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ISO 9001 Quality ManagementProfessionalI9001-LA

Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Demonstrates the competence to plan, lead, report and follow up audits of quality management systems against ISO 9001:2015 using ISO 19011 audit guidance.

Exam
2 h
Questions
60
Pass mark
70%
Valid for
3 years

About this certification

Holders apply the principles and guidance of ISO 19011 to manage audit programmes and lead audit teams evaluating conformity with ISO 9001:2015. They understand the purpose of stage 1 and stage 2 audits, use the process approach to trace evidence across processes, write clear nonconformity statements, and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Who it is for: Internal and external auditors, quality managers and supplier auditors.

Syllabus

What you'll be assessed on — 6 modules. The percentage is each module's share of the exam.
  1. 01Audit Principles and Types15% of the exam
    • Explain the audit principles described in ISO 19011
    • Distinguish between first-, second- and third-party audits
  2. 02Audit Programme Management15% of the exam
    • Design a risk-based audit programme aligned to QMS objectives
    • Explain stage 1 and stage 2 certification audit concepts as guidance knowledge
  3. 03Audit Preparation15% of the exam
    • Design an audit plan, checklists and team assignments
    • Apply document review of the QMS to identify audit trails
  4. 04Process-Based Auditing25% of the exam
    • Apply the process approach to trace evidence across interacting processes
    • Apply interviewing, observation and sampling techniques
    • Evaluate effectiveness of risk-based thinking and quality objectives
  5. 05Findings and Reporting20% of the exam
    • Write nonconformity statements citing requirement, evidence and finding
    • Design an audit report and present conclusions at the closing meeting
  6. 06Follow-Up and Auditor Conduct10% of the exam
    • Evaluate root-cause analysis and corrective action plans
    • Apply ethical conduct, impartiality and confidentiality

Competencies assessed

  • Audit Leadership — Plans audits and leads audit teams.
  • Process Auditing — Audits processes and their interactions using objective evidence.
  • Conformity Evaluation — Evaluates conformity with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
  • Audit Reporting — Reports findings and verifies corrective action.

Exam blueprint

Closed-book, timed examination with single-choice, multiple-response and scenario-based questions.
Questions per module60 questions · 2 h · pass 70%
  • Audit Principles and Types9
  • Audit Programme Management9
  • Audit Preparation9
  • Process-Based Auditing15
  • Findings and Reporting12
  • Follow-Up and Auditor Conduct6
Question types
Scenario-based 20% · Single choice 60% · Multiple response 20%
Delivery
Online (remote proctored), Test centre, On-site (corporate)
Retakes
Up to three attempts within any 12-month period. A 14-day waiting period applies after a first unsuccessful attempt and 30 days after a second. Each retake requires a new booking and fee. Retakes draw a different randomised form from the question bank.

Provisional cut score — psychometric validation is required before live delivery. Blueprint v1.0.

Your path to certification

  1. 1

    Register

    Create a free account and start the programme.

  2. 2

    Practice

    Online practice test, 8 questions.

  3. 3

    Training

    Optional

    Online course or classroom — or skip it.

  4. 4

    Certification

    Independent exam and certification decision.

  • Practice test8 questions · 20 min · 70% to pass · free with the programme
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor — online course28 h self-paced€699

Training is optional and does not by itself confer certification. Find a training partner

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required

  • Minimum 3 years' professional experience, including at least 2 years in quality management
  • Documented participation in management system audits (internal or external)
  • Agreement to abide by the AQSCERT Code of Professional Conduct

Recommended

  • I9001-F or equivalent knowledge

More information

Certification process
  1. 1. Application — Create an account and apply for this certification.
  2. 2. Eligibility review — AQSCERT checks the formal eligibility requirements.
  3. 3. Assessment — Sit the 2 h examination online or at a test centre.
  4. 4. Independent decision — A decision maker not involved in your training or assessment reviews all evidence.
  5. 5. Issuance — A digitally signed certificate with QR verification, valid for 3 years.
  6. 6. Recertification — Before expiry, evidence 60 hours of CPD or re-sit the examination.
  7. Certificates may be suspended, withdrawn or revoked in line with the Certification Scheme. Status is always shown on the public verification page.
Scheme & accreditation
Certification scheme
Quality & Governance Certification Scheme
Scheme code
AQS-SCH-26
Scheme version
v1.0 (effective 1 Jan 2026)

Accreditation: AQSCERT is accredited by DA, an IAF MLA signatory, to ISO/IEC 17024. Our programmes are developed by leading experts from industry.

Ready to start I9001-LA?

Practise online, add optional training, then sit the independent exam.

Related ISO 9001 Quality Management certifications

  • Foundation

    I9001-F

    Certified ISO 9001 Foundation

    Validates foundational knowledge of quality management systems based on ISO 9001:2015, including quality management principles, the process approach and risk-based thinking.

    Exam duration
    1 h
    Questions
    40 questions

    Exam fee from

    €225

  • Professional

    I9001-LI

    Certified ISO 9001 Lead Implementer

    Demonstrates the competence to plan, implement, maintain and improve a quality management system based on ISO 9001:2015 that enhances customer satisfaction.

    Exam duration
    2 h
    Questions
    60 questions

    Exam fee from

    €460

Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (I9001-LA) · AQSCERT