your skills in this area. Furthermore, it shows that you are willing to invest in yourself professionally by taking courses and studying topics related to auditing and accounting principles.

Overall, obtaining a lead auditor certificate can be worth it if you are interested in pursuing a career in auditing or advancing within your current role. It signals professionalism and expertise while also providing additional opportunities for growth within the field.

Related: Lead Auditor Resume Examples

FAQs About Lead Auditor Certifications

Q1: What is a Lead Auditor Certification?

A1: A Lead Auditor Certification is an internationally recognized certificate that certifies a person's ability to audit management systems. It is awarded by accredited certification bodies and provides evidence of a professional's knowledge and competency in auditing.

Q2: What are the benefits of having a Lead Auditor Certification?

A2: A Lead Auditor Certification demonstrates a professional’s commitment to quality assurance, as well as their expertise in the area. It also allows them to perform audits more efficiently and effectively, helping organizations ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations.

Q3: How long does it take to get a Lead Auditor Certification?

A3: The length of time for obtaining a Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the certification body and the program chosen. Generally, it takes between 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for getting Lead Auditor Certified?

A4: Yes, typically applicants must have some experience in auditing or quality management before they can become certified as a lead auditor. Additionally, many certification bodies require applicants to complete an approved training course prior to taking the exam.

Q5: How much does it cost to become Lead Auditor Certified?

A5: The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the certification body and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, costs can range from $500-$2000 USD per person.