Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the purpose, structure, and requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and their role in laboratory accreditation.
- Comprehend the management and technical requirements applicable to testing and calibration laboratories.
- Interpret ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements and evaluate laboratory compliance against the standard.
- Apply internationally recognized auditing principles, procedures, and techniques for laboratory assessments.
- Plan, prepare, conduct, report, and follow up laboratory audits effectively.
- Identify nonconformities, determine root causes, and verify corrective actions.
- Understand metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty, method validation, and quality assurance of results.
- Assess laboratory competence and the effectiveness of laboratory management systems.
- Enhance communication, interviewing, and reporting skills required for successful auditing.
- Demonstrate professional ethics, impartiality, and leadership competencies as a Lead Assessor.
- Support laboratory accreditation, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement initiatives.
- Develop confidence in leading audit teams and managing audit programs.
Scope
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Assessor Training Program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical auditing skills required to assess the competence of testing and calibration laboratories against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This comprehensive course provides an in-depth understanding of laboratory management systems, technical competence requirements, accreditation processes, and internationally recognized auditing techniques. Through interactive learning, practical exercises, and audit simulations, participants will develop the competence and confidence necessary to plan, conduct, report, and follow up laboratory audits as Lead Auditors.
Learning Model
The course employs a dynamic learning model, utilizing a mix of lectures, interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and individual activities. This diverse approach ensures participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the standard..
Assessment
Participants are assessed through both continuous evaluation and a final examination.
Continuous Assessment
Participants are evaluated on:
- Attendance and participation
- Workshop performance
- Case study activities
- Group exercises
- Audit simulations
- Role-play activities
- Communication and reporting skills
Final Examination
- IRCA-approved written examination
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Pass Mark: As per IRCA requirements
- Examination based on:
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements
- Audit principles
- Audit techniques
- Audit reporting
- Practical application of laboratory management systems
Successful Completion
Participants who successfully complete both continuous assessment and the final examination will receive a CQI-IRCA Registered Certificate.
Course Content
- Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Laboratory Accreditation
- Understanding the Structure and Requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- Management System Requirements for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- Technical Requirements and Laboratory Competence
- Risk-Based Thinking and Opportunities for Improvement
- Metrological Traceability and Measurement Uncertainty
- Method Validation and Quality Assurance of Results
- Principles and Practices of Laboratory Auditing
- Planning and Preparing for a Laboratory Audit
- Conducting Laboratory Audits and Collecting Audit Evidence
- Identifying Nonconformities and Implementing Corrective Actions
- Audit Reporting and Effective Communication of Findings
- Accreditation Requirements and Assessment Processes
- Auditor Competence, Ethics, and Professional Conduct
- Practical Audit Exercises, Case Studies, and Audit Simulation
Who should attend?
- Laboratory Managers and Supervisors
- Quality Managers and Quality Assurance Personnel
- Laboratory Technical Managers and Technical Experts
- Internal Auditors of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- Laboratory Consultants and Accreditation Coordinators
- Personnel responsible for implementing or maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 systems
- Representatives of Accreditation and Regulatory Bodies
- Personnel involved in laboratory compliance, quality control, and continual improvement activities
- Individuals seeking to become ISO/IEC 17025 Lead Assessors or Third-Party Auditors
- Professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge and career prospects in laboratory quality management and accreditation.