Scope
What key components of the ISO management system will the course cover, and how are they structured?
All aspects are covered. See the individual Course pages for details.
What methodologies or frameworks will be taught to develop an effective management system?
A step-by-step implementation guide, including a Gap Analysis Tool, is provided.
What practical skills and tools will I gain to facilitate the implementation process within my organization?
All Implementer Courses include 100+ page step-by-step guides to implementation and securing certification with hints and tips throughout.
Will the course help me develop a tailored implementation plan specific to my organization’s needs?
The approach in our Courses can be applied to any organization. In addition, and to address your unique needs, we provide free 24/7 Tutor Support throughout your Course and for 6 months after that.
We recommend cloud-based storage of documents and records. Otherwise, we do not recommend particular software applications.
Course Content
How does the course address the specific requirements for different ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001)?
The standards are studied individually. Use Extension Courses if knowledge of more than one standard is needed.
How does the course prepare me to conduct a gap analysis and assess our current management practices?
A comprehensive Gap Analysis Tool is included with each Course.
What strategies will the course provide for monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the management system?
Full instructions are provided on conducting internal audit programs.
How does the course address the integration of ISO management systems with existing organizational processes?
Current processes are integrated into the management system. Although additional requirements may exist, typically for new records, existing processes should be modified and not discarded.
What role does risk management play in the implementation of an ISO management system, and how is it addressed in the course?
A risk-based approach and risk management methods are included to the extent the standard requires.
How does the course address the requirements for ongoing maintenance and continual improvement of the management system?
Guidance is provided as part of your Course, and where appropriate, it refers to official standards and guides on this topic.
What are the common challenges organizations face during the implementation process, and how does the course prepare me to address them?
The Implementation Handbook provides every course with advice on what to do and not to do. We identify the common ‘potholes’ for you to avoid.
Will the course provide insights on conducting internal audits for the ISO management system?
Comprehensive guidance on conducting an Internal Audit Program is provided.
What is the balance between theoretical concepts and practical applications in the course content?
Module 1 covers auditing skills, Module 2 covers knowledge of the standard, and Module 3, Scenarios, deals with the practical application of the skills and knowledge gained.
How does the course prepare me to work with external auditors during the certification process?
Preparing for an external audit is included in the course content.
What options are available for customizing the course content to align with my organization’s specific industry or context?
Our free 24/7 Tutor Support will help you fill this need.
What is the expected timeframe for developing and implementing an ISO management system as taught in the course?
Four to five months is typical to allow sufficient time to build up records that demonstrate the system has been both implemented and maintained.
Course Material
Will the course include assessments or evaluations to measure my understanding of the material?
All the Lessons of the Course include Quizzes and FAQs to reinforce learning.
Are there any practical exercises or simulations to apply the concepts learned during the course?
Module 3 of every Implementation Course includes scenarios to demonstrate the practical application of the skills and knowledge gained from the Course.
Are there any assessments or projects required during the course to demonstrate my understanding of the material?
The Examinations at the end of each Course Module fulfill this function.
Are there additional resources, such as templates or checklists, provided to support the implementation efforts?
Course materials include a Documentation Toolkit (sample procedures, record forms, flowcharts, and similar).
Certification
What certification or recognition will I receive upon completion of the Lead Implementer course?
A Certificate with our ISO 21001 logo is provided to affirm that you have completed the Course and passed the associated examinations.
What are the options for recertification or continuing education related to the Lead Implementer course?
Our Certificates do not expire. However, we do provide refresher and recertification courses, which you may choose to maintain your knowledge and skills.
Lead Implementer Courses
Which is better: Lead Auditor Course or Lead Implementer Course?
Conventional lead auditor training can be beneficial for many people; however, it will not always work for everyone. This applies both to those who want to manage their company’s management system or provide consultancy services for third parties.
Because of this, we usually recommend that our learners consider taking lead implementer courses instead. This can be a better idea in many cases due to the following reasons:
- Until recently, conventional lead auditor courses were the only option for those who wish to manage their organization’s management system.
These courses primarily include information related to the management of audits in compliance with ISO 17021. This is the standard that certification bodies are required to follow. While this can contain valuable lessons for some professional auditors, this can be of little use to the APM. These include those working as Audit Programme Managers (APM).
