Auditor Qualification & Competency Program
Qualified Professionals Delivering Trusted Certification Audits. At KSQA, auditor competence is the foundation of credible certification. Every auditor follows a structured qualification process that includes education verification, professional training, industry experience, competency evaluation, and continuous professional development. This ensures our clients receive consistent, impartial, and value-driven certification services aligned with internationally recognized standards.
Auditor Excellence Through Structured Qualification
Every KSQA auditor is selected through a structured competency framework that verifies technical expertise, impartiality, and professional integrity before authorization. Our qualification program combines education, industry experience, auditor training, practical evaluation, and ongoing professional development to maintain consistent certification quality.
KSQA maintains documented competency requirements for all auditors involved in certification activities. Auditor competence is reviewed before authorization and reassessed annually, keeping every auditor aligned with international certification requirements, industry expectations, and ongoing professional development.
This document applies to all KSQA lead auditors, audit team members, and contracted specialist auditors. KSQA's full governance framework and independent oversight structure are detailed in the Trust & Transparency Center, Audit Integrity Policy, and Governance & Leadership pages.
Our Competency Principles
The principles that guide every KSQA auditor qualification decision
Professional Integrity
Honesty, objectivity, and accountability in every audit assignment
Technical Excellence
Verified competence in the standard, clause requirements, and audit technique
Industry Expertise
Sector-specific experience matched to each authorized scope area
Continuous Learning
Ongoing training as standards, technology, and industry practice evolve
Independent Evaluation
Credentials and performance verified by someone other than the auditor
Client Focus
Consistent, professional, value-driven service on every engagement
Ongoing Professional Investment
KSQA auditors actively engage in standards updates, regulatory reviews, technical workshops, industry seminars, and internal competency reviews throughout their active service.See Continuous Learning for the full framework.
Qualification Process
The structured pathway every KSQA auditor must complete before conducting a client audit
ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7 requires that certification bodies define, document, and implement a competence management process for all personnel involved in certification activities. The qualification process below defines the gate-by-gate pathway for any individual seeking to conduct audits under KSQA's accreditation.
Application & Initial Screening
The candidate submits a formal auditor application including a CV, education credentials, professional certifications, and a complete professional history and conflict-of-interest declaration. supporting KSQA's rigorous, transparent screening standard.
- Complete CV with all quality management and auditing experience documented
- Copies of relevant educational qualifications (transcripts or certificates)
- Copies of all current professional certifications (ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Probitas IAQG credentials, etc.)
- Signed conflict-of-interest and impartiality declaration
- A complete professional conduct and credential history disclosure, completed by every candidate as part of KSQA's standard screening process.
Credential Verification
Before any further assessment, KSQA independently verifies all submitted credentials and certifications against the issuing bodies' registries. For AS9100 auditors, OASIS credential status is the primary verification source.
- OASIS credential check — status must show "Active" and current for the applicable standard and EA codes
- Educational qualifications verified directly against issuing institution records
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification verified with issuing body (IRCA, Exemplar Global, etc.)
- Qualification records are reviewed for completeness and accuracy before proceeding to competence assessment
- Results documented in the auditor competence record file
Competence Assessment
A structured competence assessment against the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7 — evaluating the candidate's knowledge of applicable standards, auditing techniques, and specific industry scope areas.
- Written assessment covering: ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100 Rev D requirements; auditing principles; OASIS database procedures; NC classification criteria
- Practical assessment — review of a sample audit report submitted by the candidate (actual or practice)
- Industry scope assessment — verification that candidate holds relevant experience in the EA code(s) they will audit
- Minimum passing score: 80% on written; satisfactory on practical review
Witness Audit (Supervised Field Evaluation)
Each candidate participates in supervised witness audits conducted by experienced and authorized evaluators to verify practical auditing competence before independent assignments.
- Minimum one Stage 2 witness audit required for initial qualification
- Witness auditor is an experienced, independently qualified KSQA auditor with no personal relationship to the candidate
- Evaluation criteria: opening meeting conduct; evidence gathering technique; NC identification and classification; report writing accuracy; closing meeting management
- Specific evaluation of OASIS entry accuracy — modality field must be verified by the witness auditor
- Satisfactory witness audit outcome required before independent assignments are authorized
Formal Authorization
Following satisfactory completion of all prior steps, the KSQA compliance function issues a formal authorization document specifying the standards, EA codes, and audit types the auditor is authorized to conduct.
