Skip to content
Login
            Auditor

            Certified Management System Auditor

            A structured certification framework designed to recognize competence in planning, conducting, and managing audits of management systems. 

            Apply for Auditor Certification

            Overview

            The Management System Auditor Certification Scheme is developed to recognize professionals who demonstrate the competence required to conduct and manage audits in alignment with accepted auditing principles and applicable standards.

            The scheme reflects real-world auditing responsibilities and provides a structured pathway for professionals to build, validate, and advance their auditing capability.

            Two progressive certification levels are included to support career development and increasing responsibility:

            certificate-badge-light

            Certified Management System Internal Auditor (CMSIA)

            certificate-badge-light

            Certified Management System Lead Auditor (CMSLA) 

            This certification confirms the ability to plan, execute, report, and manage audit activities with consistency, objectivity, and professional integrity. 

            3-1
            4-1

            Who This Certification Is Designed For

            This certification is suitable for professionals involved in auditing, compliance, and system evaluation activities, as well as those seeking to establish or advance their careers in auditing.

            It is particularly relevant for individuals responsible for internal audits, supplier assessments, process evaluations, and certification readiness activities.

            Professionals transitioning into audit leadership roles or those pursuing opportunities within certification and assessment environments will also benefit from this structured recognition of competence.

            Certification Levels

            checklist-minimalistic-svgrepo-com

            Certified Management System Internal Auditor (CMSIA)

            Focused on developing the capability to plan and conduct internal audits and support audit activities within an organization. 

            team-svgrepo-com (1)

            Certified Management System Lead Auditor (CMSLA)

            Focused on leading audit teams, managing audit programmes, and ensuring effective execution and oversight of audit processes.

            What This Certification Validates

            The certification is designed to ensure that individuals can demonstrate competence in

            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Understanding auditing principles and methodologies
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Planning and preparing audit activities
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Conducting audits using structured and risk-based approaches
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Gathering and evaluating objective evidence
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Understanding auditing principles and methodologies
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Planning and preparing audit activities
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Conducting audits using structured and risk-based approaches
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Gathering and evaluating objective evidence

            Competency Areas Covered

             Assessment is based on defined competency domains that reflect professional auditing responsibilities: 

            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Fundamental principles of auditing
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Audit planning and preparation
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Audit execution and evidence collection
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Reporting and findings management
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Audit leadership and programme management
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Professional conduct, ethics, and auditor behaviour

            Eligibility Requirements

            Internal Auditor Level

            • Minimum secondary education
            • Basic understanding of management systems recommended

             Lead Auditor Level 

            • Minimum secondary education
            • Basic understanding of management systems recommended

            Examination Information

            The certification assessment is conducted through a structured examination designed to evaluate knowledge, understanding, and application.

            Criteria

            Free

            Starter

            Examination Type
            Number of Questions
            Duration
            Passing Score
            Format
            Multiple Choice
            100
            120 Minutes
            70%
            Closed Book
            Multiple Choice
            100
            120 Minutes
            70%
            Closed Book

            Certification Process

            Certification is awarded upon successful completion of the defined process:

            Submission of certification application 

            Payment of applicable certification fees

            Verification of requirements 

            Successful completion of the examination 

            Agreement to comply with SHI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 

            Become Certified Management System Auditor (CMSA) 

            Validity and Maintenance

            Certification is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance.

            To maintain certification status, certified professionals are required to:

            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Maintain active membership or certification status
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Submit continuing professional development (CPD) evidence where applicable
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Fulfil renewal requirements and applicable fees
            • checkbox-marked-circle-outline
              Continue compliance with ethical and professional standards

            Compliance and Professional Responsibility

            Certification may be suspended or withdrawn where requirements are not maintained or professional standards are not met.

            This includes misuse of certification, ethical violations, failure to meet renewal obligations, submission of incorrect information, or non-payment of required fees.

            Scheme Owner

            This certification scheme is developed, owned, and governed by Standardization Hub International (SHI), ensuring consistency, integrity, and alignment with defined competency frameworks. 

            Advance Your Auditing Capability

            Whether you are developing your auditing skills or progressing into audit leadership, this certification provides a structured pathway to demonstrate competence and build professional credibility.