The Audit Programme Manager is responsible for managing the quality system’s internal (and external) auditing requirements. The activities here include:
- Process flow – analyzing the organization’s processes and audit history to establish an effective Audit Schedule
- Audit Programme content – both vertical and horizontal audit activities
- Types of Audit Programme – external (suppliers) and as well as internal
- Audit Programme Procedures – allocating responsibility for all six stages of the audit cycle
- Establishing the audit programme
- Training and selecting suitable auditors
- Implementing the audit programme
- Audit programme monitoring
- Reviewing and improving audit programmes
These activities are outside the scope of a Lead Auditor Course where the focus is on training auditors to work with Certification Auditors (and ISO Guidance Documents rarely get a mention). Such bodies have their own auditing programmes and procedures (documented and approved as part of their accreditation), so this area is excluded from Lead Auditor Courses.
What about the needs of the Management Representative? Tough!
2. The problem of implementing and maintaining a QMS
Let’s focus on ISO 9001:2015.
No two quality management systems are the same, more so now that ISO 9001:2015 doesn’t even include any mandatory documented procedures.
A Quality System’s structure, content, implementation, and maintenance to meet ISO 9001:2015 requirements is beyond what a Lead Auditor Course could reasonably expect.
The typical implementation of a QMS is undertaken in three phases:
- Phase A. Initiating (dealing with Parts 4 & 5 of the Standard)
- Phase B. Planning (dealing with Part 6)
- Phase C. Implementation (dealing with Parts 7, 8, 9 & 10)
Maintenance of the system involves a periodic review and audit of the three Phases of the system (incorporated into the mandatory internal audits and the management review activity).
3. Because of the five-day time limit on lead auditor courses, learners have relatively limited time to study.
As a result, important topics like conflict resolution related to planning and closing out of internal audits may not receive enough emphasis. If you are an Audit Programme Manager, this is something that will fall under your responsibilities & Auditor
Why Take an ISO Lead Implementer Course?
Taking a lead implementer course can offer an advantage over taking traditional lead auditor courses. Mostly, this lies in its ability to allow learners to focus on what exactly they need to know.
By allowing this, they can make the most of both their money and their time. This is especially true for those aiming to become Audit Programme Managers.
What Makes Lead Implementer Courses a Great Option?
Lead Implementer courses are a new grade of auditor training intended for those who are or wish to be, Management System Consultants or Management Representatives, and typically Quality Managers and EHS Managers, whose responsibility it is to manage all day-to-day aspects of their organization’s management systems. But, who do not need to plan and organize and deliver certification audits.
Internal Auditor Courses focus on the auditing activity directly – document review, checklist preparation, and on-site auditing activity – and often don’t mention audit management requirements.
On the other hand, Lead Auditor Courses have much information not needed by the person responsible for an organization’s management systems, such as formal opening and closing meetings, managing the Audit Team, dealing with difficult consultants, and the detailed content of Certification Body Audit Reports, etc.
What’s needed is something in between and the perfect balance is provided by our Lead Implementer-Auditor Courses.
These Courses place emphasis on:
And this is in addition to Auditing Skills to the requirements of ISO 19011, Guidelines for auditing management systems, knowledge of the ISO Management System Standard itself, and practice in applying the knowledge and skills learned with lots of practice Scenarios.
These Courses are tailor-made to the needs of Management Representatives, EHS Managers, and others responsible for implementing and maintaining their organization’s, management systems.
Of lesser duration than lead auditor courses, the costs are lower too.
Do You Offer a Free Trial Lesson?
We know how important it is to get a feel of what you’re going to buy before you purchase anything.
If you’re interested in our lead implementer courses but want to get an idea of what they have to offer, check out our 5-minute and 30-minute free trial lessons. They will give you a quick overview of how we conduct our online training.
No time to watch a video but want to get a quick overview of how our training program works? Check out our directory of frequently asked questions.
There you can find answers to questions typically raised by our existing customers and interested learners including questions about registration, enrollment, payment, using our learning management system, taking examinations, and printing certificates.
It also contains some basic troubleshooting tips should you encounter any issues while trying to pay for an ISO course or open a module.