- Written authorization document issued directly by KSQA's independent compliance function, ensuring every authorization decision is verified separately from the auditor being authorized.
- Specifies: authorized standard(s), revision, and applicable EA industry codes
- Specifies: authorized audit types (Stage 1, Stage 2, Surveillance, Recertification)
- Authorization effective date and first annual review date stated
- Copy retained in auditor competence file; copy provided to auditor; IAS notified as required
OASIS Registration & Credential Confirmation
For AS9100 auditors, formal OASIS registration with current Probitas Authentication credentials is confirmed before the first client assignment. This is the external, publicly verifiable record of the auditor's authorization.
- OASIS profile reviewed — all credential fields current and accurate
- EA code scopes in OASIS match KSQA internal authorization document
- Probitas Authentication credential status: Active
- Any gaps between OASIS profile and KSQA authorization resolved before first assignment
- Client can independently verify auditor credentials in OASIS before audit commences
Qualification Requirements by Auditor Role
| Requirement | Lead Auditor (ISO 9001) | Lead Auditor (AS9100) | Audit Team Member | Technical Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formal education (min. bachelor's level or equivalent) | Required | Required | Preferred | Field-specific |
| ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification (IRCA/Exemplar) | Required | Required | Preferred | Not required |
| Probitas IAQG Auditor Credential (active OASIS) | Not required | Required | If AS9100 scope | Not required |
| Minimum 4 years work experience in quality | Required | Required | 2 years min. | In specialist field |
| Minimum 3 complete audits as observer | Required | Required | Required | Not required |
| Witness audit (supervised by independent reviewer) | Required | Required | Recommended | Not required |
| Annual performance evaluation | Required | Required | Required | Per engagement |
| Annual CPD hours (minimum) | 20 hours/year | 24 hours/year | 12 hours/year | As relevant |
Training Requirements
The initial and ongoing training every KSQA auditor must complete before and during active service
Training requirements for KSQA auditors fall into two categories: initial training that must be completed before authorization, and ongoing training that maintains and develops competence throughout an auditor's active service. ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7.1 requires that training be appropriate to the scope of work and verifiable.
ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Course
A full CQI/IRCA-registered or Exemplar Global-registered lead auditor training course covering the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and auditing principles. Minimum 5 days (40 hours) with formal examination.
- CQI/IRCA, Exemplar Global, or equivalent accredited provider
- Minimum 40 contact hours; formal written examination
- Certificate of completion — retained in auditor file
- Must be current within 5 years or supplemented by conversion training
AS9100 Rev D Lead Auditor Training
Specialized AS9100 Rev D lead auditor training covering aerospace-specific requirements, the IAQG ICOP scheme, OASIS database procedures, and Probitas Authentication credentialing. Required in addition to ISO 9001 lead auditor training.
- IAQG-recognized training provider required
- Covers AS9100 Rev D additional requirements over ISO 9001
- OASIS data entry, modality recording, and ICT field (the OASIS data field indicating whether remote information and communication technology was used during the audit) requirements covered
- ICOP scheme obligations for certification bodies
- Probitas Authentication credentialing process
OASIS Procedures & Data Integrity Training
Dedicated training on OASIS data entry requirements, modality field accuracy, and ICT field usage. Training programs are periodically updated to reflect evolving accreditation requirements, industry best practices, and certification scheme updates.
- OASIS field-by-field data entry requirements
- Modality recording: on-site, remote, hybrid — definitions and documentation
- ICT field: when YES is required and what evidence must support it
- Best practices for accurate, consistent OASIS record-keeping
- Modality Accuracy Checklist procedure and dual-sign verification
Ethics, Integrity & Independence Training
Training covering the impartiality requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 5, KSQA's Ethics & Integrity Policy, the KSQA Audit Integrity Policy, conflict-of-interest identification and management, and the professional standards every auditor is expected to uphold.
- Threat categories under ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 5 with examples
- KSQA Ethics Policy — prohibited conduct; reporting obligations
- Case-study review of real-world independence and integrity scenarios in the certification industry
- Impartiality declaration procedure — what is required and when
- Whistleblower protections and escalation process
Industry Sector / EA Code Training
Auditors must demonstrate current competence in the specific industry sectors they audit — not just in the auditing standard. EA code-specific training or equivalent experience must be documented for each authorized scope area.
