FAQs

Auditor grades

What problems do applications normally encounter?

Much time is wasted when incomplete or inaccurate applications are received. We cannot process the applications and have to contact you to request further information.

1. Not enough detail about your work experience - where have you worked to gain your experience in the discipline you are seeking certification as an auditor?
2. Out of date auditor training - to be accepted onto the register as a certificated auditor you need to have passed your IRCA approved auditor training within 3 years of submitting your application to us.
3. No sponsors - each application form requires you to have your application supported by a sponsor - we need their signature or something from them confirming they have read and support your application in order to progress.
4. Application / supporting documentation not signed - each application form requires you to sign your application and any statements (such as the code of conduct) - without this we cannot proceed.

Further detail of key things to look out for are in the 'How to apply' section and in particular the checklist at the beginning of the page.

I am not sure whether to apply for the principal or lead auditor grade.  Which would be more suitable for me?

The principal auditor grade is regarded as an equivalent standard to lead auditor and is intended for individuals with a high level of experience and auditing skills but who do not have the opportunity to lead teams of auditors on a regular basis.

Can I apply directly for lead auditor grade or do I have to register at a lower grade first?

You may apply directly for the grade of your choice. You are not required to register for the provisional grade if you have the audit experience for a higher grade. The grade of certification offered is dependent on the audit experience you submit.

Can I have more than one certification?

Yes, you can hold as many certifications as you wish on different programmes but you cannot hold two grades on the same programme. Each certification incurs its own set of fees.

Auditing

When does the direction and guidance requirement apply?

It applies to audits carried out after 1 January 2003, if submitted as part of an initial application or upgrade request. We require you to have conducted at least one audit under these conditions.

Which auditing standards are accepted by IRCA?

We maintain lists of acceptable alternative standards for each programme:

• ISO 9001:2000
• OHSAS 18001:1999
• ISO 14001:2004
• BS 7799-2:2002
• ISO 22000:2005 (ISO 15161:2001)

What should I do if the standard I have audited against is not on your list of acceptable alternatives?

Please send us a copy of the standard together with your audit logs. We will then review the documents and draw comparisons with our programmes. If we accept it, we will add the standard to the list.

Training

Does IRCA accept non IRCA certified training?

Although we recommend you complete IRCA certified training, we recognize this is not always possible. Therefore we will consider all types of alternative training submitted as part of an application for certification. You must demonstrate that the training you have completed fulfils our requirements. Usually, this involves sending us comprehensive details of the training content (in English only, please) including:

• course programme
• course slides
• delegate notes
• details of any exams taken

I completed my training course over three years ago. I now wish to apply for certification, do I need to repeat the course?

Not necessarily, your training may be accepted if you can supply us with evidence confirming that you have kept your skills and knowledge needed for effective auditing up-to-date i.e. relevant training courses, on the job training, self study etc. Your skills, knowledge and experience must have been acquired within the three-year period prior to application.

Certification cards

Once I am certified with IRCA how do I get a certification card?

After we have reviewed your application we will enclose your IRCA certification card with a letter offering you certification.

Each year we will send you a new certification card valid for the following year. When your renewal of certification is due, you will receive a renewal notification, listing documentation required to obtain your new card. The new card will be sent to you after we have completed the renewal evaluation and established your grade.

What should I do if I consider I cannot satisfy the renewal requirement but do not wish to lose my certification?

We suggest you contact us for advice. Each year many auditors believe they have not fulfilled the CPD requirement but do go on to renew successfully after discussing their situation and experience with a member of our certification team. We have found that most auditors under-estimate the amount of CPD they actually complete.

There is no additional charge for renewal of certification but you are required to pay an annual fee once your renewal is complete and we have established your grade.

Do I need to submit a new application if my certification has lapsed and I want to be re-instated?

Not always. We may be able to reinstate your certification but the longer it has lapsed the less the chance of re-instatement. Please contact us for assistance.