IRCA reveals key changes to the QMS, EMS and OH&S certification schemes

IRCA has revised its Quality Managment Systems 1994 (QMS), Quality Management Systems 2000 (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&SMS) certification criteria to align to ISO 19011:2002, the new auditing guidance standard.

The modifications now allow for greater flexibility in terms of application criteria. In cases where previous training is required, IRCA now accepts alternative qualifications to IRCA certified training. A degree in EMS/OH&S specific subjects is no longer needed, alternative competencies are now stated and it is for the individual to decide how to demonstrate these. However audit experience for the grades of auditor and lead auditor should have been gained under the direction and guidance of an auditor who is competent as a team leader.

All IRCA certification schemes now offer the same 5 grades: internal, provisional, auditor, lead and principal (except the QMS scheme which doesn't offer the principal grade). The certification requirements for each have been harmonized, based on ISO 19011:2002.

IRCA recognizes that an effective internal audit is a powerful tool for business improvement and has therefore included the internal auditor grade accordingly.  The QMS 2000, EMS and OH&S internal auditor grades now require 5 years work experience or 4 years with a degree or near degree and the quality/environmental/OH&S experience requirement is now  1 year and a minimum of three day's training instead of two.

IRCA have extended the principal auditor grade, two routes to principal auditor certification now exist: a route for consultants and a route for 'Team Leaders' (ex-lead auditors who no longer lead audit teams). The latter allows auditors to maintain their certification at a premium grade without having to lower their auditor status or withdraw from the scheme.

Auditors are no longer required to complete the Consultancy Audit Verification forms when carrying out consultancy audits. Instead, IRCA carries out verification during evaluation. This allows focus to be given to experience, skills and competencies during our evaluation.

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