- Electronics manufacturing (EA code 17)
- Machined parts / precision engineering (EA code 18)
- Service organizations (EA codes 28–35 as applicable)
- Aerospace manufacturing (EA code 19 for AS9100)
- Medical devices (EA code 34 for ISO 13485)
Remote Audit Technology & Methodology
Training in the conduct of remote audits, including platform operation, evidence-gathering techniques for virtual environments, documentation requirements, and the specific methodology adaptations that ensure remote audits meet the same rigorous evidence standards as on-site audits.
- Remote audit planning — what must change vs. on-site
- Evidence gathering via screen share, document sharing, and video observation
- Client IT requirements and platform setup
- Recording and documentation of remote audit sessions
- OASIS recording for remote audits — ICT field = YES requirements
Minimum Training Hours Summary
Certifications
The professional certifications KSQA auditors must hold — what they mean, who issues them, and how to verify current status
Professional certifications provide externally-verified, publicly-checkable evidence of an auditor's competence. For AS9100 audits in particular, certification through Probitas Authentication and the IAQG ICOP scheme is a non-negotiable scheme requirement — not merely a desirable qualification. The following certifications are required for KSQA's auditors by role and scope.
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
The internationally recognized professional certification for quality management system auditors. Demonstrates completion of accredited lead auditor training and competence assessment against ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
- Issued by CQI/IRCA (Chartered Quality Institute / International Register of Certificated Auditors) or Exemplar Global
- Requires completion of accredited 40-hour lead auditor course with formal examination
- Requires documented audit experience — typically 20+ completed audit days
- Subject to recertification requirements — CPD hours and audit activity
- Certificate number verifiable through IRCA or Exemplar Global registries
IAQG Auditor Credential (Probitas Authentication)
For applicable aerospace certification programs, auditor qualifications are maintained in accordance with relevant industry credentialing requirements, ensuring authorized auditors perform certification activities within their approved technical scopes.
IAQG Auditor Credential status: Active. Current status is independently verifiable anytime at oasis.sae.org. KSQA's full oversight and control framework for auditor credentialing is documented in the Audit Integrity Policy and Trust & Transparency Center.
- Issued and managed by Probitas Authentication on behalf of IAQG
- Status publicly verifiable at oasis.sae.org by any party
- Subject to periodic review by the Americas Auditor Review Committee
- Clients are encouraged to verify current credential status directly in OASIS before an audit
ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification
Specialist certification for information security management system auditors. Required for any KSQA auditor conducting ISO 27001:2022 certification audits. Demonstrates competence in ISMS requirements and information security controls assessment.
- Accredited ISO 27001 lead auditor course — minimum 40 hours with examination
- Prior ISO 9001 lead auditor certification recommended as prerequisite
- Specific competence in Annex A controls, risk assessment, and information asset management
- Recertification through CPD and audit activity tracking
ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Certification
Medical device quality management system specialist certification. Required for any KSQA auditor conducting ISO 13485:2016 certification audits. Demands understanding of regulatory requirements, design controls, and medical device-specific risk management.
- Accredited ISO 13485 lead auditor course — minimum 40 hours with examination
- Prior ISO 9001 lead auditor certification recommended as prerequisite
- Medical device industry experience required — EA code 34
- Familiarity with FDA, MDR, and relevant regulatory frameworks expected
Experience Requirements
The professional and auditing experience KSQA auditors must demonstrate before authorization
Certifications confirm training has been completed — experience confirms that an auditor can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world conditions. ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7.1 requires that CB personnel have appropriate experience for the certification activities they perform. The following minimum experience requirements apply to KSQA auditors.
General Quality & Industry Experience
Quality Management Experience
Minimum 4 years of professional experience in quality management roles — including QMS development, implementation, maintenance, or audit functions.
Minimum 4 yearsIndustry Sector Experience
Demonstrated professional experience in the specific industry sector(s) being audited — relevant to the EA codes authorized. General quality experience does not substitute for sector-specific knowledge.
Minimum 2 years in authorized sector(s)Aerospace Experience (AS9100)
For AS9100 auditors: direct experience in aerospace, defense, or space industry quality systems, either through employment, advisory work, or previous audit experience in these sectors.
