What Can I Expect From an ISO Training Course?

Are you planning to enrol in an ISO training course?  If so, you may be wondering exactly what you can expect from this course.  There are a number of different procedures, materials, systems, and more that you’ll learn.  Each ISO course does differ slightly depending on which ISO course you are taking—the training for ISO 9001, for example, may be done somewhat differently than the training for ISO 14001.  However, there are some common things that all ISO training courses will cover.

The format of your ISO training course will also depend on how many days the course is, if the course is done as a public class or as a private class for your company only, and other factors.   A one-day course will be much more intensive than a course spread over five days, although the five day course may be more thorough and cover more aspects of ISO or look more deeply at different implementations and approaches. 

Before you enrol in an ISO training course, be certain you meet any prerequisites or have the required basic knowledge first.  For an introduction to ISO course, you won’t need to have any prior training, but for more advanced courses, such as a course on being a Lead Auditor, you may need to know the basics of ISO before entering the classroom.  Many ISO training courses are designed to work together and build upon one another, and you may find that you need to take specific courses in a sequence to really get the most out of them.

Once you begin your ISO training course, you’ll be given a number of different materials.  These materials may take the form of a handbook or workbook, copied handouts, or lecture notes.  Your instructor may handle lectures in various ways—some simply speak, but most use slideshows and other presentation materials to help illustrate points.  Some even offer CDs that feature additional information or contain the materials presented in class.  Note that in some cases, it is even possible to do ISO self training online, although computer-based training may not be available for every ISO course.

Once you’ve taken an ISO training course, your employer will receive a copy of your training records.  They should keep these records on file so that they always know which courses you’ve taken and what experience you have.  It is especially important that your employer receive these records if they’re paying for the courses or if you are required to have a specific number of training hours for your position.  You will also receive a copy of your course evaluation so you know how well you did. 

Your employer may use an ISO training matrix to help decide which courses you need to take and what you need to learn.  This matrix breaks down tasks like quality assurance by different jobs.  It then lists different duties and things each position needs to learn.  The matrix might also include training for manufacturing work, purchasing, sales, management, and other positions.  An ISO training matrix allows you to quickly see what ISO training courses your position requires, and you can use the matrix to chart your progress as well.