ISO 9001 Audit Observations - Transitioning my career into auditing

Sidney Vianna

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Staff member
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#11
The travel is what's holding me back.
If I could get an auditing job that is regional with minimal overnight stays I would probably move into auditing.
But haven't seen any registrars that can offer that work/life balance.
That's why some people work for MANY CB's as a contractor, non-exclusive auditor. They pick and choose which assignments they want to take. They even establish a maximum radius from home they are willing to go audit. The drawback is to have to "learn" the processes, protocols and idiosyncrasies of many CB's...
 
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Randy

Super Moderator
#12
That's why some people work for MANY CB's as a contractor, non-exclusive auditor. They pick and choose which assignments they want to take. They even establish a maximum radius from home they are willing to go audit. The drawback is to have to "learn" the processes, protocols and idiosyncrasies of many CB's...
Amen! Pretty well put, except I go coast to coast choosing the higher earning jobs 3-4 day over the 1-2 days ones when I can, not always, but when I can. I see too many contracted people shoot themselves in the fanny by being too picky or prissy and complain about not getting enough work, while I and a couple others will pick up the ball and run with it. In the end if you eat some of the less desirable cuts you'll get the prime.
 

normzone

Trusted Information Resource
#13
That's NOTHING! When I was a CB auditor, I had to live in a shoebox in the middle of the road...:notme::lol:
LUXURY !

What I wouldn't have given for a shoebox in the middle of the road - When I was an auditor, the client would put me up in a hole in the ground, with a few inches of water in the bottom, and some eels.
 

Marc

Hunkered Down for the Duration with a Mask on...
Staff member
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#14
Hello all,

I have recently decided to transition my career into auditing. I plan on obtaining many different certifications for more opportunities but as of right now I have achieved my ISO 9001:2015 lead auditor certificate. I understand that I need to obtain a certain number of observation audits before I am “officially” certified. Would anyone be willing to give me some guidance on how I go about getting these observations? I am pretty new to this but eager and willing to put in the time and effort. I have spoken with a few registrars but I feel they are looking for people with more experience in the auditing industry. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Or if there are any auditors out there willing to let me tag along just let me know!
As a "heads up" - Randy is an exception so take his replies in this discussion with a "grain of salt".

There are a number of discussions going back some years started by people who want to become auditors. You might want to read some for a broader scope of responses.

The best responses in this thread are from Andy, SpinDr99, Sidney and dsanabria (in my opinion).

Also bear in mind that the "ISO 9001 transition/upgrade" rush will soon be over... And while there are comments about how many older auditors are out there who are near retirement, like in all occupations it's not (in my belief) going to lead to a sudden surge in a need for new auditors.

Another factor, for newer auditors, notice no one posts what auditors are paid these days, especially newer ones.

And, don't forget some aspects such as time to prepare for an audit, the end of day writeup, and all that is involved.

I am definitely not trying to discourage you. Rather, I want to point out some of the downsides that often aren't mentioned. I know - I've been there as an auditor and a business systems consultant who traveled for years where I was lucky to be "home" two weekends a month.

It is not that bad - but yes - it is dark - airport are hard to sleep on and delays on aircraft are common which will cause your flights to be missed. So a 2 hour flight turns into a 12 hour flight. :tg:
I don't even want to think back to how many times I went through that, or how many nights I slept in airports...
 
Last edited:

ScottK

Not out of the crisis
Staff member
Super Moderator
#15
That's why some people work for MANY CB's as a contractor, non-exclusive auditor. They pick and choose which assignments they want to take. They even establish a maximum radius from home they are willing to go audit. The drawback is to have to "learn" the processes, protocols and idiosyncrasies of many CB's...
If we had a healthcare system that wouldn't cost me $2000+ a month for family medical/dental/vision coverage I'd probably be happy going off on my own...
but until my kids are on their own I'm afraid I'll be working for someone who provides decent insurance.
 

Marc

Hunkered Down for the Duration with a Mask on...
Staff member
Admin
#16
As a brief "heads up", I've been on medicare for a few years now and it isn't much better... And the "supplements" such as AARP has suck big time.
 
#17
LUXURY !

What I wouldn't have given for a shoebox in the middle of the road - When I was an auditor, the client would put me up in a hole in the ground, with a few inches of water in the bottom, and some eels.
We used to dream of living in a shoebox...
 
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