Demonstrated aerospace QMS familiarityRegulatory & Standards Knowledge
Current, up-to-date knowledge of the applicable standard's requirements — including recent revisions and interpretations. Standards knowledge must be demonstrated in competence assessments.
Demonstrated in competence assessmentAuditing Experience
Observer Audits
Minimum of 3 complete audits (Stage 1 + Stage 2) conducted as an observer under the direct supervision of a qualified lead auditor. Observations must be documented and signed off.
Minimum 3 observed auditsTeam Member Audits
Minimum of 5 audits conducted as a team member — actively participating in evidence gathering, NC identification, and report contribution under a qualified lead auditor.
Minimum 5 team member auditsWitness Audit (KSQA specific)
Minimum 1 full Stage 2 audit conducted independently and observed by a qualified KSQA witness auditor, with satisfactory outcome on all evaluation criteria.
1 satisfactory witness auditOngoing Audit Activity (Authorization Maintenance)
To maintain authorization, auditors must complete a minimum number of audits per authorization period. Insufficient audit activity triggers a re-evaluation of competence before further independent assignments.
Minimum 4 audits per year to maintain active statusMinimum Experience by Standard
| Standard | Quality Experience | Sector Experience | Observer Audits | Team Member Audits | Audit Days/Year (min.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | 4 years minimum | 2 years in authorized EA codes | 3 complete audits | 5 audits | 10 audit days |
| AS9100 Rev D | 4 years minimum (incl. aerospace) | 2 years aerospace / defense / space | 3 complete audits (AS9100 scope) | 5 audits (AS9100 scope) | 15 audit days |
| ISO 27001:2022 | 4 years (incl. information security) | IT / information management experience | 3 complete audits (ISMS scope) | 5 audits (ISMS scope) | 10 audit days |
| ISO 13485:2016 | 4 years (incl. medical devices) | Medical device manufacturing / regulation | 3 complete audits (MD scope) | 5 audits (MD scope) | 10 audit days |
Continuous Learning
The ongoing professional development requirements that keep KSQA auditors current and competent
ISO/IEC 17021-1 requires that certification bodies maintain and develop the competence of their personnel on an ongoing basis — not just at initial qualification. Standards are revised, scheme requirements change, industry practices evolve, and new risks emerge. KSQA's continuous learning requirements ensure auditors remain current and effective throughout their active service.
Annual CPD Hours Requirement
All active KSQA auditors must complete a minimum number of documented Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours each calendar year. CPD activities must be relevant to auditing, the applicable standard(s), or the auditor's authorized industry sectors.
Lead Auditor (ISO 9001): 20 hours/year · Lead Auditor (AS9100): 24 hours/year · Team Members: 12 hours/year
Annual · Documented in competence record ✓ RequiredStandard Revision Awareness
When a standard under KSQA's scope is revised (e.g., ISO 9001 revision, AS9100 Rev E if issued), all auditors authorized for that standard must complete formal transition training before conducting audits to the new revision. Transition training is not optional and must be completed before the effective date of any standard revision.
Triggered by standard revision — mandatory within 6 months ✓ RequiredOASIS & ICOP Scheme Updates
The IAQG periodically updates OASIS procedures and ICOP scheme requirements. All AS9100 auditors must review and acknowledge any scheme updates within 30 days of publication. KSQA's compliance manager tracks IAQG updates and notifies affected auditors.
As published by IAQG — acknowledgment within 30 days 🔵 Tracking process active.Annual Ethics & Integrity Refresher
All KSQA auditors must complete a minimum 3-hour annual ethics and integrity refresher covering any updates to KSQA's Ethics & Integrity Policy, the Audit Integrity Policy, and case-based review of real-world independence and integrity scenarios in the certification industry.
Annual · 3 hours minimum 🔵 Active annual requirementProbitas Recertification Activities
IAQG auditor credentials issued through Probitas Authentication require ongoing recertification activities — including documented audit activity, CPD hours, and periodic re-examination or assessment. KSQA tracks all Probitas recertification deadlines for AS9100 auditors and provides reminders 90 and 30 days before due dates.
Per Probitas Authentication requirements — tracked by KSQA compliance ✓ Active trackingSector Currency Activities
Auditors must maintain current knowledge of the industry sectors they audit — attending industry events, reviewing sector publications, or undertaking structured learning in their authorized EA code areas. Sector currency is assessed at annual performance evaluation.
