Quality & Operational Excellence

Quality Auditing Techniques

Internal quality audits verify that management systems work and identify opportunities for improvement. This course covers quality auditing techniques: audit programmes, planning, checklists, process-based auditing, interviewing and sampling, evaluating evidence, writing nonconformities, reporting and follow-up.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Good audits add value; poor audits are box-ticking. You will learn techniques to audit effectively and constructively.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Audit role plays, checklist development, evidence evaluation exercises and report writing.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Plan audit programmes and individual audits
Prepare process-based checklists
Conduct opening meetings and interviews
Gather and evaluate objective evidence
Write clear nonconformity statements
Report findings and verify corrective actions

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal quality auditors
Quality managers
Process owners
Supplier auditors
Management system coordinators

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Audit planning
Interviewing
Evidence evaluation
Nonconformity writing
Follow-up

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Auditing Basics

09:00–10:08Audit types
10:08–11:00Principles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Principles (continued)
11:45–12:53Audit programmes
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Planning

09:00–10:08Audit plans
10:08–11:00Process-based checklists
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Process-based checklists (continued)
11:45–12:53Sampling
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Conducting Audits

09:00–10:08Opening meetings
10:08–11:00Interviews
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Interviews (continued)
11:45–12:53Observation
12:53–14:00Role play

Day 4Findings

09:00–10:08Objective evidence
10:08–11:00Nonconformity statements
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Nonconformity statements (continued)
11:45–12:53Opportunities for improvement
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Reporting

09:00–10:08Audit reports
10:08–11:00Closing meetings
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Closing meetings (continued)
11:45–12:53Follow-up
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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