ISO-9001-Lead-Auditor Practice Exam Questions with Answers QMS ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Exam Certification

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation: = According to the web search results from my internal tool, a witness audit is a technique used during an accreditation audit, where the accreditation body observes the performance and competence of the certification body auditors in conducting an audit12. A witness audit can also be used by a certification body to monitor and evaluate its own auditors3. During a witness audit, the following roles can be defined:

•An auditor: This is the person who is being witnessed by the accreditation body or the certification body. The auditor is responsible for conducting the audit according to the audit plan, criteria, and standards, and for providing audit evidence and findings123.

•An assessor for the accreditation body: This is the person who witnesses the auditor on behalf of the accreditation body. The assessor is responsible for evaluating the auditor’s performance and competence, and for providing feedback and recommendations to the accreditation body123.

The other options are not defined as witnesses during a witness audit, according to the web search results from my internal tool. They are:

•Someone with a qualification from the certification body: This is not a specific role in a witness audit, as anyone who is involved in the audit process should have a qualification from the certification body. Moreover, having a qualification does not necessarily mean that the person is a witness or an auditor4.

•An existing member of the audit team: This is not a specific role in a witness audit, as the audit team consists of the auditors who are conducting the audit, not the ones who are witnessing it. The witness audit is a separate activity from the audit itself, and the witness should not interfere with the audit process or influence the audit outcome123.

Therefore, the correct answer is B and D.

References: 1: DQS Inc. | Witness Audits | Auditor Training 2: Have you ever been involved with a witness audit? - IFSQN 3: Certac - Witness Audit of Certification Bodies 4: ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

The purpose of a Stage 1 third-party audit is to determine an organization’s readiness for their Stage 2 Certification Audit. During the Stage 1, the auditor will review the organization’s management system documented information, evaluate the site-specific conditions, and have discussions with personnel. The objective is to assess the alignment of the organization’s design with ISO 9001 requirements and to identify any areas of concern that could be classified as a nonconformance during the Stage 2 Audit. The auditor will also use the Stage 1 Audit to complete Stage 2 Audit planning, including a review of the allocation of resources and details for the next phase of the audit. Therefore, the option that best describes the purpose of a Stage 1 third-party audit is A, to determine the auditees understanding of ISO 9001. The other options are not correct, as they are not the main focus of a Stage 1 audit:

•B. To get to know the organization’s customers: This is not the purpose of a Stage 1 audit, as the auditor is not interested in the specific details of the organization’s customers, but rather in the organization’s ability to meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

•C. To learn about the organization’s procurement processes: This is not the purpose of a Stage 1 audit, as the auditor is not interested in the specific details of the organization’s procurement processes, but rather in the organization’s ability to control externally provided processes, products and services.

•D. To introduce the audit team to the client: This is not the purpose of a Stage 1 audit, as the auditor is not there to make introductions, but rather to conduct a preliminary examination of the organization’s compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

References: What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits? - ISO Update, The ISO 9001 Audit Process Explained | ISO Explained, What is an ISO Stage 2 Audit? — RiskOptics - Reciprocity

• Establishing the audit programme objectives
• Determining and evaluating the audit programme risks and opportunities
• Establishing the audit programme
• Initiating the audit
• Preparing all audit activity
• Conducting the audit activities

To complete the sequence, you can drag and drop the options to the appropriate blank section.

Here is a brief explanation of each stage:

