Lead Auditor Courses

Welcome to the Gladhill Associates International on-line and virtual classroom ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015and ISO 45001:2018 lead auditor courses. Our courses are Exemplar Global certified.

Due to the latest pandemic news the following is what Exemplar Global sent to their training providers:

“Virtual Training Is Acceptable as an Alternative to Classroom Training"

“Given the concern for public health in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that many training organizations are canceling their public training courses. Many of these training organizations are replacing those public courses with virtual (online) training courses.

Exemplar Global has been asked if those virtual courses are acceptable under the RTP and TPECS training certification schemes. The answer is yes! Under the RTP and TPECS programs, training providers are free to design and deliver their courses as they see fit, so long as they continue to meet the requirements of the program their courses are certified to”.

There is no need to travel when you take a virtual or on-line course

Gladhill Associates International has the courses and content available in an on-line and virtual, easy-to-access format that can help you meet your career goals from the comfort of your own home or office.

You don't have to wait for classrooms to open back up either; with over 50 courses that cover topics across the quality domain, Gladhill Associates International’s virtual training helps you start or continue your improvement journey.

Lead Auditor Courses

Prepare yourself for real-life ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015 auditing situations and learn how to manage and complete the audit process.

Understand the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015 and be able to conduct a successful audit. The course includes case studies, quizzes and scenarios to prepare you for real-life auditing situations. You’ll learn to manage the audit process and complete reporting in a collaborative and engaging environment.

This virtual, instructor-led course is comprised of three successive components delivered in convenient, 3 or 4 six to eight-hour days

Day 1 - Competency Unit-QM

Day 2 – Competency Unit-AU

Day 3 – Competency Unit TL

Many of Gladhill Associates International’s virtual and on-line courses provide electronic access to course materials for 30 to 90 days depending on the course. For virtual lead auditor courses the participant will be e-mailed the course materials, case studies, quizzes, scenarios as well as copies of the applicable standards.

Note: Refunds cannot be issued if course materials have been sent and/or accessed. Chrome and Edge browsers are recommended – Internet Explorer is not supported.

Virtual Format

An Internet-based, instructor led course utilizing web and teleconferencing technologies to allow participants to interact without traveling. Virtual and on-line courses offer interaction with instructor and participants using Internet capabilities.

Participants have access to interaction both with the instructor and other participants in an Internet-based learning environment (white board, Q&A tools, application sharing, and breakout rooms). Virtual and on-line courses are classroom-like experiences offered using the latest Internet tools.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the ISO 9001, AS 9100 and ISO 14001 Quality Management System (QMS)/Environmental Management System (EMS) - Requirements standard and development process;
Identify ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015 QMS terms;
Describe the intent and requirements of ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015;
Determine the evidence needed to demonstrate conformity to ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015;
Apply the process approach and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology;
Evaluate documented information required by ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015 and the interrelationships between the quality/environmental processes, quality/environmental planning, policy, and objectives;
Apply the principles, processes, and methods of auditing;
Demonstrate the activities involved in preparing for an audit;
Determine an effective audit in the context of the auditee’s organizational situation;
Apply effective audit skills and practice personal behaviors necessary for an effective and efficient conduct of a management system audit;
Establish and plan the activities of an audit team;
Manage the audit process;
Prepare the audit report and perform an audit follow-up;

Lead Auditor Course Outline

Introduction to Quality, Environmental or Safety Management Systems

Analysis of ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015 (Introduction and Clauses 4-10)

Organizational Impact on Quality/Environmental Management System Auditing Quality, Environmental or Safety Management Systems

Management System Audits

Auditor Competence

Audit Program

Audit Techniques

Audit Cycle

Team Leader Roles and Responsibilities

Prepare for an Audit

Conduct an Audit

Prepare an Audit Report

Audit Completion and Follow-Up

Who Should Attend:

Those responsible for planning and scheduling an internal audit program for ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015.

Those who wish to become an Exemplar Global certified/registered auditor.

Those who must perform audits to ISO 9000:2015, AS 9100D and ISO 14001:2015. Manufacturing personnel, suppliers, managers, or anyone interested in conducting first-party, second-party, or third-party audits.

Internal Audit Courses

Objectives

Learn to design and install an internal audit program that will meet the requirements of the applicable standard.

Attendees

The courses are designed for personnel responsible for developing and conducting an internal audit program.

General Content

The courses assist the attendees with structured exercises to analyze the requirements in detail of the standard relating to the internal audit program.

Attendees learn how to design an internal audit program (program scope and schedule, auditor selection and training, audit resource allocation, audit documentation and records, etc.).

