course | Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

 Method Define, differentiate, and analyze various audit types by method:

 product, process, desk, department, function, element, system, management. (Analyze) 

 Auditor-auditee relationship Define, differentiate, and analyze various audit types by auditorauditee relationship:

 first-party, second-party, third-party, internal and external. (Analyze)

 Purpose Define, differentiate, and analyze various audit types by purpose: 

verification of corrective action (follow-up) audits, risk audits, accreditation (registration) and compliance audits, surveillance and for-cause audits. (Analyze)

Audit Preparation and Planning 

•  Elements of the audit planning process Evaluate and implement the basic steps in audit preparation and planning: verify audit authority; determine the purpose, scope, and type of audit; identify the requirements to audit against and the resources necessary, including the size and number of audit teams. (Evaluate) 
• Auditor selection Identify and examine various auditor selection criteria, such as education, experience, industry background, and subject matter or technical expertise.
•  (Analyze) Audit-related documentation Identify the sources of pre-audit information and examine auditrelated documentation, such as audit criteria references and results from prior audits. (Analyze)

Logistics

•  Identify and organize audit-related logistics, including travel, safety and security considerations, the need for escorts, translators, confidentiality agreements, clear right of access, etc. (Analyze) 
• Auditing tools and working papers Identify the sampling plan or method and procedural guidelines to be used for the specific audit. Select and prepare working papers (checklists, log sheets, etc.) to document the audit. (Create)
•  Auditing strategies Identify and use various tactical methods for conducting an audit, such as forward and backward tracing, discovery, etc. (Apply)

Auditor

•  Characteristics Identify characteristics that make auditors effective: interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, cultural awareness and sensitivity, ability to work independently as well as in a group or on a team, etc. (Apply) 
• On-Site Audit Resource Management Identify and apply techniques for managing audit teams, scheduling audit meetings and activities, making logistical adjustments, etc. (Apply) 
• Conflict Resolution Identify typical conflict situations (mild to vehement disagreements, auditee delaying tactics, interruptions, etc.) and determine appropriate techniques for resolving them: clarifying the question or request, reiterating ground rules, intervention by another authority, cool-down periods, etc. (Analyze)

Team-building: 

• clarifying roles and responsibilities for participants and leaders to ensure equitable treatment for all team members, providing clear direction for deliverables, identifying necessary resources and ensuring their availability, etc. 
• Team facilitation: providing coaching and guidance, defusing clashes between members, eliciting input from all, cultivating objectivity, overseeing progress, encouraging diverse views and consensus, etc. 
• Stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, and performing