Exam Format

• Exam Code: ISO-17020-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/IEC 17020 requirements, inspection body competence, impartiality, audit planning, audit execution, evidence collection, nonconformity reporting, corrective actions, 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. No external sources of information may be accessed during the exam.
  
• Waiting Period: The exam voucher includes two attempts. If the candidate does not pass within the two attempts, a new voucher or retake option must be purchased.
  
• Retake Fee: A Double Shot Retake Voucher may be available for $140 USD, providing two additional attempts, subject to GAQM voucher policy.

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: Lifetime
  
• Renewal Options: The certification is valid for life. However, professionals should stay updated with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements, accreditation practices, inspection body operations, audit methods, and regulatory compliance expectations.

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 strict formal prerequisites listed for taking the ISO/IEC 17020 Certified Lead Auditor exam. However, it is recommended to have some knowledge in:

• Assignment of responsibility for the quality system
  
• Management commitment and stakeholder interests
  
• Inspection body operations and quality system requirements
  
• Risk assessment and use of appropriate controls
• Audit principles, corrective action, and continual improvement
  
• Regulatory, accreditation, or conformity assessment environments

Exam Topics

• Introduction to ISO/IEC 17020: Scope, purpose, inspection body requirements, conformity assessment, and accreditation context
  
• Requirements of ISO/IEC 17020: Impartiality, independence, confidentiality, organization, personnel competence, facilities, equipment, methods, inspection processes, and reporting
  
• Accreditation Process: Accreditation body expectations, assessment preparation, evidence requirements, compliance monitoring, and surveillance activities
  
• Documentation and Records: Document control, inspection records, procedures, policies, technical records, and retention requirements
  
• Roles and Responsibilities: Inspection personnel, technical managers, quality managers, audit teams, leadership, and accountable authorities
  
• Conducting an Audit: Audit planning, opening meeting, evidence collection, interviews, sampling, observation, conformity assessment, and closing meeting
  
• Nonconformity and Corrective Action: Identifying findings, documenting nonconformities, root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and effectiveness verification
  
• Continuous Improvement: Monitoring, improvement opportunities, audit follow-up, management review, and corrective action closure
  
• Ethical Considerations: Impartiality, independence, confidentiality, professional behavior, conflict of interest, and integrity in inspection body audits
• Case Studies: Practical inspection body scenarios, audit findings, compliance evaluation, and real-world application of ISO/IEC 17020 requirements
  
• International Standards and Comparisons: Relationship with ISO/IEC 17000 series standards, ISO 19011, and accreditation-related requirements
  
• Technological Advancements: Digital records, inspection tools, remote assessment support, data integrity, and technology use in inspection operations
  
• Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them: Weak documentation, unclear responsibilities, poor impartiality controls, ineffective corrective actions, and incomplete audit evidence

Intended Audience

The ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Certified Lead Auditor certification is ideal for professionals involved in inspection body operations, conformity assessment, accreditation, auditing, or compliance, including roles such as:

• Quality Professionals
  
• Internal Auditors and Lead Auditors
  
• Inspection Managers
  
• Technical Experts
  
• Compliance Officers
  
• Accreditation and Assessment Professionals
  
• Consultants supporting inspection bodies
  
• Personnel responsible for ISO/IEC 17020 implementation or maintenance
  
• Professionals seeking a career in inspection body auditing

Career Impact

 Jobs You Can Get:

• Lead Auditor, Inspection Body Auditor, Quality Manager, Compliance Manager, Accreditation Coordinator, Inspection Manager, Technical Manager, Conformity Assessment Consultant, and Quality System Coordinator.

Average Salary:

• Varies by country, experience, and industry. Professionals with ISO/IEC 17020 auditing knowledge are valued in inspection agencies, testing and inspection organizations, regulatory bodies, engineering firms, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, and certification-related environments.

Why It’s Valuable:

• ISO/IEC 17020 is important for inspection bodies that need to demonstrate competence, impartiality, and consistent inspection operations. Lead Auditor certification demonstrates the ability to assess inspection systems and support accreditation readiness.

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/IEC 17020 Certified Lead Auditor Exam via GAQM / ProctorU — Click here (https://gaqm.org/certifications/iso_certifications/iso-17020-cla)

Once you pass the exam

• Receive the ISO/IEC 17020 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