Auditors, especially external ones, travel a lot and get to know different companies and contexts, which broadens their knowledge, culture, and analytical skills. Furthermore, good auditors with experience and know-how can achieve high monthly earnings, as well as more flexible and interesting work routines.
That’s why today’s content will provide you with a step-by-step guide to reach this incredible profession. The journey to becoming an auditor may be longer than for other careers, but the rewards are without a doubt unparalleled. Let’s dive in!
Understanding What an ISO Management Systems Auditor Is
Before we begin, it’s worth understanding what an ISO systems auditor actually does. In general, an auditor verifies whether an organization is properly following specific requirements and guidelines. There are different types of auditors, each focusing on a particular area.
An ISO management systems auditor focuses on auditing companies that follow ISO standards (International Organization for Standardization). ISO publishes international management standards with the goal of improving organizational performance.
Thus, an ISO auditor assesses whether companies are compliant with standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management), among others. The auditor evaluates processes, documentation, and compliance to ensure the organization meets the requirements of the standard and can, therefore, receive a certificate of conformity.
This also means that the first step in learning how to become an ISO management systems auditor is to choose which standards you want to audit. It is possible to become an auditor for multiple standards at once, which is highly valued in the industry. However, it is up to you to decide which path best fits your professional journey.
Step 1: Take a Lead Auditor Training Course
To become an auditor, the most common and recommended path is to take an ISO Lead Auditor course. These courses usually have a longer workload and cover various essential aspects of both the chosen standard and the audit process itself.
A good lead auditor course introduces the fundamentals of the selected ISO standards (requirements, guidelines, and terminology) and presents auditing techniques (such as planning, execution, and reporting). These courses also emphasize ISO 19011, a supporting standard that deals specifically with the auditing process itself rather than the standards being audited.
ISO 19011 is essential for understanding how to become an ISO management systems auditor. It teaches how to conduct internal and external audits, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of auditors, and provides overall guidance on the process. Lead auditor courses may focus on a single standard or multiple ones, depending on your interest and the market, but ISO 19011 is a constant reference in all of them.
Step 2: Gain Experience in the Field
For example, to become an ISO 9001 auditor, it is important to be familiar with quality management processes. This experience helps you better understand what will be audited, conduct more thorough investigations, and become a sharper and more effective auditor.
That’s why, after completing your lead auditor course, you should seek additional hands-on experience. This will make all the difference in your career journey. For instance, you could perform internal audits within your current company.
You could also volunteer to participate in audits or seek opportunities with organizations that allow you to shadow auditors. This will help you gain practical knowledge and, even more importantly, confidence! It will also give you a clearer understanding of the challenges of auditing, the market, and the profession as a whole.
Step 3: Seek Other Recognized Certifications (Optional but Recommended)
Although optional, this third step can greatly accelerate your professional success, facilitating entry into large companies and adding more credibility and recognition to your work.
In addition to the lead auditor course, there are institutions that recognize auditors internationally. A great example is Exemplar Global, currently the world’s largest organization dedicated to auditors.
These certifications prove that you have gone through a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation, often including practical experience. They validate your ability to perform audits, making you a much more sought-after professional in the business world.
Bonus Step: Network and Stay Updated
The auditing market is quite dynamic, offering many opportunities for interaction, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth. It is not hard to find communities and groups dedicated to ISO standards and management systems.
While not mandatory, participating in events, groups, and online communities will benefit you greatly. Beyond acquiring knowledge, you will have greater chances of meeting people and companies in the field. This can facilitate your entry into the market and help you build an active, professional image committed to the industry.
Perseverance: The True Path to Becoming an ISO Management Systems Auditor
As we have seen, the journey to becoming an ISO auditor requires study, practice, and networking, but the most important thing is to take the first step — preferably today. Each standard studied is a new map, each audit is a new territory to explore, and each connection is a bridge to opportunities that can transform your career.
Many dream of recognition, freedom, and growth, but few truly move in that direction. If you are reading this now, you are already closer to starting an incredible journey full of discovery. So, why not begin this adventure and become the next valued professional in the world of ISO auditing? The future awaits those who dare to act!
And if you want to take the next step in your career as an ISO management systems auditor, QMS Certification is here to help! We offer complete, up-to-date, and recognized training programs designed to prepare you for real-world challenges. No matter which standard you want to audit, we have the ideal training for you. Count on us!
