Exam Format

• Exam Code: ISO9K15-CLA
  
• Certification Level: Lead Auditor
  
• Exam Duration: 60 minutes
  
• Passing Score: 70% required to pass, 28 correct answers out of 40 questions
  
• Unscored Content: The exam does not publicly state the inclusion of unscored questions. Candidates should treat all questions as scored unless otherwise instructed during the exam.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple choice questions
  
• Number of Questions: 40 multiple-choice questions
  
• Hands-On Questions: The exam does not include hands-on lab tasks. It focuses on ISO 9001:2015 requirements, ISO 19011 guidelines, audit planning, audit performance, nonconformity reporting, corrective action, and audit follow-up.

Exam Policies

• Offline Proctoring: Not applicable, as the exam is delivered online through ProctorU in a proctored mode.
  
• Online Proctoring: The exam can be taken online through ProctorU using a webcam and a reliable internet connection.
  
• Waiting Period: The exam voucher includes two attempts. If the candidate does not pass within the two attempts, a new voucher must be purchased.
  
• Retake Fee: A new exam voucher must be purchased if both included attempts are used unsuccessfully.

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: Lifetime
  
• Renewal Options: The certification is valid for life. However, professionals should stay updated with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, ISO 19011 auditing guidelines, and quality management best practices.

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: $190 USD for the exam voucher
  
• Taxes: Country-specific VAT or GST may apply. Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $224.20 USD ($190 + $34.20 tax)

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor exam. However, it is recommended to have:

• Basic knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 requirements
  
• Understanding of quality management system principles
  
• Familiarity with audit principles and audit terminology
  
• Awareness of ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021 auditing concepts
  
• Experience in quality, compliance, operations, process improvement, or management systems

Exam Topics

• Annex SL Framework: High-level structure, common management system terms, and integration with other ISO standards
  
• Structure & Overview of ISO 9001:2015: Clauses, QMS scope, context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement
  
• Quality Management Principles: Customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management
  
• Audit Definition, Types, and Principles: First-party, second-party, third-party audits, impartiality, evidence-based approach, confidentiality, and professional conduct
  
• ISO 19011 vs ISO/IEC 17021: Guidance for auditing management systems and requirements for certification body audits
  
• Audit Planning & Preparation: Audit scope, objectives, criteria, schedules, audit team selection, documentation review, and audit checklist preparation
  
• Audit Tools & Techniques: Interviewing, sampling, observation, document review, process auditing, and evidence collection
  
• Audit Performance: Opening meeting, conducting audit activities, communication, audit team coordination, and evaluating conformity
  
• Recording & Reporting Nonconformities: Identifying findings, classifying nonconformities, documenting evidence, and reporting audit results
  
• Audit Report Preparation: Preparing clear audit reports, audit conclusions, recommendations, and communication with management
  
• Corrective Action & Audit Follow-Up: Root cause analysis, corrective action review, verification of effectiveness, and audit closure
  
• Surveillance Audits: Ongoing audit activities used to confirm continued QMS compliance and effectiveness

Intended Audience

The ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor certification is ideal for professionals involved in quality management systems, auditing, and compliance, including roles such as:

• ISO 9001 Implementation Team Members
  
• Management Representatives
  
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditors
  
• Quality Executives and Quality Managers
  
• Internal Auditors of QMS
  
• QMS Consultants
  
• Compliance Officers
  
• Process Improvement Professionals
  
• Personnel who wish to pursue a career in QMS auditing

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:

• Lead Auditor, QMS Auditor, Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Compliance Manager, Management System Consultant, Process Improvement Manager, Certification Audit Coordinator, and QMS Lead.

Average Salary:

• Varies by country, experience, and industry. Professionals with ISO 9001 lead auditor knowledge are valued in manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, education, construction, IT services, logistics, and service-based organizations.

Why It’s Valuable:

• ISO 9001:2015 is one of the most widely adopted quality management standards worldwide. Lead Auditor certification demonstrates the ability to lead audits, assess QMS effectiveness, identify nonconformities, and support continual improvement.

Exam Mode

The exam is proctored and can be taken:

• Online through ProctorU using a webcam and stable internet connection
  
• Anytime and anywhere, subject to exam scheduling availability and proctoring requirements

Exam Booking Link

• Book your ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor Exam via GAQM / ProctorU — Click here (https://gaqm.org/certifications/iso_certifications/iso-9001-2015-cla)

Once you pass the exam

• Receive the ISO 9001:2015 Certified Lead Auditor certificate from GAQM
  
• The premium package includes an E-certificate and digital badge for successful candidates
  
• Log in to your GAQM account
  
• Navigate to your certification or candidate profile section
  
• Download or access your certificate and digital badge

Offers