• Establishing the audit programme objectives: This is the first stage of the audit process, where the purpose, scope, and criteria of the audit programme are defined. The audit programme objectives should be aligned with the strategic direction and policies of the organization, and should address the needs and expectations of the interested parties12.
• Determining and evaluating the audit programme risks and opportunities: This is the second stage of the audit process, where the factors that can affect the achievement of the audit programme objectives are identified and assessed. The audit programme risks and opportunities should consider the internal and external issues, the requirements and changes of the interested parties, and the results and feedback from previous audits12.
• Establishing the audit programme: This is the third stage of the audit process, where the audit programme is designed and implemented. The audit programme should include the audit programme procedures, the audit programme resources, the audit methods and techniques, the audit frequency and schedule, and the audit programme performance indicators12.
• Initiating the audit: This is the fourth stage of the audit process, where the audit is prepared and planned. The audit initiation involves selecting the audit team, establishing the contact with the auditee, defining the audit objectives, scope, and criteria, developing the audit plan, and conducting the document review123.
• Preparing all audit activity: This is the fifth stage of the audit process, where the audit activities are organized and coordinated. The audit preparation involves assigning the audit tasks, communicating with the auditee and the audit team, arranging the logistics, preparing the working documents, and conducting the opening meeting123.
• Conducting the audit activities: This is the sixth and final stage of the audit process, where the audit evidence is collected and evaluated. The audit conduct involves performing the audit activities, such as interviews, observations, document reviews, and tests, documenting the audit findings, preparing the audit conclusions, and conducting the closing meeting123.

I hope this helps you with your ISO 9001 Lead Auditor objectives and content. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. ????

References: 1: ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems 2: Audit Process | Flowchart | Summary - Accountinguide 3: What are the Stages of the Auditing Process & Why it is Important …

The quality system failed to control the laundry services provided for customers in five shops. The equipment used was not capable of consistently producing the required service.

• Identifying the source of information
• Sampling available data
• Gathering audit evidence
• Verifying objective evidence
• Evaluating evidence against the audit criteria
• Making audit conclusions
• Evaluating against the audit criteria

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.4, the process of collecting and verifying information during an audit involves the following steps1:

• Identifying the source of information: The audit team should identify the sources of information that are relevant to the audit objectives, scope and criteria. These sources may include documents, records, personnel, processes, activities, facilities, equipment, etc. The audit team should also determine the methods and tools for accessing and collecting the information, such as interviews, observations, document review, sampling, etc.
• Sampling available data: The audit team should select a representative sample of the available data to verify the conformity and effectiveness of the management system. The sample size and selection method should be based on the audit objectives, scope and criteria, as well as the level of confidence and risk. The audit team should also consider the validity, reliability, relevance and sufficiency of the data.
• Gathering audit evidence: The audit team should use the methods and tools identified in the previous step to collect audit evidence, which is the records, statements of fact or other information that are relevant to the audit criteria and verifiable. The audit team should record the audit evidence in a clear, concise and objective manner, using notes, checklists, photographs, audio or video recordings, etc.
• Verifying objective evidence: The audit team should verify the accuracy, completeness and authenticity of the audit evidence collected. This may involve cross-checking different sources of information, confirming the identity and authority of the persons providing the information, examining the original documents or records, etc. The audit team should also identify any discrepancies, inconsistencies or gaps in the audit evidence.
• Evaluating evidence against the audit criteria: The audit team should compare the audit evidence with the audit criteria to determine the extent of conformity and nonconformity. The audit team should also identify any opportunities for improvement, best practices, positive aspects or potential risks. The audit team should use professional judgement and apply the principles of auditing when evaluating the audit evidence.
• Making audit conclusions: The audit team should consolidate the audit findings and evaluate the overall performance and effectiveness of the management system. The audit team should also consider the audit objectives, scope and criteria, as well as the context and expectations of the auditee and other interested parties. The audit team should provide a clear, concise and objective statement of the audit conclusions, which may include the degree of conformity, the achievement of the intended outcomes, the need for corrective actions, the suitability for certification, etc.
• Evaluating against the audit criteria: The audit team should review the audit conclusions and ensure that they are consistent with the audit criteria and supported by sufficient and appropriate audit evidence. The audit team should also ensure that the audit conclusions are communicated to the auditee and other relevant parties in a timely and effective manner, using the agreed audit report format and distribution method.

