Lead Internal & External Auditor Training

Develop real-world capability to lead audits across multiple disciplines

Our Lead Auditor training develops job-ready skills to plan, conduct and report on audits aligned with ISO 19011. The focus is on practical application, helping you carry out audits that add real value across any management system and workplace environment.

With a variety of Lead Auditor course options available, we make it easy to select the level that matches your role, experience, and career goals.  Our Lead Auditor courses are internationally recognised by Exemplar Global and, when combined with one of our management systems courses, include the nationally recognised BSBSS00128 Lead Auditor Skill Set. 

Not sure which course best fits your background or responsibilities? Our team can help you review the options and choose the right pathway.

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Browse our range of Lead Internal & External Auditor Training Courses:

FAQs

What is ISO 19011?

ISO 19011 is an international standard that provides guidance on auditing management systems, including how to plan, conduct, and manage audits. It covers audit principles, auditor competence, audit programs, and the audit process from planning through to reporting and follow-up.

Which Lead Internal and External Auditor training course suits you best?

The 2-day Becoming a Skilled Lead Internal/External auditor course has a particular focus on the principles of auditing, the importance of planning, the roles and responsibilities of an auditor, how to gather effective audit evidence and report on the audit findings, and the required follow-up activities as an auditor. It is for those seeking knowledge of how to audit a management system and knowledge of the internal and external audit process. This course will leave you ready to conduct audits internally within your organisation.

Our Lead Auditor courses can be undertaken with a combination of other management systems disciplines – Quality Management Systems (Exemplar Global QM), Environmental Management Systems (Exemplar Global EM), OH&S Management Systems (Exemplar Global OH 45001), Information Security Management Systems (Exemplar Global IS), and Food Safety Management Systems (Exemplar Global FS). These courses are ideal for those looking to gain registration with Exemplar Global to conduct external or third-party audits.

Do you offer foundation-level courses?

If you’re looking for a foundation-level auditing skills, be sure to check out our eLearns in Audit Interview Skills and Report Writing Fundamentals.

If you want a basic understanding of the ISO management systems standards, our eLearns in Introduction to ISO 9001, Introduction to ISO 14001, and Introduction to ISO 45001 might be for you.

Our eLearns are self-paced, take around 45-minutes to complete, and are developed by RTP subject matter experts.

What is the difference between an internal and external auditor?

An internal auditor works from within the organisation, reviewing systems, processes and controls to see if they’re actually doing what they’re meant to do and meeting the relevant standards. Quality auditing highlights gaps, tests assumptions, and gives leadership teams clear insight into what’s working and what needs attention before a certification or regulator steps in.

An external auditor comes in independently, usually representing a certification body or another organisation. Their role is to provide an objective assessment against a recognised standard such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001. That might involve auditing a supplier as part of a second-party review or conducting a full third-party certification audit to determine whether a management system meets the required criteria.

Can I complete Lead Auditor training without prior auditing experience?

Yes, you can. While some existing knowledge of management systems or workplace compliance is helpful, it is not a strict requirement. Many participants start with limited or no formal auditing experience.

Lead Auditor training is specifically structured, so you are guided through planning, conducting and reporting on audits in a clear, logical way. If you’re unsure where to start, our team can review your background, industry experience and career goals, then recommend a pathway that makes sense for you.

Who should undertake this training course?

Our Lead Auditor courses are suited to:

  • Professionals seeking to become Lead Auditors or Third-Party Auditors
  • Individuals planning to conduct internal or external audits of management systems
  • Those working towards registration with Exemplar Global
  • Quality Managers, Management Representatives, and Consultants responsible for certified systems
  • Professionals leading their organisation through ISO standard certification
  • Individuals wanting a formal, recognised Lead Auditor qualification

If your role involves assessing, maintaining, or preparing management systems for certification, this training provides the structured capability to do so effectively.

Are Risk Training Professionals’ ISO 19011 courses nationally and internationally recognised?

As an Exemplar Global certified TPECS provider, our ISO 19011 training is internationally recognised. We’re also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) (RTO Code: 46539), and offer offering nationally recognised units of competency in the BSBSS00128 Lead Auditor Skill Set in our Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor course.

What our students say about our courses

“The virtual classroom coupled with an enthusiastic trainer made the course easy to run through and as good as any face-to-face courses I have ever attended.”

“Honestly thought it was gonna be boring. I was very wrong! Very engaging and informative. Loved all 5 days and will be back for more courses!”

“Let’s be honest – ISO standards aren’t exactly edge-of-your-seat material. But this course proved that with the right coach, even clauses and compliance can be compelling! Packed with real-world examples, well-paced sessions, and just the right amount of workshops, it was surprisingly enjoyable. Highly recommended!”

“It was clearly evident that the lead auditor trainer had significant industry-related experience in auditing. He was able to keep the class fully engaged with personal interaction and reinforce learnings. Getting full copies of the standards was amazing, the catering and the training location in Brisbane was perfect.”

“The trainer’s experience and real-life examples gave great context to the course material. The 5 days allowed the material to be digested in a way that was not overwhelming. I’d definitely recommend the course to others.”

Need help finding a course?

Speak directly with a member of the RTP team to decide which course is right for you.

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Enrol in any public course during August and you'll receive a complimentary eLearn of your choice from our selected library.
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