For scenario questions, structure your answer:
P – Problem (State the nonconformity / situation clearly)
R – Requirement (Quote the ISO clause or audit principle involved)
O – Objective evidence collected (What you saw/heard/read)
V – Verification needed (How you confirm cause/risk)
E – Effect on audit conclusion (Major/minor NC, or OFI)
Example application:
You find that internal audits are not being conducted for the R&D department despite the procedure saying “all functions annually”.
Question:
You are the lead auditor. During a closing meeting, the auditee disagrees with a major nonconformity you raised. They provide new evidence that partially addresses the issue. What should you do?
Answer options (choose the best):
a) Ignore the new evidence and close the meeting
b) Revise the nonconformity to a minor based on the new evidence
c) Stop the closing meeting, review the evidence, consult the audit team, and decide if the nonconformity classification changes
d) Refer the issue to the certification body irca lead auditor exam questions and answers
Correct Answer: c) Stop the closing meeting, review the evidence, consult the audit team, and decide if the nonconformity classification changes
Explanation:
ISO 19011 requires auditors to remain objective and open to new evidence. The lead auditor must ensure fair presentation and due professional care.
| Question Type | Expected Answer Structure | |---------------|--------------------------| | Define a term | Standard definition (ISO 9000/19011) | | Identify nonconformity | Statement + clause + objective evidence | | Lead auditor action | Consult team, verify evidence, remain impartial | | Sampling method | Risk-based, objective, justified by scope |
Question: “An auditee cannot produce calibration records for a pressure gauge. What should you do?” For scenario questions, structure your answer: P –
A “major nonconformity” means: a) Two minor nonconformities on the same clause. b) A failure to meet a legal requirement, regardless of impact. c) The absence or total breakdown of a system that likely results in a significant failure of the management system. d) Any nonconformity that the auditee disagrees with.
Answer: C
Explanation: IRCA defines a major nonconformity as a significant failure to meet a requirement, which could lead to a system breakdown. A single minor doesn’t automatically become major unless systemic.
These questions test your knowledge of ISO 19011, ISO 9001/14001/45001 (depending on course), and the audit process. Question: You are the lead auditor
IRCA examiners are skilled at crafting questions that trip up inexperienced auditors. Watch for:
| Trap | Example | Correct Approach | |------|---------|------------------| | Leading questions | “Don’t you agree that this is a major nonconformity?” | Base answer on evidence, not opinion. | | Confusing terms | “Is this an observation, OFI, or minor NC?” | Observation = no standard violation. OFI = suggestion. NC = requirement failed. | | Process vs. product | “You find a defective product – is that a QMS NC?” | Not unless it shows a process breakdown (e.g., no inspection, no procedure). | | Verification vs. validation | “Is checking a weld verification?” | Verification = does output meet input? Yes. Validation = does it work in real use? No. |
| Trick Statement | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Approach | |----------------|----------------|------------------| | “A nonconformity always requires a corrective action plan within 24 hours.” | ISO 19011 doesn’t mandate a time; it’s agreed with client. | State what the standard says, not common practice. | | “Lead Auditor must approve all audit team timesheets.” | No such requirement. | Role is to manage audit process, not internal HR. | | “An audit can start without an opening meeting if the auditee agrees.” | Opening meeting is mandatory (ISO 19011 6.4.1). | Always hold it regardless of familiarity. | | “Objective evidence = documented information only.” | False – includes observed activities, interview statements, records. | Define objective evidence as “records, statements of fact or other information relevant to audit criteria.”