The SQMC Method
When you invest a week away from work, you need confidence that your time will be wisely spent. An increasing number of the UK's largest organisations are switching to SQMC for ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training, because they realise the value of our industry-leading first-time pass rates*.
However, it's not simply about passing your exam - our intention is to coach you toward auditing excellence. We begin by matching the content to your own learning style, preferences and pace, and developing your understanding of the subject, layer by layer.
An SQMC course provides you with the optimum platform to learn the real-world duties of a QMS Lead Auditor, and about the ISO 9001 Certification process, in a fun, informal atmosphere.
You'll return to work with an improved comprehension of ISO 9001's functionality, as well as that of other key, associated Standards (such as ISO 17,021 and ISO 19,011). Plus, you'll better appreciate business processes, and know how best to 'map' them out, logically.
Moreover, you'll learn all of this within a safe environment, where you can feel comfortable trying out supplier auditing protocols and techniques for yourself, under the encouraging mentoring of your experienced and supportive tutor.
*SQMC first-time pass rates have been consistently higher than IRCA's worldwide average, according to their annually published statistics.
What will I learn?
Here's a brief rundown of a dozen elements you'll glean from our series of lively, interactive discussions, practical audit scenarios, and team exercises:
- The purpose and business benefits of a Quality Management System (QMS).
- How the "Plan - Do - Check - Act" (PDCA) cycle has influenced ISO 9001.
- A review of the principles and concepts of "Quality".
- A critical evaluation of the "Seven Quality Management Principles" – as explained and expounded by your own Quality "guru" for the week (all of our approved Tutors are hand-picked, SQMC-trained, Chartered Quality Professionals; and are genuine experts in the field).
- Getting to grips with Documentation and Interpretation.
- Understand the principles, methodology, preparationand performance of a Quality Audit, to ISO 19,011; including theefficient use of Checklists.
- The key to selecting the Audit sample,and the subsequent preparation of the ideal questions – get this right and you'll perform Process Audits with increased confidence.
- How to prepare the findings and statements of a nonconformity.
- Master the art of Audit Reporting.
- A look at Corrective & Preventive Action, the follow-up process, and then surveillance.
- A discussion of the duties of an Auditor and a Lead Auditor, with a seasoned pro.
- The role of government in validating certification bodies, and the requirements of the Registration Scheme in the UK operated by the Chartered Quality Institute's "International Register of Certificated Auditors" (CQI / IRCA).
How will I benefit? How will my employer reap the rewards?
Achieving the status of an 'ISO 9001 Lead Auditor' through our course will fully qualify you to carry out external audits anywhere in the world.
In practical terms, you'll help your employer ensure its suppliers meets the standards it set for its own customers. You can become an integral part of the process of assuring your organisation meets its objectives, better realising its statements of intent. You can also add value to your organisation's internal operations – after all, in which area of your operations would you not want quality?!
Furthermore, as an IRCA-Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, you'll be on a level playing field as the '3rd Party' auditors that visit from your company's Certification Body. Or perhaps you'll go on to become a Certification Auditor, yourself - since you'll now possess the qualification most government-accredited Certification Bodies require for the job.
Lastly, from a personal perspective, when you have a few audits under your belt, you can acquire 'IRCA-Registered' status as a professional auditor, with the Chartered Quality Institute.
No hidden costs. Here's what you'll receive:
- Personal copies of ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and ISO 19,011, fully licensed for you to keep.
- An extensive SQMC reference manual, and workbook.
- Coaching from a highly experienced, Chartered Quality Professional.
- Your CQI / IRCA exam fee.
- A globally-recognised certificate.
- Refreshments and delicious, sit-down lunches, served in our venue restaurants.
- SQMC's highly-acclaimed after care.
