The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course is a comprehensive professional program designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead audits of laboratory management systems in accordance with the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. This standard specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories, making it a cornerstone for organizations that provide testing, calibration, and sampling services worldwide.
The course provides a structured pathway for learners to understand not only the technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 but also the auditing principles aligned with ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems). Participants will gain a deep appreciation of laboratory quality management, traceability of measurements, equipment calibration, method validation, and reporting of results. More importantly, they will learn how to evaluate compliance, identify nonconformities, and drive continual improvement through effective auditing practices.
Delivered through a blend of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical audit simulations, the program emphasizes real-world application. Learners will be guided through the full audit cycle—from planning and conducting audits to reporting findings and following up on corrective actions. By the end of the course, participants will be able to lead audit teams, manage audit programs, and provide valuable insights that strengthen laboratory operations and credibility.
To ensure participants can fully benefit from the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course, certain entry requirements are recommended. These prerequisites are designed to create a strong foundation for learning and to ensure that learners can engage with the technical and managerial aspects of the program effectively.
- Educational Background A minimum of a secondary school qualification is generally expected, though a degree or diploma in science, engineering, or quality management is highly advantageous. For example, individuals with a background in chemistry, physics, or engineering will find it easier to grasp laboratory processes and technical terminology.
- Professional Experience Participants should ideally have at least two years of work experience in a laboratory, quality assurance, or related technical field. For instance, a laboratory technician who has been involved in calibration activities or a quality officer responsible for internal audits will be well-prepared to engage with the course content.
- Knowledge of Laboratory Practices Familiarity with laboratory operations, such as sample handling, equipment calibration, and test reporting, is highly beneficial. Learners who have previously worked with laboratory management systems or accreditation processes will be able to connect theory with practice more effectively.
- Understanding of Quality Management Systems Prior exposure to ISO standards, particularly ISO 9001, is recommended but not mandatory. For example, someone who has participated in ISO 9001 internal audits will already understand the principles of auditing, which can then be applied to the more specialized ISO/IEC 17025 framework.
- Language Proficiency Since the course is delivered in English, participants should have a good command of written and spoken English. This ensures they can understand technical documents, participate in discussions, and prepare audit reports.
- Personal Attributes Successful auditors require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and diplomatically. Learners should also be comfortable working in teams and managing conflict, as audits often involve sensitive discussions with laboratory personnel.
Mandatory Units
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Laboratory Accreditation
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the structure and key requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing and calibration laboratories.
- Explain the importance of laboratory accreditation and how ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ensures competence in testing and calibration.
- Identify the benefits of implementing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for laboratories and their clients.
- Recognize the scope of the standard and its role in ensuring the quality and reliability of laboratory results.
Management System Requirements for Laboratories
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the management system requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, including roles, responsibilities, and authority within the laboratory.
- Assess the laboratory’s management structure to ensure it aligns with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the laboratory’s quality management system (QMS) in maintaining accurate, reliable, and consistent results.
- Implement documentation control and ensure proper record-keeping practices within laboratory settings.
Technical Competence and Calibration Procedures
Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the technical requirements for testing and calibration, including methods, equipment, and personnel competence.
- Assess the laboratory’s technical competence in performing accurate tests and calibrations in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
- Evaluate the implementation of calibration procedures and the validity of measurement results.
- Conduct a review of laboratory equipment, calibration processes, and testing methods to ensure adherence to standards.
Planning and Conducting Audits for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Compliance
After completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop an audit plan for ISO/IEC 17025:2017, including objectives, scope, and audit criteria.
- Conduct audits of laboratory processes and systems to assess compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
- Identify non-conformities and document audit findings in line with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
- Lead audit teams and manage resources effectively during the audit process.
Risk Management and Non-Conformance in Laboratories
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply risk management principles to identify and evaluate risks within laboratory processes.
- Develop corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformities identified during audits.
- Implement measures to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence of non-conformities in laboratory operations.
