Auditor requirements & competence criteria

Before applying, check here which grade you qualify for.

Requirements by grade

These common requirements apply to every grade — ① higher education or above ② passing the knowledge and aptitude test (70+) ③ an ISO auditor or lead-auditor training certificate

GradeAdditional requirements
Provisional auditorProvisionalNone beyond the common requirements — it keeps your training valid and allows you to observe audits
AuditorAuditor4+ years of work experience (including 2+ years related to the standard)
20+ MD of audit or observation in the last three years
Lead auditorLead Auditor4+ years of work experience (incl. 2+ related)
35+ MD of audits in the last three years (including 15+ MD as lead auditor)
Verification auditorVerification10+ years of work experience (incl. 5+ related)
15+ MD as lead auditor in the last three years
③ applications open one year after lead-auditor registration
recommendation by the certification body

MD (man-day) measures audit duration. 1.0 MD = one auditor for eight hours; 0.5 MD = four hours.

Competence criteria and what to submit

Basic conditions for issuing an auditor certificate.

CriterionWhat it meansDocument
TrainingCompleted an auditor course run by a training organisationAuditor training certificate
EducationReceived higher education or aboveDiploma
Work experience4+ years of practical experience (including 2+ years related to the standard applied for)· Bachelor’s degree 4+ years
· High school 6+ years
Certificate of employmentWaived if you complete the career details in the form
Waiver of the 20 MD observationApplicants with internal audit experience or supplier assessment experience who have carried out work equivalent to that of an auditor in accordance with ISO 19011, and who have passed an interview with an ITS verification auditorInterview outcome

Renewal requirements

Every grade renews on a three-year cycle from first issue. Within the three years before expiry you must have:

GradeRenewal requirement
Auditor10 MD of audit activity + 16 hours of CPD
Lead auditorAs above, including at least one audit as lead auditor
Verification auditorAs above, including verification activity

You must also report any management-system consultancy once a year after registration. If there is none, simply state “none”. (Impartiality — ISO/IEC 17021-1)