LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor

LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor

The LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor course is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to conduct professional audits in testing and calibration laboratories. This course focuses on the principles, requirements, and best practices outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017, covering laboratory management systems, quality assurance, and technical competence in testing and calibration activities.

Learners will gain the ability to plan, execute, report, and follow up on laboratory audits according to international standards. The course emphasizes practical auditing techniques, risk assessment, process evaluation, and compliance monitoring, ensuring learners develop a complete understanding of the operational and technical requirements for laboratory excellence.

Through structured online modules learners will explore how to assess laboratory procedures, equipment calibration, and testing accuracy, while ensuring adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. By the end of the program, learners will have the expertise to perform audits confidently, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to the continuous enhancement of laboratory quality systems.

This LICQual ISO/IEC 17025 Lead Auditor training provides learners with the skills to strengthen laboratory credibility, improve process reliability, and achieve internationally recognized certification, making it a definitive pathway for mastery in laboratory auditing.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories


Total Units

6

Total Credits

40

GLH

120

Qualification #

LICQ2200106


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enrol in the LICQual ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing and Calibration Laboratories Lead Auditor, Learners must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
  • Educational Requirements:Learner should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience: Minimum one year in testing, calibration, quality assurance, or related laboratory operations; prior auditing experience not mandatory.
  • English Language Proficiency: Strong ability to read, write, and comprehend technical English for course materials and assessments.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200106-1

Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025 and its significance in laboratory operations.

8

24

LICQ2200106-2

Understanding the requirements for management and personnel competence

8

24

LICQ2200106-3

Calibration and validation of equipment and measurement processes

6

18

LICQ2200106-4

 Implementation of quality control measures and proficiency testing

6

18

LICQ2200106-5

Documentation and reporting of test/calibration results

6

18

LICQ2200106-6

Preparation for accreditation and audit processes

6

18

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Laboratory Accreditation

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

This diploma is ideal for:

  • Quality managers, laboratory managers, and technical directors responsible for implementing or maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation within testing and calibration laboratories.
  • Internal auditors and external auditors seeking to develop skills in auditing laboratory management systems and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
  • Laboratory professionals and technicians who wish to enhance their understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and its role in ensuring accurate, reliable, and consistent testing and calibration results.
  • Consultants working with laboratories to guide them through the process of achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.
  • Professionals in industries that rely on accredited testing and calibration services, such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors.
  • Individuals aiming to pursue a career in laboratory auditing or quality assurance with a focus on compliance with international standards.
  • Organizations that want to train their staff to ensure ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliance and promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.