Becoming experts in the world of ISO Standards

A new beginning

Before joining NQA, Dr. Charles Beacroft, had minimal exposure to ISO standards. “My teaching roles at the London School of Economics and University College London involved only brief encounters with ISO 45003, Psychological Health and Safety at Work. Even when I worked for my previous company as Training Manager, proficiency in ISO standards was neither required nor prioritised.”

Similarly, Caitlin Cooper, who joined NQA as a Digital Marketing and Content Executive, also faced a learning curve. Coming from a digital marketing background, Caitlin initially found the certification industry unfamiliar. “I had never heard of ISO standards before this role, but I knew that it was crucial that I gained a deeper understanding of certification standards in order to effectively promote them to clients.”

To build a foundational understanding of ISO standards, Caitlin engaged in NQA’s E-Learning courses, there she found a personal interest in Quality Management Systems, she therefore decided to enrol on the CQI and IRCA ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course to gain more knowledge.

The CQI & IRCA ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course experience

For both team members, the CQI and IRCA ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course was a pivotal experience.

Dr Beacroft found the course both challenging and rewarding. “It offered a comprehensive examination of the ISO 9001 standard and included hands-on experiences such as audit report preparation, mock closing meetings, and nonconformity identification. These practical exercises were essential in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world auditing scenarios.”

Caitlin’s experience with the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course was equally transformative. Despite being new to the certification industry, Caitlin found the 5-day course “intense yet fascinating.” The real-life role-plays and practical examples deepened her understanding of Quality Management Systems. “The tutor’s expertise, encompassing both an auditor's perspective and a client’s experience, was particularly valuable.”

Both team members faced the rigorous online exam required for certification, which tested all elements of the standard and related requirements. Both passed the exam on their first attempts, demonstrating that thorough preparation, strong tutorship and dedication can overcome initial inexperience.

Top tips and tricks

Based on their experiences, they’ve compiled some tips to help others navigate the ISO landscape:

Decoding ISO terminology: ISO terminology can be dense. Familiarise yourself with key terms, often defined in clause 3 of the standards or through supplementary ISO documents like ISO 9000:2015. You can also use ISO's search engine for definitions.

Understanding standards structure: ISO standards can appear daunting due to their length and complexity. Most follow the Annex SL structure, which standardises the format across different standards. This familiarity will ease the learning process with subsequent standards.

Effective annotation and note-taking: Keep a copy of the standard handy and annotate it. Adding personal notes can solidify understanding and make it easier to reference relevant clauses.

Pacing your learning: ISO concepts can take time to fully grasp. Start with introductory resources or e-learning courses before tackling advanced topics. Gradual immersion enhances comprehension and retention.

We hope this article reassures you that transitioning into the ISO world, whether from a non-ISO background or a different industry, is entirely achievable with commitment and the right resources. The team’s experiences underscore that with dedication and the right support, the complexities of ISO standards can be mastered.

Looking to advance your ISO knowledge? Explore our extensive ISO training to find the perfect course for you.


For more information or to discuss how we can assist with your training needs, reach out to our friendly team at training@nqa.com