These interactive courses assist participants, using structured exercises, to analyze in detail the requirements of the standard relating to the internal audit program.

Participants learn how to design an internal audit program that includes program scope and schedule, auditor selection and training, audit resource allocation, internal audit documentation and records, etc. Participants take part in simulated internal audit exercises to:

Review the requirements of the standard.
Participate in simulated exercises where an auditor conducts an audit interview and examines related documents, work instructions and records.
Record their findings and prepare an audit report.

Courses:

AS 9100D Internal Audit Course

AS 9110C Internal Audit Course

AS 9120B Internal Auditing

IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditing

ISO 13485:2016 Internal Audit Course

ISO 14001:2015 Internal Audit Course

ISO 17025:2017 Internal Audit Course

ISO 22000 Food Safety Internal Auditor Course

ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditor Training

ISO 27001:2013 Internal Audit

ISO 45001:2018 Internal Audit Course

ISO 45003:2021 Internal Audit Course

ISO 9001:2015 Internal Audit Course

ISO 9001-ISO 14001-ISO 45001 Integrated Internal Audit Course

Free Courses

Introduction to CMMC

This course provides a high-level overview of the new CMMC framework and its key components.

It also answers the pressing question of what your company needs to do to comply with CMMC and, likewise, work with the DoD.

Next, fundamental cybersecurity principles and how they connect with CMMC are explained.

Click on "Courses" above, then click on Introduction/Overview Courses to register to this course.

Introduction to AIMM

The Aerospace Improvement Maturity Model (AIMM) is provided by the IAQG to help organizations move beyond compliance to the AS 9100 standard and improve the maturity of their Quality Management System (QMS).

Using AIMM, an organization can evaluate its current level of maturity and set clear targets for improvement. AIMM can be successfully used by certified or non-certified organizations, either for the entire scope of an AS 9100 compliant QMS or specific areas of interest.

Click on "Courses" above, then click on Introduction/Overview Courses to register to this course.

Introduction to Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)

About Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)

Learn more about:

What is measurement systems analysis (MSA)
What is a measurement system?
What is measurement system variation?

Click on "Courses" above, then click on Introduction/Overview Courses to register to this course.

Transition Courses

ISO 9001:2015 Transition Course - ISO 14001:2015 Transition Course - ISO 19011:2015 Transition Course - AS 9100D Transition Course - AS 45001 Transition Course

Welcome to the Gladhill Associates International virtual classroom and on-line transition courses.

Transition Courses

The standards require process audits. These courses are designed for practicing auditors as well as organizations that want training on auditing to the new standards.

Learn how to meet these new requirements while gaining valuable skills. The changes from the previous standard to the new standard are considered significant. The principles upon which the revisions are based will require changes in audit practice among auditors.

Auditors will need to understand the significance and impact of the revisions.

Key Session Topics

Transitioning in the principles and practices of auditing the new requirements.

Review of process auditing techniques.

Auditing against the new requirements.

Differences between the previous version of the requirements.

Role and purpose of a QMS/EMS/SMS.

Seven quality management principles.

Revisions to the standards.

Requirements of the applicable standard.

Differences between the requirements.

Implications of revisions on auditing techniques.

These courses can also be an introduction to the new applicable standard

Exemplar Global Certification Add-On (CAO) Program

Registering for Personnel Certification from Exemplar Global can give your career an edge. We are committed to giving our students all the tools that they need to excel in their conformity careers. Which is why, as a student of our training organization, you now have the option to add Exemplar Global’s Personnel Certification to your training schedule at a special reduced rate of $350 USD.

What are the Benefits of Personnel Certification?

Exemplar Global’s Personnel Certification is the next step in your conformity career after receiving your Certificate of Attainment. At a broad level, obtaining Personnel Certification from Exemplar Global will give you the credibility you need to succeed and stand out from the crowd.

Ongoing customer surveys have shown that securing an Exemplar Global certification enhances people’s careers, providing them with independent proof of their knowledge, skills, and attributes in their chosen field. In fact, it’s the number one reason people choose to gain this type of certification.

Exemplar Global’s Personnel Certification program encompasses sought-after management systems such as quality, workplace safety, environmental, and several food safety systems. It also includes a wide range of industry and government-specific programs, including heavy vehicle auditing, bus operator auditing, and food safety auditors, system specialists, auditors, consultants, assessors, professional trainers, engineers and technicians.

How to Add Personnel Certification to Your Training Package

1. You can opt to add Exemplar Global Personnel Certification to your training package either before or during your class, until the end of your course.

2. You'll need to graduate from your course first and receive your Certificate of Attainment before securing the Personnel Certification. This means that you must pass your required course/exam.

