After the course you can audit an AI management system against ISO/IEC 42001 in a structured way, from planning through to the report. You will know which evidence on risk assessment, impact assessment and the AI system lifecycle holds up, write nonconformities that others can follow, and run an audit programme over several years. It suits you if you already audit management systems and now need to cover AI, if you are responsible for internal audits in your organisation, or if you prepare clients for certification as a consultant.
What you’ll take away.
- Interpret the requirements of ISO/IEC 42001 from an auditor's point of view
- Prepare, conduct and close an audit in line with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1, including the report
- Assess evidence on AI risks, impact assessments and controls, and write clear nonconformities
- Set up and run an audit programme for AI management systems
Your training in detail
- Who is it for?
- Internal and external auditors specialising in AI management systems, consultants, people responsible for AI compliance, and professionals who design or deploy AI solutions and need to understand the audit process.
- Prerequisites
- You should know the basics of ISO/IEC 42001 and be comfortable with terms such as model, training data and AI risk. Audit experience helps but is not required.
- Format & planning
- Standard length: 5 training days. A different length can be arranged for companies.
Agenda: from understanding to application
Our independently developed agenda proposal. Focus areas, lab environment and scope are agreed before booking.
AI management systems and ISO/IEC 42001: structure of the standard, terms and the Annex A controls
Audit principles, audit team roles and a risk-based approach under ISO 19011
Preparing the audit: objectives, scope, audit plan and review of documented information
On-site audit: interviews, sampling, observation and evidence on AI systems
Closing the audit: findings, nonconformity reports, the audit report and follow-up
Managing an audit programme and focused exam preparation
A running case study: a company uses an AI assistant in customer service. You draw up the audit plan, run an interview as a role play, evaluate evidence from its impact assessment and write two nonconformity reports.
Exams, licences & credentials
The course prepares you for the PECB ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor exam. The exam and its fees are included only if the offer explicitly confirms this. The certificate is issued by PECB, which awards Provisional Auditor, Auditor, Lead Auditor or Senior Lead Auditor depending on your professional and audit experience. It is an official PECB course only if the offer says so.
Vendor references & review date
Sources checked on 2026-11-10. These sources describe the technology or external exam requirements. They do not imply a partnership with NextNowa.
Your learning content
These objectives describe the training topic. The specific syllabus, dates and trainer are agreed before booking; the written offer is binding.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ISO/IEC 42001 Foundation first?
Not formally. PECB expects a basic understanding of ISO/IEC 42001 and AI concepts. If the standard is new to you, Foundation is a sensible first step.
How does Lead Auditor differ from Lead Implementer?
Lead Implementer is about building and developing an AI management system. Lead Auditor is about checking whether an existing system meets the requirements and leading the audits that do so.
Do I become a Lead Auditor straight after passing the exam?
That depends on your experience. For Lead Auditor, PECB asks for five years of professional experience, two of them in AI, plus 300 hours of audit activity. Without that, Provisional Auditor or Auditor is the starting point.
Does ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor: auditing AI management systems include a certificate?
The course prepares you for the PECB ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Auditor exam. The exam and its fees are included only if the offer explicitly confirms this. The certificate is issued by PECB, which awards Provisional Auditor, Auditor, Lead Auditor or Senior Lead Auditor depending on your professional and audit experience. It is an official PECB course only if the offer says so.