- Assess the laboratory’s approach to risk management and recommend improvements for better compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Continuous Improvement and Performance Evaluation in Laboratories
Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the continuous improvement process within the laboratory and the role of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in driving it.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory processes and systems through monitoring, measurement, and performance evaluation.
- Develop strategies for continuous improvement based on audit results and performance evaluations.
- Ensure the laboratory remains compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by promoting a culture of ongoing quality assurance and improvement.
The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course is tailored for professionals who aspire to advance their careers in laboratory quality management and auditing. Below are the categories of ideal learners:
Laboratory Professionals
- Technicians seeking to expand beyond technical roles
- Quality managers responsible for compliance
- Calibration specialists aiming for leadership roles
- Laboratory supervisors overseeing daily operations
- Scientists transitioning into management positions
- Staff preparing their labs for accreditation
Quality Assurance and Compliance Officers
- Professionals ensuring regulatory compliance
- Internal auditors seeking formal recognition
- QA managers in manufacturing industries
- Compliance officers in healthcare or pharma
- Specialists in food safety and environmental testing
- Individuals tasked with supplier audits
Consultants and Trainers
- Independent consultants supporting labs
- Trainers delivering ISO-related programs
- Advisors helping organizations achieve accreditation
- Professionals offering gap analysis services
- Experts in laboratory efficiency improvement
- Specialists in risk-based auditing
Regulatory and Accreditation Body Personnel
- Assessors working with accreditation agencies
- Inspectors evaluating laboratory competence
- Government officials overseeing testing facilities
- Policy advisors in standards organizations
- Technical assessors for calibration labs
- Professionals ensuring impartiality in assessments
Career Changers and Aspiring Auditors
- Engineers moving into quality management
- Professionals from ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 backgrounds
- Individuals seeking international career opportunities
- Graduates aiming for specialized auditing roles
- Professionals looking to enhance employability
- Those seeking recognition as lead auditors
Organizational Leaders and Managers
- Directors responsible for laboratory strategy
- Senior managers driving quality initiatives
- Business owners of testing facilities
- Project managers overseeing compliance projects
- Risk managers ensuring operational integrity
- Leaders aiming to build client trust
In summary, the course is ideal for a wide range of professionals, from laboratory staff to senior managers, who want to strengthen their expertise in auditing and compliance.
Completing the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Lead Auditor course opens multiple career and educational pathways.
Professional Advancement
- Promotion to lead auditor roles
- Eligibility for senior QA positions
- Opportunities in multinational organizations
- Recognition as a subject matter expert
- Increased employability in regulated industries
- Access to higher salary brackets
Specialized Auditing Roles
- Transition into ISO/IEC 17020 inspection auditing
- Expansion into ISO 15189 medical laboratory auditing
- Opportunities in ISO 9001 quality management auditing
- Cross-functional auditing in manufacturing sectors
- Supplier auditing for global supply chains
- Risk-based auditing in high-stakes industries
Consultancy and Training Careers
- Establishing independent consultancy practices
- Delivering ISO/IEC 17025 training programs
- Supporting laboratories in accreditation journeys
- Providing gap analysis and corrective action plans
- Offering specialized workshops for staff development
- Building a reputation as an industry thought leader
International Opportunities
- Employment with global accreditation bodies
- Consulting for international laboratories
- Opportunities in export-driven industries
- Cross-border auditing assignments
- Recognition in international professional networks
- Access to global conferences and forums
Academic and Professional Development
- Pursuing advanced qualifications in quality management
- Enrolling in postgraduate programs in metrology or QA
- Membership in professional bodies (e.g., IRCA)
- Continuous professional development (CPD) credits
- Opportunities for research in laboratory quality systems
- Pathways to doctoral-level study in quality sciences
Organizational Impact
- Driving continual improvement in laboratories
- Enhancing customer confidence and trust
- Reducing risks of nonconformity and errors
- Supporting accreditation renewals and expansions
- Strengthening organizational reputation
- Contributing to national and international trade
In conclusion, the course is not just a qualification but a gateway to diverse career opportunities, consultancy roles, and leadership positions in laboratory quality management.
Curious About This Course?
