
What is this course about and who is it intended for. Administrative asects for optimal viewing
Current situation of management system standards and where audits are in this landscape
Definitions for some of the key concepts discussed throughout the course
A short history of ISO 19011 and its relationship with other popular standards published by ISO (The International Organization for Standardization)
About first party, second party and third party audits. What they are with examples
The 7 principles that auditors should follow in all their auditing assignments
What is an audit programme and what it should include. Who elaborates the audit programme and why
What is risk based thinking and how it applies to auditing and the planning of management system audits
What represent the objectives, scope and criteria for an audit with examples
About the three methods that auditors use to collect information - interviews, observation and the review of documents
Generic aspects about the audit team including composition and competence requirements
The role of preparation and how auditors can prepare for a specific audit
What information should be included in an audit plan. Who elaborates the audit plan and how this document should be managed
What is the opening meeting and who should participate. What information is to be discussed during this meeting
The on-site audit process. Aspects to focus on. Examples and useful information
How to interview the senior management of the organization and understand the support they provide to the management system
Recommendations for conducting interviews. Types of questions - open, closed and leading questions, with examples.
About sampling as a principle for management system audit - judgement based sampling and statistical sampling.
Aspects on auditing compliance with legal and other requirements. What should an auditor follow when auditing compliance. Is this a legal compliance audit?
Auditing the requirements of management system standards that refer to context identification and determination of stakeholders and their needs and expectations
What remote auditing represents. How hybrid audits can be conducted. Which are the opportunities for remote auditing? Is remote auditing an option in every situation?
What methods and technologies can auditors use for remote audits. From screen sharing to drones
Information collected by auditors must be verified in order to become audit evidence. Evidence must be specific and traceable.
Generating audit findings. Grading of nonconformities and examples. Opportunities for improvement.
How to formulate the conclusions of the audit. Follow-up activities. Corrections and corrective actions.
About the purpose of the closing meeting, the topics to be discussed during the closing meeting.
What elements should be part of the audit report. Who elaborates the audit report and how this document should be managed
How to add value through auditing? What value means to an organization and how can auditors participate to improvement?
Competence requirements for management system auditors - knowledge and skills for management system auditors
Expected behavior for management system auditors.
Which are the additional requirements that apply to the leaders of the audit team?
The process for becoming a management system auditor, maintaining and improving competence.
A generic presentation of the management system certification process
What is particular about certification audits? About initial certification audits, surveillance and recertification audits
How can individuals demonstrate their knowledge of management systems and obtain certification as practitioners or auditors
Details about the accreditation process in the context of management system. Who is accreditation for?
A quick recapitulation of the key subjects covered throughout the course
This course explains the principles, methods and practices of auditing management systems, as defined by ISO 19011.
Fully updated to the 2026 edition of ISO 19011, the course reflects the latest revision of the international standard for management system auditing, including the expanded guidance on remote auditing methods.
The course is useful for beginners looking to start a career in management system auditing, as well as for experienced auditors who want to refresh their knowledge or understand the changes introduced by the 2026 edition of ISO 19011.
The structure of the course includes:
An introductive part covering concepts, definitions, standards, the principles of management system auditing, the different types of audits (first-party, second-party and third-party), the audit programme, risk-based thinking applied to audits, audit objectives, scope and criteria,.
A part dedicated to the audit process itself, including audit planning, the opening and closing meetings, methods to collect information, conducting interviews, auditing top management, auditing compliance, sampling, remote and hybrid auditing, generating audit findings and conclusions, follow-up activities and the audit report.
A part on auditor competence and behaviour, including the knowledge, skills and personal attributes expected from auditors, how to become a management system auditor, and the additional requirements for the audit team leader (or lead auditor).
A final part on management system certification and accreditation, covering the certification process, the audits performed for certification purposes (initial, surveillance and recertification), and the difference between certification and accreditation.
The course provides a complete package for anyone who wants to understand what management system auditing involves and how it is conducted in practice.
Looking for a career in auditing? This course gives you a clear picture of what it takes to get started.
Already an auditor? You will find here useful information to refresh and update your knowledge, especially in relation to the 2026 edition of the standard.
I tried to keep the course easy to follow, to the point, and built around clear examples that make the concepts easier to understand. At the end there is also a quiz so you can test what you have learned.
Get all the information you need to start or advance your management system auditor career with this course, fully aligned with ISO 19011:2026.