ISO 17020 Lead Implementer Training

The ISO 17020 Lead Implementer Course provides comprehensive training for professionals tasked with setting up and managing inspection systems based on ISO 17020 requirements. Participants gain practical knowledge on documentation, impartiality, operational structure, and continual improvement. This course is essential for professionals responsible for establishing systems that meet national and international accreditation standards for inspection bodies.

Key Topics Covered

• ISO 17020 Framework: Key clauses and implementation strategies
• Inspection Body Types: Implementing systems for Type A, B, and C bodies
• Management System Development: Structure, documentation, and process mapping
• Impartiality and Independence: Safeguarding inspection credibility
• Risk Management and Improvement: Ensuring system resilience and consistency

Course Benefits 

• Become a Key Implementer: Take the lead in designing ISO 17020-compliant systems 

• Improve Inspection Practices: Help ensure your organisation meets global expectations 

• Build Professional Credibility: Strengthen your profile in conformity assessment and inspection 

• Support Organisational Success: Enable reliable, traceable, and impartial inspection operations

This course is ideal for professionals involved in setting up or maintaining inspection systems and management processes. Suitable participants include: 

• Quality and Inspection Managers 

• Compliance Officers 

• Implementation Consultants 

• Inspection Body Coordinators 

• Technical Directors 

• Internal Auditors and Assessors

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

Module 18: Roles and Responsibilities of a Lead Implementer

• Roles and Responsibilities

Module 19: Difference Between Compliance and Conformity

• What Does Compliance and Conformity Mean?
• Compliance Vs Conformity

Module 20: Importance of Inspections for Compliance

• Several Specific Functions in Inspections
• Importance of Regulatory Inspections

Module 21: Reforming Inspections

• Recognising the Inspections Problem and Mobilising Support
• Drivers of Reform
• Role of Public Opinion
• Defining Goals and Approach of Reform
• Driving Implementation Successfully

Module 22: Improve the Inspection

• How Does Inspection and Review Support Improvement?
• Ways to Improve the Effectiveness of Inspections
• Standardise Inspection Procedure
• Eliminate the Need for Manual Data Entry
• Use Mobile Assessment Apps to Your Advantage
• Determine the Best Inspection Frequency
• Assign Facility-Level Inspections
• Make Corrective Actions More Automated

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

• Understand ISO 17020 requirements in depth
• Lead the implementation of an inspection management system
• Establish policies and processes to maintain impartiality and technical competence
• Develop internal documentation aligned with ISO 17020 expectations
• Facilitate continual improvement and prepare for external assessment 

To achieve the ISO 17020 Lead Implementer Training, 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