Different levels of CQI IRCA Auditor Grade membership

Are you here to understand the different CQI IRCA Auditor Grade membership levels? You are on the right page, but before you read further, have you completed the CQI IRCA Certified Course? If the answer is yes, continue further, if not, we recommend you to first read about our 100% online CQI IRCA Certified Lead Auditor Courses.

You are reading further, so let’s assume you have completed the mandatory course to apply for the auditor grade membership. 

Let us first understand the two key terms that will be used frequently on your journey to become certified auditor.
1. Scheme
2. Grade

Certification schemes

IRCA has various certification schemes; however, its three most popular schemes are:
1. Quality: ISO 9001
2. Occupational health and safety: ISO 45001
3. Environment: ISO 14001

To learn more about the various schemes offered by IRCA, visit their page on IRCA certification schemes.

IRCA grades

IRCA has various auditor grades; here is the complete list:
1. Associate Auditor
2. Internal Auditor
3. Auditor
4. Lead Auditor
5. Principal Auditor

Alright, now that we know the various schemes and grades, what should you aim for?

Choosing the certification scheme is relatively a simple process, it depends on your work experience and course that you have completed. Let’s say you are working in the field of occupational health and safety and have completed ISO 45001:2015 OHSMS Lead Auditor course, the natural selection is Occupational health and safety – ISO 45001 certification scheme.

Choosing the grade level is a decision making process. You need to answer the following questions?
1. Should I apply directly for associate grade now?
2. Should I apply for higher level grade membership after I have gained enough auditing experience?

There is no right or wrong answer to the above questions. But if you ask us for our recommendation, here is our answer with two scenarios.

Scenario 1:

If your full time job is in auditing (1st, 2nd or 3rd party) or you perform audits frequently, then we recommend you to take the second option. 

Wait until you gain enough audit experience and directly apply for the Auditor, Lead Auditor or principal grade membership. You will most likely complete the required Lead Auditor grade audit experience in a short period of time. 

Scenario 2:

If you perform audits as a part time role and it is not frequent, then we recommend the first option. Apply for Associate Auditor Grade as soon as you complete the course and be part of the IRCA Auditor registry.

As you gather audit experience over the period of time, you can upgrade your membership. A better logical approach.

In either case the lead auditor course that you complete is valid for 5 years from the date of completion to apply for various IRCA Auditor Grade Membership. If 5 years have passed by, you will need to attend the lead auditor course again.

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