The Quality World in OZ - A discussion

[Greg B]

Hi All,

I though I might talk about the Quality World in OZ. Being a new member on this site I have realised that there seem to be a few differences around the world so I thought I might let you into our world. Our standard is AS/NZS 9001:2000 (AS/NZS stands for - Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard).
In Australia, we have the 'Quality Society of Australia' (the QSA). We can become accredited Auditors. This also involves being graded as either asscoiate Auditor, Quality Auditor or Lead Auditor. We have to prove our Key Knowledge and Skills inluding an understanding of Quality management principles, quality tools & their applications. Here is the requirements for different levels of auditor.
Associate: 2yrs work experience with 1 yr Quality Management experience but no Auditing Experience.
Auditor: 4 yrs with 2 yrs QM with Min 4 yrs totalling not less than 20 days auditing on site in 3 yrs prior to application.
Lead: 4 yrs with 2 yrs QM + Auditor Requirements + min 3 additional audits as team leader totalling not less than 15 days on site in 3 yrs prior to application.

All applicants are to have completed secondary education + hold a relevant nationally recognised qualification such as a degree, diploma or advanced certificate. Although, demonstrated work experience may be considered. (nice of them)
Applicants must have completed a QSA recognised quality auditor training course.
We also are requried to be recertified every two years. They have also devised an exam that auditors are to undertake before auditing 9K2K systems. Here is a sample question:
'What evidence would you seek to ensure that the planning processess in an organisation meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2000? (100-150 words).
We can also become members of the professional body. A Fellow, Member or Affiliate depending on your experience and education.
There is no statuary authority that says we must be a member or that we must be certified. So, you can imagine that there are a lot of rouges out there. In the long run it would be nice to see everyone certified and follow the same code of practise espoused by the QSA.
If you would like to know more about the Australian Quality Society it can be viewed at www.qsanet.com

Greg B said:

So, you can imagine that there are a lot of rouges out there.

So it's French communists you're worried about? Just kidding (rouges vs rogues).

Greg B said:

In the long run it would be nice to see everyone certified and follow the same code of practise espoused by the QSA.

More seriously. Greg: by 'everyone', do you mean 'all certification body/registrar auditors'? Or do you include quality managers/management reps, consultants and internal auditors?

[Greg B]

G'Day Tom,

Sorry about the spelling, I am so used to a spell checker nowadays that I don't review my typing.

IMHO - ALL auditors should be certified. In this way, they can prove they have not just sat in on a two-day auditors course but have a tested knowledge and experience to back up their opinions and techniques.
In saying that, I have several on site auditors that carry out intradepartmental audits but have only done in house auditor training. My defence, in using in house auditors, is that these guys aren't off selling their auditing prowess or a QMS to unsuspecting businesses.


Greg B