ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratory Competence Internal Auditor Training and Certification Program

Programme Summary

Develop the skills to plan and conduct useful internal audits of testing and calibration laboratories. Participants follow evidence from customer requests through technical work to authorised results, examining both management controls and factors affecting validity. Interviews, record reviews and reporting exercises build confidence in raising defensible findings and checking whether corrective actions address underlying weaknesses.

Training Objectives

1 Apply evidence based laboratory auditing principles; 2 Plan risk informed internal audit coverage; 3 Examine technical and management control interfaces; 4 Strengthen impartial interviewing and finding formulation; 5 Evaluate corrective action and closure evidence.

Learning Outcomes

1 Prepare a laboratory internal audit plan; 2 Develop technically relevant audit questions; 3 Trace results to supporting laboratory records; 4 Write defensible evidence based audit findings; 5 Evaluate corrective action effectiveness objectively.

Target Audience

Laboratory Internal Auditors; Laboratory Quality Managers; Technical Supervisors; Section Heads; Laboratory Managers.

Target Industries

Independent Testing Laboratories; Calibration Laboratories; Food Testing Laboratories; Environmental Testing Laboratories; Materials Testing Laboratories; Industrial Quality Laboratories.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Internal Audit Purpose: Audit objectives criteria and scope; Independence confidentiality and fair presentation; Audit sampling and assurance limitations.
• Module 2 Risk Based Audit Programme: Laboratory activities and technical risk; Performance trends and previous findings; Coverage frequency and resource allocation.
• Module 3 Audit Planning: Process selection and time allocation; Competence needs and technical support; Audit plan and communication arrangements.
• Module 4 Document and Record Review: Scope methods and controlled procedures; Contracts authorisations and technical records; Selecting evidence trails and samples.
• Module 5 Auditing Technical Resources: Personnel competence and observed practice; Equipment calibration and intermediate checks; Environmental conditions and contamination prevention.
• Module 6 Auditing Measurement Processes: Method selection verification and validation; Sampling handling and traceability evidence; Uncertainty evaluation and result validity.
• Module 7 Auditing Data and Reports: Calculation checks and data integrity; Report authorisation and decision rules; Complaints and nonconforming work controls.
• Module 8 Audit Interviews and Observation: Open questions and active listening; Triangulating statements records and observations; Professional challenge and conflict handling.
• Module 9 Finding Formulation: Requirement evidence and nonconformity linkage; Distinguishing findings from improvement suggestions; Evaluating significance and systemic patterns.
• Module 10 Reporting Audit Results: Clear factual laboratory audit reports; Closing meeting and factual agreement; Confidentiality and report distribution controls.
• Module 11 Corrective Action Follow Up: Containment cause and corrective action; Evaluating implementation and effectiveness evidence; Closing findings and escalating delays.
• Module 12 Observed Internal Audit Simulation: Individual interview and evidence review; Writing findings and audit conclusions; Presenting a justified follow up decision.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (90 minutes): Conduct an observed laboratory interview, review supplied technical records, write two findings and evaluate a corrective action response.
• Assessment criteria: Evidence based questioning and sampling; Requirement linked finding accuracy; Defensible corrective action evaluation.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records assessed internal laboratory auditing skills; technical method authorisation and accreditation assessment appointments require separate competence decisions.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Prior understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 and experience in a laboratory role are required. Basic familiarity with laboratory methods and quality records is essential.Prior understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 and experience in a laboratory role are required. Basic familiarity with laboratory methods and quality records is essential.Prior understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 and experience in a laboratory role are required. Basic familiarity with laboratory methods and quality records is essential.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Complete a 45-minute requirements diagnostic and review a fictional laboratory report with supporting records.Complete a 45-minute requirements diagnostic and review a fictional laboratory report with supporting records.Complete a 45-minute requirements diagnostic and review a fictional laboratory report with supporting records.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (90 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (90 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (90 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.