ISO 17020 Internal Auditor Training

The ISO 17020 Internal Auditor Course offers in-depth training on how to conduct effective internal audits within inspection bodies. It focuses on the operational and impartiality requirements of ISO 17020 and the auditing techniques needed to evaluate conformance. Designed for professionals who want to strengthen inspection quality and maintain accreditation readiness, the course ensures practical audit capability aligned with ISO 19011 guidelines.

Key Topics Covered 

• ISO 17020 Requirements: Understanding key clauses for inspection body operations  

• Internal Audit Techniques: Audit planning, checklists, evidence gathering, and reporting  

• Types A, B, and C Bodies: How audit approaches vary across inspection body categories  

• Audit Findings and Nonconformities: Identifying, documenting, and following up on issues  

• Continual Improvement: Using audits to drive compliance and performance gains 

Course Benefits 

• Develop audit readiness: Support your organisation in meeting ISO 17020 requirements  

• Enhance inspection quality: Help identify issues early and promote consistency  

• Improve internal controls: Strengthen impartiality and technical performance  

• Career progression: Build key auditing skills for roles in inspection and quality assurance 

This course is suitable for individuals involved in quality assurance or audit responsibilities within inspection bodies. Ideal participants include: 

• Inspectors and Technical Staff  

• Quality and Compliance Officers  

• Internal Auditors  

• Inspection Managers  

• Operational Risk Professionals  

• ISO Coordinators 

Module 1: Introduction to ISO 17020

• Scope
• Normative References
• Terms and Definitions

Module 2: Inspection Bodies

• What is Inspection?
• Introduction to Inspection Bodies
• Goals and Requirements of Inspection Bodies
• Inspection According to ISO
• Important Functions of Inspection
• Types of Inspection Bodies
• Inspection Body Accreditation

Module 3: Inspection Procedure

• Select and Prepare
• Conduct Intelligence Led Inspection
• Report, Record, Follow Up, Close Out, and Evaluate

Module 4: Quality Management and Improvement Overview

• What is Quality Management?
• Introduction to Quality Improvement
• Basics of Quality Improvement
• Quality Improvement Process
• Methods of Quality Improvement Management
• Benefits of Improving Quality

Module 5: General Requirements

• Impartiality and Independence
• Confidentiality

Module 6: Structural Requirements

• Administrative Requirements
• Organisation and Management

Module 7: Resource Requirements

• Personnel
• Facilities and Equipment
• Subcontracting

Module 8: Plan-Do-Check-Act

• PDCA Cycle
• PDCA Approach
  • Planning
  • Support
  • Operation
  • Performance Analysis
  • Improvement

Module 9: Planning Individual Internal Audits

• Internal Audit Approach
• Risk Assurance Mapping
• Audit Plan
• Research the Audit Area
• Conduct Process Walk-Throughs
• Map Risks to the Organisation, Process, or Function
• Obtain Data Prior to Fieldwork

Module 10: Audit Procedure

• Considerations During the Auditing Process
• Auditing Methods
• Requirements for Auditors
• Conformity Assessment Audit Procedure
• Conducting the Audit

Module 11: Auditing Roles and Principles

• Auditing Roles
• Audit Team
• Maintaining Confidentiality
• Independence
• Evidence-Based Approach
• Integrity
• Fair Presentation of Audit Reports 

Module 12: Skills and Competencies of an Internal Auditor

• Personal Attributes
• Skills
• Education and Experience
• Knowledge

Module 13: Responsibilities of the Auditor

• Management of Personnel
• Preparing Checklist
• Scope of Work
• Managing an Audit Programme
• Communication at All Levels of Organisation

Module 14: Conducting the Internal Audit and Handling the Interview Process

• Decide What You Want to Achieve
• Identify Risks
• Plan and Audit Activities
• Validate the Facts and Complete the Work
• Develop a Deliverable or Report That will Drive Action
• Follow Up

Module 15: Audit Programme

• Reviewing and Improving Audit Programme

Module 16: Closing an ISO 17020 Audit

• Prepare Audit Report
• Distribute Audit Report
• Conduct Audit Follow-Up

Module 17: Managing an ISO 17020 Audit Programme

• Know What and When to Audit
• Create an Audit Schedule
• Pre-Planning the Scheduled Audit
• Conducting the Audit
• Record the Findings
• Report Findings

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand ISO 17020 requirements relevant to internal audits
• Plan and conduct internal audits for inspection activities
• Identify nonconformities and suggest corrective actions
• Prepare clear, objective audit reports
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of the inspection body’s management system

To achieve the ISO 17020 Internal Auditor Certification, candidates will need to sit for an examination. The exam format is as follows:  

• Question Type: Multiple Choice  

• Total Questions: 30  

• Total Marks: 30 Marks  

• Pass Mark: 50%, or 15/30 Marks  

• Duration: 40 Minutes