ICTQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor

The ICTQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor Course is a specialised professional qualification designed to equip learners with the knowledge and auditing skills required to evaluate the competence, consistency and reliability of testing and calibration laboratories. Based on the internationally recognised International Organization for Standardization ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, this course focuses on ensuring that laboratories operate with accurate measurement systems, valid testing methods and strong quality assurance processes.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 provides a comprehensive framework for laboratory quality management, including technical requirements, equipment calibration, method validation, sampling procedures and result reporting. Through this course, learners will gain a clear understanding of audit principles, laboratory operations and compliance requirements. The programme also emphasises accuracy, traceability, competence and continual improvement to ensure trustworthy laboratory results.

This qualification is ideal for laboratory managers, quality assurance professionals, auditors, technicians and learners seeking to develop expertise in testing and calibration laboratory systems. Upon completion, learners will be able to support organisations in maintaining laboratory accreditation, improving quality standards and ensuring compliance with international testing and calibration requirements.

Course overview

ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories

To enrol in ICTQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: A minimum of secondary education is required. Diplomas or Certificates in Laboratory Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Quality Management, or ISO Management Systems from the International Organization for Standardization are considered advantageous.
  • Professional Experience: Prior professional experience is highly recommended for learners. Ideally, learners should have worked in testing or calibration laboratories, gaining practical exposure to laboratory operations, quality assurance processes, and interpretation of test results. Experience in laboratory supervision or quality compliance roles adds further value and enhances practical understanding.
  • English Proficiency: Since the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate a proficient level of written and spoken English. Strong language skills are necessary to comprehend training materials, participate in discussions, prepare audit reports, and engage confidently in practical auditing exercises.
  • Additional Requirement: Basic technical and analytical skills are required for successful participation. Learners should be proficient in using computers, handling laboratory data, and applying mathematical or statistical concepts to laboratory processes. These skills support effective audit analysis, reporting, and evaluation tasks.

This qualification, the ICTQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor, consists of 8 mandatory units.

  1. Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard
  2. Principles of Quality Management Systems in Laboratories
  3. Requirements for Competence of Personnel
  4. Equipment and Measurement Traceability
  5. Testing and Calibration Procedures
  6. Quality Assurance Practices
  7. Audit Planning and Preparation
  8. Conducting Audit Activities

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard

  • Understand the structure, scope, and objectives of ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
  • Explain the importance of laboratory accreditation in global quality assurance.
  • Recognise the changes introduced in the 2017 version compared to earlier editions.
  • Identify the key clauses and requirements of the standard.
  • Develop awareness of how ISO/IEC 17025:2017 supports laboratory credibility and trust.
  • Link laboratory standards to customer confidence and international recognition.

Principles of Quality Management Systems in Laboratories

  • Apply quality management principles specific to laboratory environments.
  • Recognise the relationship between quality management and laboratory performance.
  • Implement policies and procedures to maintain consistency and reliability in results.
  • Evaluate how continual improvement impacts laboratory effectiveness.
  • Identify risks and opportunities that affect quality systems.
  • Integrate QMS principles into routine laboratory activities.

Requirements for Competence of Personnel

  • Define the knowledge, skills, and behaviour required for competent laboratory personnel.
  • Assess competency frameworks for technical staff.
  • Link personnel competence to laboratory reliability and accuracy.
  • Develop systems for monitoring and evaluating staff competence.
  • Understand the role of training and ongoing professional development.
  • Apply best practices in ensuring impartiality and integrity of laboratory personnel.

Equipment and Measurement Traceability

  • Explain the importance of calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Understand measurement traceability and its role in reliable results.
  • Implement procedures for equipment verification and validation.
  • Recognise international standards for calibration and measurement traceability.
  • Manage records and documentation related to equipment use.
  • Apply preventive maintenance practices to reduce errors and downtime.

Testing and Calibration Procedures

  • Identify requirements for valid and reliable testing and calibration methods.
  • Evaluate laboratory procedures against ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
  • Implement validation processes for testing and calibration methods.
  • Ensure proper sampling techniques and environmental controls.
  • Develop documentation and reporting practices for laboratory procedures.
  • Apply technical judgment to resolve challenges in testing and calibration.

Quality Assurance Practices

  • Recognise the importance of internal quality control in laboratory work.
  • Apply quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate testing outcomes.
  • Evaluate inter-laboratory comparisons and proficiency testing.
  • Develop corrective and preventive actions for identified issues.
  • Implement risk-based approaches in laboratory quality assurance.
  • Monitor and improve performance through regular reviews and audits.

Audit Planning and Preparation

  • Understand the principles of planning an audit in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
  • Define objectives, scope, and criteria for laboratory audits.
  • Prepare audit checklists and relevant documentation.
  • Identify key risks and focus areas during audit planning.
  • Schedule audits effectively while minimising disruption to laboratory operations.
  • Communicate audit plans with laboratory management and staff.

Conducting Audit Activities

  • Apply audit techniques such as interviews, observation, and document review.
  • Assess laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
  • Identify nonconformities and gather supporting evidence.
  • Demonstrate professional behaviour, impartiality, and integrity during audits.
  • Report findings clearly and constructively to laboratory management.
  • Recommend corrective actions and follow-up processes to ensure compliance.

Completing the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course provides learners with internationally recognised skills that can significantly advance their careers in laboratory quality assurance, auditing, and compliance. With a strong foundation in auditing laboratory systems, learners will be well-equipped to take on senior roles in the conformity assessment and quality management sectors.

  • Learners can progress to advanced certifications in laboratory quality management and accreditation systems.
  • Opportunities are available to study ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17043 Proficiency Testing from the International Organization for Standardization framework.
  • Learners may also advance into ISO 15189 Medical Laboratory Quality Standards for healthcare laboratory specialisation.
  • Career pathways include laboratory auditor, quality assurance manager, and calibration specialist roles.
  • Learners can move into accreditation body assessor and compliance officer positions.
  • Opportunities exist in industrial, research, and clinical laboratory environments. Learners may progress into senior technical and laboratory management roles.
  • The qualification supports international career opportunities in laboratory testing and calibration industries.
  • Learners can also work in consultancy roles for laboratory quality system implementation.

FAQS

This course is ideal for learners who are:

  • Working in testing and calibration laboratories.
  • Quality assurance or compliance professionals.
  • Aspiring lead auditors in laboratory accreditation.
  • Laboratory supervisors and managers.
  • Consultants aiming to support laboratories in accreditation processes.
  • Professionals seeking to strengthen their career in conformity assessment and auditing.

Learners who complete the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course benefit from:

  • Gaining an internationally recognised qualification in laboratory auditing.
  • Enhancing career prospects in laboratory quality assurance and accreditation.
  • Developing advanced skills in audit planning, conducting audits, and reporting.
  • Contributing to improved laboratory practices, accuracy, and reliability.
  • Building professional credibility and recognition as a certified lead auditor.
  • Unlocking global employment and consultancy opportunities.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor is 5 Days Training program . As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Learners can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, the ISO/IEC 17025:2017(en) Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course is an assessment-based qualification. Learners are required to complete mandatory assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A minimum score of 75% is required to successfully pass the assessments and achieve the qualification.