References: ISO 19011:2018(en), Guidelines for auditing management systems

According to the ISO 19011:2018 standard, which provides guidelines for auditing management systems, the team leader of an audit team should be an auditor who has demonstrated the competence to manage an audit of the relevant management system scheme. This means that the team leader should have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to plan, conduct, report, and follow-up an audit of the specific management system, such as ISO 9001 for quality management systems. The other options are false because: B. An audit team can include non-qualified auditors, but only as observers or trainees who do not contribute to the audit findings or conclusions. C. A technical expert can assist a qualified auditor on an audit team, but cannot replace them, as a technical expert does not have the competence to perform audits. D. Audits leading to auditor qualification are not undertaken annually, but rather as part of a certification process that involves meeting certain criteria, such as education, work experience, audit experience, and examination. References: ISO 19011:2018, PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exam Preparation Guide, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor Training Course

A first-party audit is an internal audit conducted by auditors who are employed by the organization being audited but who have no vested interest in the audit results of the area being audited1. The purpose of a first-party audit is to assess the conformity of the organization’s quality management system to the requirements of ISO 9001 and to identify opportunities for improvement2. Therefore, the two auditors who would not participate in a first-party audit are:

•A. An auditor employed by an external consultancy organization: This auditor is not employed by the organization being audited, and therefore does not qualify as a first-party auditor. This auditor may be hired to conduct a second-party audit (if the external consultancy organization is a customer or supplier of the organization being audited) or a third-party audit (if the external consultancy organization is a certification body or registrar).

•F. An auditor from a customer: This auditor is not employed by the organization being audited, and therefore does not qualify as a first-party auditor. This auditor may be hired to conduct a second-party audit, as a customer is an interested party that has specific requirements for the organization being audited.

The other options are not correct, as they could participate in a first-party audit, as long as they are employed by the organization being audited and have no vested interest in the audit results of the area being audited:

•B. An auditor from an interested party: This auditor could be a first-party auditor, as long as the interested party is within the organization being audited. For example, an auditor from the finance department could audit the production department, as long as they are not involved in the production process or affected by its outcomes.

•C. An auditor trained in-house: This auditor could be a first-party auditor, as long as they are employed by the organization being audited and have no vested interest in the audit results of the area being audited. The source of the auditor’s training is not relevant for determining the type of audit, as long as the auditor is competent and qualified to perform the audit.

•D. An auditor trained in the IRCA scheme: This auditor could be a first-party auditor, as long as they are employed by the organization being audited and have no vested interest in the audit results of the area being audited. The IRCA scheme is a professional certification scheme for auditors of management systems, which provides recognition of the auditor’s competence and credibility3. However, being trained in the IRCA scheme does not determine the type of audit, as long as the auditor is competent and qualified to perform the audit.

•E. An auditor certified by IRCA: This auditor could be a first-party auditor, as long as they are employed by the organization being audited and have no vested interest in the audit results of the area being audited. Being certified by IRCA means that the auditor has met the requirements of the IRCA scheme and has demonstrated their competence and credibility as an auditor of management systems3. However, being certified by IRCA does not determine the type of audit, as long as the auditor is competent and qualified to perform the audit.

References: First Party Audits: The 5 Steps to Success - Sync Resource Inc, ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group, IRCA - International Register of Certificated Auditors

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.6.2, a nonconformity is the non-fulfilment of a requirement. A nonconformity can be classified as either major or minor, depending on the nature and extent of the deviation from the audit criteria. A major nonconformity is a nonconformity that affects the ability or the integrity of the organization’s management system to achieve the intended results. A minor nonconformity is a nonconformity that does not affect the ability or the integrity of the organization’s management system to achieve the intended results, but is a deviation from the audit criteria1.

According to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, clause 9.4.9, the organization is required to analyze the cause and describe the specific correction and corrective actions taken, or planned to be taken, to eliminate detected nonconformities, within a defined time. The organization is also required to provide the certification body with records and evidence of the implementation and effectiveness of the correction and corrective actions taken. The certification body will then verify the correction and corrective actions taken by the organization and decide on the certification status2.

