Certified auditors are professionals who have been officially recognized as possessing the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to conduct audits and evaluations in various fields, such as quality, safety, environment, or finance.  

Certification of an auditor involves an independent assessment of their qualifications by an external organization. This process ensures that the auditor:  

Possesses specialized knowledge: Has a deep understanding of the standards and regulations governing the field of specialization.
Has necessary skills: Is capable of analyzing data, evaluating systems and processes, identifying weaknesses, and proposing improvements.
Has required experience: Has gained practical experience in the field of auditing through previous work.

The benefits of auditor certification include:

Increased credibility: Certified auditors are considered more reliable than non-certified ones, as they have undergone an independent assessment.
Professional recognition: Certification recognizes the auditor’s expertise and professional commitment.
Improved audit quality: Certified auditors are more likely to conduct higher-quality audits.
Expanded career opportunities: Certification can open up new career opportunities and lead to higher earnings.

Common types of certified auditors include:

Quality auditors: Audit products and services for compliance with specific quality standards, such as ISO 9001.
Safety auditors: Audit safety practices and procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Environmental auditors: Audit environmental compliance and the implementation of environmental management systems.
Financial auditors: Audit financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

ISO/IEC 17024 is a key standard for certifying auditors. It sets the criteria that a certification body must meet to provide reliable certifications.

To certify auditors in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024, a company must first establish a certification body like A CERT that meets the standard’s requirements. This involves developing a quality management system, appointing competent personnel, and securing accreditation from a recognized accreditation body.

The certification body must then develop specific certification schemes outlining the knowledge, skills, and experience requirements for each certification level. Assessment procedures, such as written examinations and practical assessments, must be implemented to evaluate auditor competence.

Certification audits are conducted to verify compliance with the certification scheme, involving document review, interviews, and observation of auditor work. Successful auditors receive certificates confirming their competence.

The certification body must maintain a system to monitor certified auditors’ performance and take corrective action if necessary. This may include periodic surveillance or recertification audits.

It’s important to consult with a recognized accreditation body, like A CERT to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulations, as specific requirements can vary.
A CERT certifies in accordance with specialized certification regulations the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2003 standard the professional sufficiency of persons in various specialties, including:

• Auditors and Consultants ISO 9001
• Auditors and Consultants ISO 22000/HACCP