QS-9000 Internal Audit Training Requirements

Are company auditors have been trained by an outside source for ISO 9002. We are now attempting certification for QS9k. Is it required that we are trained again for QS9000 Internal auditing, or will the Iso training hold up.

[Marc]

The automotive folks are pushing for a 'registered' or 'certified' QS9000 Internal Auditor training requirement, but - as I understand it as of today - they cannot require registration/certification.

But - They can reguest proof of training or something else (such as experience) which is evidence that the auditor is appropriately 'qualified' to perform internal audits.

[Tom Goetzinger]

Much depends on what your system requires as internal auditors qualifications. I would suggest that you do train your internal auditors on the clauses which QS adds to ISO. Whether you do that with internal or external resources depends on what qualifications you have available to you. I would be surprised if your registrar would accept your internal auditors with no additional training, but you could always contact them to be sure.

[Marc]

Tom is right, but you must also decide what youy want your internal auditors to audit.

Many companies keep internal auditors restricterd (if restricted is the proper word) to verifying/validating procedures, WIs, etc. and do not want them interpreting ISO9001 or QS9000. This is discussed in other threads here at length - my recommendation is to leave ISO and QS interpretation to the managment representative or other qualified person(s).

[Tom Goetzinger]

I totally agree on Marc on that one. I really don't want our internal auditors trying to interpret the standards and want them to audit strictly to the procedures, which have been developed to meet the intent of the standard.
I do think that it is beneficial to the auditors to have been exposed to the standards so they have some background. I also suspect a company would gain some advantage with their registrar (call them brownie points) for recognizing the added requirements of QS in their Internal Auditor training.

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Tom Goetzinger