Annual — evidenced at performance evaluation ✓ RequiredApproved CPD Topic Areas
ISO 9001 / AS9100 standard requirements and updates
Aerospace industry quality and regulatory developments
Audit techniques — evidence gathering, NC classification
Remote and virtual audit methodology
Ethics, integrity, and impartiality in auditing
OASIS procedures and ICOP scheme requirements
Risk management and continual improvement methods
IAF and accreditation body developments
Information security management (ISO 27001)
Medical device regulatory requirements (ISO 13485)
Performance Evaluation
How KSQA monitors, evaluates, and acts on auditor performance throughout active service
Qualification is not a one-time event. ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7.1.4 requires that certification bodies monitor the performance of all personnel involved in certification activities — evaluating whether competence is being maintained and applied effectively in practice. Ongoing performance evaluation is how KSQA maintains consistent audit quality and catches development needs early, before they affect certification outcomes.
Annual Performance Review
A structured annual review of each auditor's performance covering all key competence dimensions, conducted independently by the KSQA compliance function.
- Review of all audits completed in the preceding 12 months
- CPD hours verified against requirement
- Client feedback summary reviewed
- OASIS entry accuracy checked for the review period
- Credential and certification status confirmed current
- Impartiality declaration updated and signed
Witness Audit (Ongoing)
In addition to the initial qualification witness audit, all active auditors are subject to periodic witness audits throughout their service — conducted by an independent qualified observer.
- Minimum one witness audit every 3 years for lead auditors
- Triggered immediately following any client complaint about audit quality
- Triggered following any OASIS data accuracy concern
- Witness auditor is independently qualified with no personal relationship to the auditor being observed
- Report with findings provided to auditor and retained in file
Audit Report Quality Review
A sample of completed audit reports is reviewed each quarter by the KSQA compliance function for quality, completeness, and accuracy — independent of the certification decision review.
- Minimum 20% of audit reports sampled per quarter
- Report reviewed against KSQA's report quality criteria
- OASIS entries cross-checked against reports for modality consistency
- NC quality assessed — evidence quality and standard clause referencing
- Feedback provided to auditor; recurring issues trigger formal review
Client Feedback Monitoring
KSQA collects client feedback after each audit and tracks feedback by auditor. Patterns of negative feedback — unresponsiveness, unexplained delays, quality concerns — are investigated and addressed through the performance management process.
- Post-audit client feedback form sent within 5 days of report delivery
- Feedback anonymized but retained in auditor performance record
- Three or more negative feedback items in 12 months triggers formal review
- Positive feedback recorded and used in authorization decisions
OASIS Accuracy Monitoring
All OASIS entries made by KSQA auditors are reviewed for accuracy by the compliance function, independent of the certification decision review. Modality field entries are specifically and continuously tracked as part of this ongoing evaluation.
- 100% of OASIS modality entries reviewed via KSQA's dual-sign checklist process
- Quarterly audit of OASIS entries against internal audit files
- Any discrepancy between report and OASIS triggers immediate investigation
- History of OASIS entries maintained in auditor file for IAS review
Integrity & Conduct Monitoring
KSQA actively monitors for indicators of integrity or conduct issues — including unusual patterns in NC rates, audit durations, client interactions, and OASIS entries. Concerns are investigated through a documented process.
- Unusual NC rate patterns (consistently zero NCs) reviewed
- Audit duration outliers (very short audits for complex scopes) reviewed
- Gift register checked against audit assignments
- Complaints or concerns from any party investigated within 5 business days
- Self-reporting of potential conflicts encouraged and protected
Performance Evaluation Criteria & Outcomes
| Evaluation Criterion | Satisfactory Standard | Monitor | Unsatisfactory — Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPD hours completed | 100% of requirement | 80–99% with valid reason | Below 80%, new assignments paused pending additional CPD completion |
| OASIS entry accuracy | 100% accurate | Minor administrative errors with correction | Any modality data inconsistency, immediate investigation |
| Client feedback score | Predominantly positive | 1–2 negative items — monitored | 3+ negative items in 12 months — formal review |
| Report quality assessment | Meets all quality criteria | Minor gaps — feedback and improvement plan | Recurring quality issues — additional training required |
| Witness audit outcome | Satisfactory on all criteria | Development areas identified — action plan | Unsatisfactory, assignments paused pending re-evaluation |
| Audit activity level | Minimum 4 audits/year completed | 2–3 audits with explanation | Fewer than 2 — competence re-assessment required |
| Credentials current | All certifications active | Renewal in progress with documented timeline | Lapsed credential, relevant scope assignments paused immediately until renewal is confirmed |
Performance Improvement Framework
KSQA's performance framework centers on six ongoing pillars: Annual Reviews, Witness Audits, Client Feedback, Technical Reviews, Knowledge Updates, and Professional Development. Where a development need is identified, it is addressed constructively and verified before the auditor's next assignment.
