After this training you can plan, conduct and properly close audits of ISO 9001 quality management systems. You gather evidence, write sound findings, prepare the report and manage a whole audit programme. The course draws on ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1. It suits you if you already audit or want to lead audits, if you are responsible for your company's conformity with the standard, or if you advise organisations preparing for audits.
What you’ll take away.
- Interpret the ISO 9001 requirements from an auditor's point of view
- Assess whether a QMS conforms using audit principles
- Plan, conduct and close audits in line with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1
- Manage an ISO 9001 audit programme
Your training in detail
- Who is it for?
- Auditors, quality managers, consultants and specialists who want to carry out or lead audits of quality management systems.
- Prerequisites
- PECB asks for a basic understanding of the ISO 9001 requirements and comprehensive knowledge of audit principles.
- 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.
Quality management systems and ISO 9001 requirements from an audit perspective
Audit fundamentals and principles
Preparing and initiating an audit
On-site activities: interviews, evidence and findings
Closing an audit: report, conclusions and follow-up
Managing the audit programme
Revising and practising the exam domains
You work through an audit on a case study: you draft the audit plan, hold an interview, write up nonconformities and produce a short report.
Exams, licences & credentials
The course prepares for the PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam. PECB awards the certificate, and the level depends on proven work and audit experience. The exam and fees are included only if confirmed in the offer. It is not an official PECB course unless the offer says so.
Vendor references & review date
Sources checked on 2026-11-04. 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
What experience do I need for the Lead Auditor title?
PECB requires five years of work experience, two of them in quality management, and 300 hours of audit experience. Without experience, you can apply for the Provisional Auditor level.
Does the course also help with internal audits?
Yes. You can apply the planning, interviewing, evidence and reporting skills directly to internal audits, even though the course is geared towards certification audits.
Does PECB ISO 9001 Lead Auditor: planning and leading QMS audits include a certificate?
The course prepares for the PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam. PECB awards the certificate, and the level depends on proven work and audit experience. The exam and fees are included only if confirmed in the offer. It is not an official PECB course unless the offer says so.