Therefore, the two options of when the organization is required to act in response to reported findings are D and F, as they indicate the presence of nonconformities that need to be corrected and prevented from recurring. The other options are not correct, as they do not require the organization to act in response to reported findings:

•A. A recommendation is given in the report: A recommendation is a suggestion for improvement that is not related to a nonconformity. A recommendation is not binding for the organization and does not affect the certification status. The organization may choose to accept or reject the recommendation, but it is not required to act on it.

•B. A finding of good practice is reported: A finding of good practice is a positive observation that indicates a strength or a best practice of the organization’s management system. A finding of good practice is not related to a nonconformity and does not affect the certification status. The organization may choose to acknowledge or share the finding of good practice, but it is not required to act on it.

•C. An opportunity for improvement is raised: An opportunity for improvement is a potential area where the organization’s management system can be enhanced or optimized. An opportunity for improvement is not related to a nonconformity and does not affect the certification status. The organization may choose to pursue or ignore the opportunity for improvement, but it is not required to act on it.

•E. A finding of conformity is reported: A finding of conformity is a confirmation that the organization’s management system fulfils the audit criteria. A finding of conformity is not related to a nonconformity and does not affect the certification status. The organization may choose to celebrate or communicate the finding of conformity, but it is not required to act on it.

References: ISO 19011:2018(en), Guidelines for auditing management systems, ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015(en), Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirements

The table below shows the possible matching of the ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract to the audit evidence.

Table

Audit evidence

ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract

Four of the 10 pallets of stock sampled in the warehouse were not labelled.

“8.5.2 … shall use suitable means to identify outputs …”

A damaged pallet of stock seen in the quarantine area was leaking liquid onto the floor.

“8.7.1 … shall ensure that outputs that do not conform to their requirements are identified and controlled …”

One of the fork-lift truck drivers had no fork-lift truck driving licence.

“8.5.1 e … shall include, as applicable … the appointment of competent persons …”

There was no pest control provision in the warehouse.

“8.5.4 … shall preserve the outputs during production and service provision …”

Two pallets of temperature-sensitive stock items were being stored at ambient as the chilled storage facility was full.

“8.1 … shall plan, implement and control the processes …”

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

A screenshot of a chat Description automatically generated

According to the ISO 9000:2015 document, the seven quality management principles are:

• Customer focus
• Leadership
• Engagement of people
• Process approach
• Improvement
• Evidence-based decision making
• Relationship management

For each principle, the document provides a statement, a rationale, key benefits, and actions you can take to apply the principle in your organization.

Based on the document, here is a possible way to match a potential benefit to each of the four quality management principles you mentioned:

Table

Quality management principle

Potential benefit

Customer focus

Increased revenue and market share

Engagement of people

Enhanced trust and collaboration throughout the organization

Improvement

Enhanced drive for innovation

Evidence-based decision making

Increased ability to demonstrate effectiveness of past actions

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 4.3, the organization is required to determine the scope of its quality management system (QMS) by considering the external and internal issues referred to in clause 4.1. Clause 4.1 requires the organization to determine the external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and strategic direction, and that affect its ability to achieve the intended results of its QMS. These issues can include positive and negative factors or conditions for consideration, such as legal, technological, competitive, market, cultural, social, and economic environments, whether international, national, regional, or local. The organization is also required to monitor and review these issues.

Therefore, the correct answer is C, as external issues of the organization’s context are one of the factors that must be considered when determining the scope of the QMS. The other options are either not directly related to the scope of the QMS, or are not explicitly mentioned in clause 4.3.

References:

• ISO 9001:2015(en), Quality management systems — Requirements, clause 4.1 and 4.3
• ISO 9001:2015 – How to determine the scope of your QMS - Advisera, section “Considerations for determining the scope of the QMS in ISO 9001”
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training Course | IRCA Certified | BSI, section “Learning objectives”
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course Material | 3FOLD Education Centre, module 4