Lead Auditor Training for ISO and API Standards
Learn to plan, lead and report management system audits with confidence. Lead Auditor courses for ISO 9001:2026, ISO 14001:2026, ISO 45001:2018, API Spec Q1 and API Spec Q2, delivered by experienced auditors.
5-day courses · Online live, classroom or in-house · Certificate on successful completion
Lead Auditor Courses
| Course | Standard edition | Duration | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMS Lead Auditor | ISO 9001:2026 | 5 days (40 hours) | Online live · Classroom · In-house |
| EMS Lead Auditor | ISO 14001:2026 | 5 days (40 hours) | Online live · Classroom · In-house |
| OH&S MS Lead Auditor | ISO 45001:2018 | 5 days (40 hours) | Online live · Classroom · In-house |
| API Spec Q1 Lead Auditor | API Spec Q1, 10th edition | 5 days (40 hours) | Online live · Classroom · In-house |
| API Spec Q2 Lead Auditor | API Spec Q2, 3rd edition | 5 days (40 hours) | Online live · Classroom · In-house |
Choose Your Course
ISO 9001:2026 QMS Lead Auditor
Lead quality management system audits against the new ISO 9001:2026. Covers every requirement, what changed from ISO 9001:2015, and how to audit organisations during the three-year transition.
ISO 14001:2026 EMS Lead Auditor
Lead environmental management system audits against ISO 14001:2026: aspects and impacts, compliance obligations, life-cycle thinking and performance, with the 2026 focus on climate, biodiversity and resource use.
ISO 45001:2018 OH&S MS Lead Auditor
Lead occupational health and safety audits against ISO 45001:2018: hazard identification, risk assessment, worker participation, legal requirements, incident investigation and emergency preparedness.
API Spec Q1 Lead Auditor
Lead audits of oil and gas manufacturers against API Spec Q1: risk assessment, contingency planning, management of change, critical supplier control, product quality plans, design validation and traceability.
API Spec Q2 Lead Auditor
Lead audits of oil and gas service suppliers against API Spec Q2: service quality plans, field personnel competence, equipment readiness, service risk and contingency planning, and well-site audits.
What You Will Be Able to Do
- ✔ Explain the purpose, structure and requirements of the standard
- ✔ Plan an audit: scope, criteria, audit plan, team roles and checklists
- ✔ Lead opening and closing meetings with confidence
- ✔ Gather objective evidence through interviews, observation and records
- ✔ Write clear, graded nonconformities that stand up to challenge
- ✔ Lead and manage an audit team, including difficult situations
- ✔ Prepare an audit report with a certification recommendation
- ✔ Evaluate root cause analysis and verify corrective actions
Course Content
Five days that take you from the standard to a full audit simulation.
Day 1
Foundations
Management system principles, the high-level structure, the standard’s requirements part 1, and the role of certification and accreditation.
Day 2
The Standard in Depth
Remaining requirements, what’s new in the current edition, and interpreting requirements in different industries.
Day 3
Audit Principles & Planning
Auditing principles (ISO 19011), audit types, the Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification process, audit programmes and planning.
Day 4
Conducting the Audit
Opening meeting, audit trails, sampling, interviewing, recording evidence, writing nonconformities and audit simulation.
Day 5
Reporting & Examination
Closing meeting, audit reports, corrective action follow-up, surveillance audits, course review and final written examination.
Who Should Attend
- Quality, HSE and environment managers and engineers
- Management representatives and system coordinators
- Consultants and trainers
- Professionals planning a career as second-party or third-party auditors
- Supplier quality and vendor audit teams of buyers and EPC contractors
Prerequisites
A working knowledge of the relevant standard is recommended. Participants new to the standard can first complete our Awareness or Internal Auditor course. For API courses, familiarity with manufacturing or oilfield service operations is helpful.
Assessment & Certificate
Participants are assessed through workshops and a final written examination. Those who pass receive a Lead Auditor course certificate from Global Edge; others receive a certificate of attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lead Auditor and Internal Auditor training?
Internal Auditor training prepares you to audit your own organisation. Lead Auditor training goes further, covering how to lead an audit team and conduct second-party and third-party (certification) audits.
Does the course cover the new 2026 editions?
Yes. The ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 courses are based on the 2026 editions and explain what changed from the 2015 versions.
Can I attend online from the GCC?
Yes. Our online live courses are open to participants in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq and beyond.
Can you run the course for our company only?
Yes. In-house batches can be scheduled at your premises or online, using examples from your industry.
Will I become a certified third-party auditor after this course?
The course gives you the knowledge and skills required. Working as a certification body auditor also requires audit experience and approval by the certification body.
Book Your Lead Auditor Course
Tell us the standard, number of participants and preferred delivery. We’ll send upcoming dates and fees.