3. You'll qualify for Personnel Certification in the same scheme and grade as the course you successfully complete with our organization.

4. Once your training is complete, Exemplar Global will send you your own unique hyperlink to their online platform, Exemplar LINK. This will contain a unique code to ensure the special reduced rate for your Personnel Certification. Click on this link and follow the instructions to apply for Personnel Certification. If you are new to the Exemplar LINK platform, you will be required to register in order to complete your application.

5. Begin your Exemplar Global Personnel Certification and get ready to take your conformity career to the next level.

News - Stories - Ideas

An article by Denise Robitaille

Watch Out for All or Never

Quality procedure documents should say what they mean and mean what they say.

There’s a marauding infestation of adverbs and adjectives that infiltrate the text of quality documents and operating procedures, wreaking havoc wherever they are found. The leader of this menacing bunch is called “All.” Among his compatriots you’ll find “Never,” “Always,” “Every” and “None.”

When I come across a particularly virulent case of rampant absolutes during an audit, I’m tempted to violate the prohibition we auditors have against consulting. I want to scour the auditee’s documentation and point out the countless instances where they’ve used “all,” or one of the other offending words, without perceiving the full implication of what they have written.

I generally end up asking the auditee or process owner, “Do you really mean all?” The authors of the documents rarely give adequate consideration to the manner in which they express the requirements. This normally innocuous group of words can skew meaning, making the requirements absurd or impossible to achieve.

I’ve tried to sort out the reason there’s such a pervasive overuse of this small group of limiting modifiers. There are those who use the words casually and ubiquitously, almost like variations of common articles, to give some variety to monotonous text. They ascribed no substantive meaning to the usage of these words in a sentence. Others take great pains to deliberately insert these precise, all-encompassing words to communicate their unwavering resolve to the maintenance of the company’s quality system. Their intent is to reinforce the organization’s rigid commitment to consistency and control.

In both instances, the outcomes are markedly different from the original intention. In the first scenario, the document writer may have inadvertently altered the parameters that define process requirements. In the latter case, the use of “all” or “never” could so restrict process owners that they cannot avoid falling into some breach of a defined requirement.

One of the typical examples that I’ve seen relates to documentation. The document control procedure reads, “All documents are reviewed and approved by the vice-president of operations prior to issue.” This wouldn’t be such a big deal, if the only documents a company had were manufacturing work instructions. Unfortunately, the same procedure goes on to list what things are considered to be documents. These include drawings, customer purchase orders, internal audit schedules, the electronic corrective action database and all the documents of external origin. The likelihood that the V.P. of operations is going to review all these documents is slim to none. Furthermore, documents of external origin are generally just identified, verified and maintained—not usually approved. Assigning ownership for the review of all documents, even those he doesn’t read, begs the question: If the V.P. isn’t reviewing all the documents, then who is?

Other examples might include:

“All non-conforming material is placed in the MRB cabinet.” What happens if it doesn’t fit or the cabinet is full? “All obsolete copies are destroyed.” Can you keep one for reference or in the archives? “The valve is always opened before the unit is turned on.” What happens if you turn the machine on first? Does the device stall or does the building blow up? The answers to these questions demonstrate the appropriateness of “all” or “always.”

The auditee may feel I’m being capricious, picking away at miniscule findings in an attempt to beef up my list of nonconformance. In actuality, I would normally assess the risk that the language poses and make a determination as to whether this is a minor observation (an opportunity for improvement) or a minor nonconformance. I’ve never witnessed a case where it indicated a systemic breakdown of considerable magnitude.

Auditors don’t have the prerogative to decide when the organization really means “never” and when it intends to say, “…well, almost never.” The auditee or process owner is the best authority on the criticality of a process. Sometimes, it’s absolutely crucial to conduct a particular activity in a specified sequence. Sometimes, it’s a matter of regulatory compliance that a certain signature always precedes the release of a device for shipment. In those instances, “always” is the appropriate word to use in the procedure.

It’s often quite clear when “all” or “never” is intended to be rhetorical, as opposed to prescriptive. There are many cases, however, where the risks that are engendered by either complying—or failing to comply—with an overly restrictive requirement are less obvious, especially to an impartial observer. Note the valve example early in this article. There is also the risk of simply wasting resources through blind adherence to a poorly worded document.

The message: be judicious in the use of the word “all” and its cohorts (never, always, etc). Always—yes, I do mean always—maintain vigilance when writing and revising documents to prevent the proliferation of marauding mundane modifiers.

Exemplar Global Recognized Training Provider Program (RTP)

Gladhill Associates International is now part of the Exemplar Global Recognized Training Provider (RTP) Program.

