If you wish to pursue a career as the lead auditor, it is crucial that you initially select the right certification course. When you choose a reputed institution providing the lead auditor course, you will find the two most common certified bodies, including CQI or Charted Quality Institute and IRCA or the International Register of Certified Auditors. Both of these bodies are known internationally and provide extensive training programs. However, they have a distinctive number of benefits and features.
So, if you have decided to take the lead auditor course, but are unable to understand the certification bodies that will be relevant to you, hopefully, you will get comprehensive details from this article. Here we will take a look into the difference between these bodies and which will be beneficial for whom.
Understanding CQI and IRCA
CQI – Charted Quality Institute
The Charted Quality Institute is known as the global professional professional body that has been comprehensively dedicated to improving the quality management practice. The institute was established back in 1919 and provides quite a range of certification programs with the primary aim of enhancing the knowledge and skills of quality professionals. CQI certification has been specifically designed for professionals who want to improve their understanding and gain a deeper knowledge of quality management practices and principles.
IRCA – International Register of Certified Auditors
The International Register of Certified Auditors is again a leading certified body for auditors. It was established back in 1984. IRCA is also a part of CQI, with the primary focus on auditor certification. IRCA certification is known as a global recognition and is regarded as one of the most important aspects of the auditing profession. IRCA-approved courses provided by top-notch institutions offer training to make sure that auditors are capable of meeting the high-quality requirements of organizations and remain competent in today’s competitive market.
Comparison of IRCA and CQI
- Course structure and Content: CQI-approved lead auditor courses most commonly focus on improving understanding of quality management systems. The curriculum is mainly based on covering a wide range of topics that include control quality, planning improvement and assurance. The courses have been designed meticulously to help professionals get the knowledge and skills for managing and improving quality across industries. They mostly include practical exercises, theoretical knowledge and case studies to equip lead auditors with well rounded experience.
IRC-approved courses mostly focus on auditing management systems. The training space focuses on the practices and principles of auditing to help potential auditors specialise in their work. IRCA courses cover a wide range of topics, including audit, execution, planning, reporting, and follow-up. The courses have been designed in a way to develop the necessary skills required by lead auditors while conducting effective audits, recommending improvements by understanding loopholes and identifying nonconformities. Roleplay scenarios and practical exercises are an integral part of IRCA training. - Acceptance and recognition: CQI certification is definitely a globally recognized certification that is respected among several industries. Lead auditors with CQI certification are known to be much more skilled and knowledgeable in quality management. This is the reason why they are one of the valuable assets for organizations that are looking forward to improving quality systems. The reputation of this certified body ensures the credibility of certification.
IRCA certification is again a widely accepted and recognized auditing profession. As it is also a part of CQI, it has a global reputation that helps to manage the focus on auditing. IRCA-certified lead auditors are known for their expertise in conducting audits among industries and making sure that companies comply with the system standards. Having the logo of IRCA on the resume is a depiction of competency and professionalism. - Continuous professional development: CQI mostly focuses on the need for ongoing professional development. Certified professionals are constantly encouraged to be a part of continuous learning so that they remain updated with the latest advancements and quality standards. It offers a wide range of activities, including seminars, workshops, publications, and webinars to help members improve their knowledge and maintain their skills.
IRCA is also a place that strongly emphasizes continuous professional development. Certified auditors are required to engage in regular development activities in order to retain their certification. The CPD opportunities provided by IRCA, like conferences, training courses, and industry events, would help professionals to keep improving their knowledge and be a part of this dynamic realm. The commitment to CPD ensures that the certified auditors remain at the forefront when it comes to auditing.
Make an informed decision:
Hopefully, by now, you have gathered comprehensive knowledge about the difference between CQI and IRCA-certified lead auditor courses. However, choosing an equally daunting option for professionals can be a bit daunting. Remember that you always need to keep in mind your professional requirements and career goals while deciding on the certification body.
If you are in search of comprehensive education on quality management with a focus on continuous improvement, CQI can be a better choice. However, if you aspire to become a specialized member or hold a specialization in the auditing management system and are looking for certification from a respected body in the auditing community, IRCA can be the right fit.
Both IRCA and CQI provide extensive training programs to enhance career prospects and provide valuable skills for potential lead auditors. It is important to choose an accredited training solution like TCB Foundation to get comprehensive IRCA or CQI-certified lead auditor courses. If you are already a top label management professional, quality control engineer, or service professional in any field, you can take the courses offered at TCB to make career advancement.