Development Area Identified
Via review, feedback, or self-report
Review
Documented within 5 business days; auditor informed
Assessment
Development need classified and prioritized
Improvement Plan
Additional training, supervision, or scope adjustment
Verification
Improvement confirmed; competence record updated
Independent Oversight
Probitas / IAS engaged where scheme requirements apply
Why Clients Trust KSQA Auditors
Qualified Professionals
Every credential independently verified before authorization
Relevant Industry Experience
Sector-matched experience for every authorized scope
Structured Evaluation
A documented, six-gate qualification pathway followed for every candidate.
Independent Oversight
Witness audits, quarterly sampling, and OASIS monitoring by the compliance function
Continuous Development
Mandatory annual CPD, ethics training, and standards updates
Consistent Methodology
The same rigorous process applied to every auditor, every time
Auditor Qualification Commitments — Summary
Verified Credentials Every auditor's certifications independently verified before authorization
OASIS Pre-Check Credential status confirmed in OASIS before every AS9100 audit assignment and monthly for all active AS9100 auditors
Witness Audits Every new auditor must pass a witness audit before independent assignments; periodic witness audits throughout service
Ethics Training Annual mandatory ethics and integrity refresher for all auditors — including case-study review of real-world scenarios
Annual Evaluation Structured annual performance review covering CPD, OASIS accuracy, client feedback, and credential status
Report Sampling 20% of audit reports reviewed quarterly for quality and OASIS consistency by the compliance function
CPD Tracking Minimum 24 hours/year (AS9100), 20 hours/year (ISO 9001) — documented and verified at annual review
External Escalation Conduct concerns meeting Probitas or IAS reporting thresholds are reported directly to those bodies as part of KSQA's external escalation process.
Public Verifiability Every authorized auditor's AS9100 credentials publicly verifiable in OASIS — clients encouraged to check independently
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about auditor qualifications, verification, and credential status
How are KSQA auditors qualified?
Through a structured six-gate process: application and screening, independent credential verification, competence assessment, a supervised witness audit, formal authorization, and OASIS registration confirmation — before any independent client assignment.
What training do auditors complete?
Lead auditors complete accredited ISO 9001 or AS9100 lead auditor training, OASIS data procedures training, ethics and independence training, industry sector training, and remote audit methodology training, plus ongoing annual continuing professional development.
How often are auditor competencies reviewed?
Every active auditor receives a structured annual performance review, quarterly report-quality sampling, ongoing OASIS accuracy monitoring, and a witness audit at least once every 3 years.
How are auditors assigned?
Auditors are assigned based on verified competence in the relevant standard and industry sector (EA code), current credential status, and a conflict-of-interest screen confirming independence from the client.
What is a witness audit?
A witness audit is a full audit conducted by a candidate auditor under direct, independent observation, evaluating real-world competence — evidence gathering, nonconformity classification, and report accuracy — before the candidate is authorized for independent client assignments.
How does KSQA maintain auditor competence?
Through independent credential verification, structured qualification review, periodic witness audits, quarterly report-quality sampling, and mandatory continuing professional development tracked in each auditor's competence record.
What standards guide auditor qualification?
ISO/IEC 17021-1 Clause 7 governs competence management for certification body personnel; AS9100 auditors are additionally governed by AS9104/1 and the IAQG ICOP scheme, with credentials issued through Probitas Authentication.
How are industry competencies maintained?
Auditors document current experience for each authorized industry sector (EA code) and complete sector-specific training, reviewed annually as part of the performance evaluation process.
How can I verify my auditor's credentials before an audit?
Email contact@ksqa.org with your certificate number and audit date for written confirmation, or check AS9100 auditor credential status directly and independently at oasis.sae.org.
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