The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course is a specialised qualification designed for professionals who want to master the principles of laboratory quality, accuracy, and compliance. It focuses on the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, which defines the requirements for testing and calibration laboratories to ensure reliable and technically valid results. This programme is ideal for individuals working in laboratory, quality assurance, and technical auditing environments.
The course covers key areas such as laboratory management systems, method validation, measurement uncertainty, equipment calibration, quality control processes, and audit methodologies. Learners gain a clear understanding of how laboratories maintain accuracy, traceability, and consistency in testing results. It also explores how compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 strengthens credibility and ensures global acceptance of laboratory data across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and environmental science.
By completing this qualification, learners develop strong auditing, analytical, and technical evaluation skills required to assess laboratory systems effectively. It enhances the ability to identify non-conformities, improve quality systems, and ensure compliance with international standards. As accuracy and reliability are critical in laboratory operations, this certification provides valuable recognition for professionals aiming to support high-quality testing and calibration practices worldwide.
- Age Requirement: Learners should be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: A minimum of secondary education or equivalent is required. A background in science, laboratory work, engineering, or quality management is highly recommended.
- 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.
- 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.
Mandatory Units
Skills You Will Gain
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 Testing and Calibration Laboratories course is designed for professionals aiming to strengthen their expertise in laboratory quality systems, testing standards, and auditing competence. It is suitable for individuals working in laboratory, compliance, and technical environments who want to enhance their professional credibility.
Who Is This Course For
- Laboratory technicians aiming to advance into quality and auditing roles
- Quality managers responsible for laboratory compliance and accreditation
- Calibration and testing professionals seeking auditing expertise
- Laboratory supervisors managing daily operations and quality systems
- Scientists transitioning into laboratory management and compliance roles
- Internal auditors involved in quality system evaluations
- QA and QC professionals in manufacturing, pharma, and healthcare sectors
- Consultants supporting ISO/IEC 17025 implementation and accreditation
- Regulatory and accreditation personnel assessing laboratory standards
- Professionals seeking specialization in laboratory auditing and quality assurance
The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course provides strong professional expertise in laboratory quality systems, auditing standards, and compliance frameworks. It enhances capability to assess, manage, and improve laboratory performance across regulated industries worldwide.
Future Progression
- Promotion to lead auditor and senior quality assurance roles
- Opportunities in multinational laboratories and testing organizations
- Recognition as a specialist in laboratory auditing and compliance
- Increased career opportunities in regulated scientific industries
- Roles in ISO/IEC 17020 inspection and ISO 15189 laboratory systems
- Expansion into ISO 9001 quality management auditing functions
- Supplier and third-party auditing across global supply chains
- Positions in risk-based auditing within high-precision environments
- Opportunities in independent consultancy and advisory services
- Roles supporting accreditation bodies and regulatory institutions
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