Many of our Internal Audit courses are certified as well as our TPECS Lead Auditor courses.

Extend your Learning

Graduate Certification

To help you get started and realize the full benefits that come with being a Gladhill Associates International and Exemplar Global Recognized Training Provider (RTP) student, we’ve compiled this guide for you.

Benefits for Students:

12 months of ongoing professional development and support through direct access to a series of tailored learning content Access to Exemplar LINK, a dedicated platform to help professionals build their career pathway and identify and capitalize on opportunities.

Access to an exclusive LinkedIn community to interact with other graduates and industry professionals to promote networking opportunities and skill sharing.

An Exemplar Global Graduate certificate in addition to the Gladhill Associates International certificate.

The Bigger Picture

Gladhill Associates International and Exemplar Global are passionate about supporting the auditing profession and the industry as a whole to grow and deliver strong outcomes for the community. The Recognized Training Provider (RTP) program is one of our efforts to achieve this goal.

Not only does the program foster and promote the best training providers around the world, but it supports those interested in the auditing profession, our students, to become the best professionals they can be. Therefore, improving the entire community as a whole.

Why should I choose a training provider that has been certified by Exemplar Global?

By choosing an Exemplar Global certified training provider you can be assured that you are attending a course of a higher standing that has been recognized by a third party.

Additionally, by taking a course from an Exemplar Global certified training provider, you can benefit from enhanced personal development and career pathway opportunities.

These include a self-coaching assessment, and access to a library of educational materials to help you to further your professional development.

How will completing an Gladhill Associates International RTP course enhance my career?

Completing a Gladhill Associates International RTP certified course demonstrates that you’ve completed a course that is relevant to the assurance industry and can assist you to advance along this career path.

You will also receive access to Exemplar Global’s library of continuing professional development, in addition to regular communications and resources to enhance your education. It will also allow you to take the next step and obtain Auditor Certification with Exemplar Global in the future.

Will I have access to the Exemplar Global community and networking opportunities through my certification?

You will receive access to Exemplar Global’s dedicated LinkedIn group which will allow you to access exclusive resources plus network with other course graduates and industry professionals. This is particularly valuable if you are interested to pursue a career in auditing or want to apply for Exemplar Global personnel certification in the future.

RTP Courses:

ISO 9001:2015 Internal Audit Course	ISO 14001:2015 Internal Audit Course
ISO 45001:2018 Internal Audit Course	ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Internal Audit Course
ISO 22000:2018 Internal Audit Course	ISO 13485:2016 Internal Audit Course
ISO 27001:2013 Internal Audit Course	ISO 9001 with Emphasis 0n IATF 16949:2016 Internal Audit Course

New Courses

New courses, Coming Attractions, Free Courses

We now have the ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor Course

Introduction to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Introduction to SWOT - Strengths. Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (Free)

ISO 45003:2021 Internal Audit Course

Introduction to AIMM - Aerospace Independent Maturity Model - Free

AIMM User Guide - Free

Many Other On-Line and/or Virtual Courses

Process Mapping - Human Factors - Corrective/Preventive Actions - ISO 5001 - Risk Management - Templates - ISO 14001 Gap Analysis/Internal Audit Checklist (NEW) - ISO 9001: 2015 Gap Analysis/Internal Audit Checklist (NEW) - AS 9100 Gap Analysis/Internal Audit Checklist (NEW) - Introduction Courses, Six Sigma, Process Auditing and much more...

Our ISO/IEC 27001:2018 Internal Audit Course has been revised to ISO/IEC 27001:2022

Please click on “Courses” on our home page to view a complete list of our on-line courses.

Consulting - Auditing

Auditing and Consulting Available.

Consulting

Take advantage of our on-site advice and instruction for organizations developing their own quality systems.

For organizations with limited staff or time constraints, we complete the documentation, training, auditing and registrar selection in turn-key fashion.

We also provide on-line internet, interactive consulting at a reasonable price.

E-mail, call or fax us at any of our offices for a no obligation proposal.

Auditing

Gap Analysis

We provide experienced auditors to identify what improvement to your system will be required and recommendations for corrective actions.

Readiness Assessment

We conduct readiness assessment audits to provide companies with a measure of their readiness for the formal on-site assessment by the registrar. We also work with companies to correct nonconformances identified by the registrar during the assessment.

Internal Audits

Gladhill Associates International will do your internal audits. If you're having problems such as some listed below, contact us for details:

Not enough internal resources.

Not finding opportunities for improvement.

Want an outside, independent opinion on where you can improve.

Don't want to wait until you have time

Outsourcing your internal audit may be more cost effective than doing it yourself.