Exam Format

• Exam Code: ISO-9001-CLA-18
  
• Certification Level: Lead Auditor
  
• Exam Duration: 60 minutes
  
• Passing Score: 70% required to pass, 35 correct answers out of 50 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: 50 multiple-choice questions
  
• Hands-On Questions: The exam does not include hands-on lab tasks. It focuses on quality management systems, audit planning, audit execution, evidence collection, nonconformity reporting, corrective actions, performance evaluation, and continual improvement.

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 requirements, QMS auditing practices, ISO 19011 audit guidance, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement methods.

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 9001:2018 Certified Lead Auditor exam. However, it is recommended to have:

• Basic knowledge of quality management systems
  
• Understanding of ISO 9001 requirements and QMS principles
  
• Familiarity with audit principles and audit terminology
  
• Awareness of ISO 19011 auditing guidance
  
• Experience in quality, compliance, operations, risk management, process improvement, or management systems

Exam Topics

• Introduction to Quality Management Systems: QMS purpose, process approach, customer focus, quality objectives, documentation, and continual improvement
  
• Implementation of Quality Management Systems: Establishing, maintaining, monitoring, and improving QMS processes across an organization
  
• Risk Management and Opportunities: Risk-based thinking, identifying opportunities, planning controls, and improving organizational resilience
• Internal Audits and Management Reviews: Audit programs, audit planning, audit execution, management review inputs, outputs, and improvement actions
  
• Corrective Actions and Improvements: Root cause analysis, corrective action planning, effectiveness verification, and continual improvement
  
• Leadership and Commitment: Top management responsibilities, quality policy, roles, responsibilities, accountability, and organizational alignment
  
• Customer Focus and Satisfaction: Customer requirements, satisfaction monitoring, complaint handling, service quality, and performance improvement
  
• Design and Development of Products and Services: Planning, inputs, controls, outputs, changes, and design validation
  
• Operational Control and Delivery: Process control, production, service delivery, supplier controls, and conformity of outputs
  
• Performance Evaluation and Improvement: Monitoring, measurement, analysis, evaluation, audit results, and improvement planning

Intended Audience

The ISO 9001:2018 Certified Lead Auditor certification is ideal for professionals involved in quality management systems, auditing, implementation, management, or maintenance, including roles such as:

• Quality Managers and Quality Assurance Professionals
  
• Internal Auditors and External Auditors
  
• Management Representatives
  
• Process Owners and Department Heads
  
• QMS Consultants and Advisors
  
• Compliance and Risk Management Professionals
  
• Operations and Production Managers
  
• Professionals aspiring to become ISO Lead Auditors
• Graduates and professionals seeking a career in quality management and 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, construction, IT services, logistics, education, and service-based organizations.

 Why It’s Valuable:

• ISO 9001 auditing skills help organizations verify QMS compliance, improve processes, reduce risk, strengthen customer satisfaction, and maintain certification readiness. Lead Auditor certification demonstrates professional competence in managing QMS audits.

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 9001:2018 Certified Lead Auditor Exam via GAQM / ProctorU — Click here (https://gaqm.org/certifications/iso_certifications/iso-9001-2018-cla)

Once you pass the exam

• Receive the ISO 9001:2018 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