IRCA Third-Party Auditor Quality Management System

The course is designed to prepare students for the IRCA certification exam to become a third-party auditor for quality management systems. The certified auditor is able to ensure that a company's management system complies with the requirements of the implemented and effectively maintained standard. They draw up conclusions and recommendations on the basis of which certification is granted or renewed.
Their skills are recognized internationally by all certification bodies
This module is compulsory for the 3A MIDD specialization. It is also of interest for the CPI specialization.
ETHIQUAL (Potential trainers: Philippe CHIROLD - Director or Jenny DEBAERE - Trainer, both of whom are already listed as lecturers at the University of Bordeaux)
Maximum number of participants for the IRCA auditor exam: 12 (limit imposed by IRCA). Selection by letter of motivation

Participants will need to demonstrate mastery of the principles and concepts of quality management systems, as well as an overall knowledge of ISO 9001 version 2015 (it is reviewed quickly during the training). Prior to the training, each participant will be asked to answer a questionnaire on:
- The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) improvement cycle
- The relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction
- The 7 principles of quality management presented in ISO 9000
- The process approach used in quality management
- The structure and content of ISO 9001 version 2015

Organization: 2 days + 3 days or 2.5 days + cross audits (1/2 day) + 2 days
Exam at the end of the training cycle: 2H
DAY 1: CONCEPTS
- The principles of quality management systems
- Defining accreditation, certification, the organizations involved and the different types of audit
- Understanding the structure and requirements of the standard
- Understanding the context and methods of analysis
- Understanding the process approach

DAY 2 : PREPARING AN AUDIT
- Setting up an audit program
- Planning and preparing an audit

DAY 3: REALIZING AN AUDIT SEQUENCE
- Mastering audit techniques
- Case studies on the different stages of an audit
- Mastering the writing of non-conformities
- Carrying out an audit sequence in the classroom or during a cross-audit organized by ENSCBP

DAY 4: CONCLUDING AN AUDIT AND COMPLETING THE REPORT
- Reporting audit results
- Checking corrective actions
- Setting up follow-up audits
- Deciding on corrective and improvement actions
- Preparing the audit report

DAY 5: WRITING NCs / REVIEWS
- Review quiz
- Review of previous days
- Writing NCs
- IRCA registration of the auditor / audit manager
Two-hour exam, date to be chosen at the end of the module from the schedule validated with the school, subject chosen by IRCA, for the 12 students enrolled. Exam registration fee (requested by IRCA and collected by ETHIQUAL): 50 euros/participant at present. Attendance at the entire course and correct completion of all assignments is a prerequisite for sitting the exam.
And continuous assessment for all students: audit scenarios (preparation of the audit grid and conduct of the audit).

Recommended References

ISO 9001 version 2015
ISO 19011 version 2018
Auditing management systems François Weber (Author) Guide des pratiques - ISO 19011:2018 et ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Published August 29, 2019