Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor
Course Overview
Europe’s leading and most successful IRCA registered Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course (IRCA Ref:PR325)
Do you want to perform audits for your organisation? If so, you are an ambassador for your company, and so it is essential that you perform these audits professionally. Our 5-day Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course covers how to effectively plan, perform, report and follow-up pharmaceutical audits against a range of pharmaceutical standards, including GMP, API GMP, Excipient GMP, Packaging Supplier Standards and GDP.
Plus, the course is registered with IRCA, so you can become an internationally registered pharmaceutical auditor. Our final examination success rate is currently 95%. The IRCA average success rate for standard Lead Auditor courses is 76.5%.
Why not attend this highly praised and prestigious course, which has been used to train over 1,200 pharmaceutical auditors over the past 15 years? This course has outstanding feedback and is the number one choice for many international pharmaceutical companies for the training of their auditors.
The course is presented in virtual and classroom-based (face-to-face) formats, with a wide range of dates available. There will be at least 2 tutors for the full duration of the course. For virtual presentations of the course, the whole 5-day course is a live interactive tutor led course, with no pre-recorded sessions to complete on your own.
You on go on a Lead Auditor course once – SO GO ON THE BEST.
See and download our Auditing Brochure which gives further details of this and other auditor courses, as well as details of how we can provide a contract auditing services as well.
Classroom (venue) based courses:
This course is present both virtually and in venues, as a face-to-face classroom course. Venue details for the classroom courses are below:
LONDON COURSES
The Tower Hotel, St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LD
There are lots of other hotels nearby, if you need alternative accommodation.
DUBLIN COURSES
National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Foster Ave, Belfield, Dublin, A94 X099, Ireland.
The nearest hotel is a 15 minute walk away – The Raddison Blu St Helens, Stillorgan Rd, Booterstown, Dublin, A94 V6W3, Ireland.
JAPAN COURSES
This course is presented in English, with Japanese translation and course materials.
Earth Environmental Service Co. Ltd, 7-11 Saitoasagi, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
The nearest hotel is a 20 minute journey on the monorail – Minami Senri Crystal Hotel
1 Chome-2-D9 Tsukumodai, Suita, Osaka 565-0862, Japan.
USA COURSES
Location to be confirmed.
DENMARK COURSES
Hotel Kong Arthur, Norre Sogade 11, 1370 Copenhagen, Denmark.
www.arthurhotels.com/hotel-kong-arthur
Dates available to book
This course is available for in-house presentation, either on-site or virtually. Please contact us for further details.
Course Overview
This is a unique training course for pharmaceutical auditors who will audit against pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and/ or audit suppliers to pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. The course trains auditors how to professionally plan, perform, report and follow-up internal and supplier audits and is set in a pharmaceutical context throughout the whole course.
The Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course covers the requirements of European Union GMP (EU GMP), including the requirements of ICH Q9 and 10, and how these are used as the main reference base when auditing pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. Also included in the course is an overview of key standard for suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry, including ISO 9001, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient GMP (API GMP), Excipient GMP, Packaging Supplier Standards as well as Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and how these should be used when auditing suppliers.
The Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor course explains the role of the auditor to professionally audit a modern Pharmaceutical Quality Management System (PQMS) and on successful completion of the course can be used as part of registration with IRCA (see later) to become an internationally accredited pharmaceutical auditor.
The Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course covers the principles of auditing Pharmaceutical Quality Management Systems (PQMS) as detailed in GMP and also the FDA’s “Guidance for Quality Systems” and ICH Q10 “Guidance on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems” as well as the requirements of EU GMP itself. During the course there are many exercises and workshops to put the lessons learnt into practice. There is also a final examination at the end of the course.
The course also includes our “world famous” audit simulation exercise. Here, the delegates are split into small groups of auditors and they audit our fictitious pharmaceutical company called Drumley’s. They audit this organisation to GMP, to evaluate them as a potential contract manufacturer. There is a video and over 300 documents, procedures and records that can be looked at. The tutors become members of the company being audited. NEW TO 2024 – we have enhanced the audit experience by welcoming trained actors, adding further depth to the characters within Drumley’s and giving you, the delegate, an even more realistic view of the world of auditing. As part of this audit simulation exercise, the auditors need to present their findings, at a closing meeting, including what their overall recommendations are.
Who will the course benefit?
Our Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course is aimed at internal and supplier auditors along with key personnel involved in Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems. The course will also benefit those involved in the purchasing of incoming materials and individuals who look after the whole supply chain. Additionally, the course is ideal for trainee Qualified Persons (QPs) as well as existing auditors who have had no formal auditor training. The course may be used as part of Continual Professional Development (CPD) of many quality professionals.
So that we can give the delegates the right amount of time and attention – we limit this course to a maximum of 10 delegates (live on-line interactive VIRTUAL courses) or 14 delegates (in-person CLASSROOM courses).
The course can also be used for UK based Responsible Persons (RPs), as part of the training requirement to become a Responsible Person for Import (RPi).
Quality Management Systems
- The latest FDA and EU GMP thoughts on Quality Management Systems.
- The requirements of GMP, ISO 9000 and their inter-relationship
- The structure and legal status of EU and USA GMP
- GMP and Quality Management
- The requirements of GMP and the importance of product quality and the patient
- Performing audits to GMP
- Auditing the Warehouse, Production, Packaging and Laboratories
- Auditing systems – Training, Internal Audits, Management Review, Deviations, Complaints, CAPAs
- The importance of getting to the root-cause of the problem
Auditing Suppliers
Practical auditing skills form the core of this course, culminating in our audit simulation exercise:
- Supplier standards (API GMP, Excipient GMP and Packaging Suppliers Standards)
- Auditing to Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
- The evolving role of Quality Assurance – thinking about more than product quality
- The enhanced role for Senior Management within a Pharmaceutical Quality Management System
- ICH Q8, 9 and 10 and their role in a modern forward thinking pharmaceutical company
- Using audits to promote continual improvement
- Thinking beyond GMP and product quality – business quality and performance
- Organisational efficiency, effectiveness and continual improvement
Auditing
- Reasons for first, second and third party audits – using them effectively
- How to plan, execute, report and close-out internal and external audits
- Opening and closing meetings
- Auditing Senior Management and their commitment to the system
- How to perform audits professionally
- Audit simulation exercise – with pharmaceutical facility video and over 300 documents and records to review
- Auditing functions, departments and processes
- Good auditing techniques
- Checklist construction
- Auditing for compliance to GMP
- Getting to the root-cause of a problem
- Adding value as an auditor
- How to conduct audits that promote increased process performance
- ISO 19011: Guidelines for auditing management systems
Pre- Course Knowledge
It is recommended that attending delegates have an appreciation of the standards covered during the course, but this is not essential. This includes knowledge of the requirements of ICH Q10 (plus ICH Q8 and ICH Q9) and a basic knowledge of Eudralex Volume 4 (European Union GMP). It is also beneficial if delegates have an appreciation of the the process of auditing as well. There is some pre-course work associated with the course that will cover this. This is included in the course price.
If you are new to GMP, our Good Manufacturing Practice course provides the foundation knowledge before attending this programme.
Course Accreditation
Our Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course is approved by IRCA (The International Register for Certificated Auditors) and meets their current PQMS Auditor/ Lead Auditor training course requirements. On successful completion of this course delegates may begin registration with IRCA as an internationally recognised auditor of Pharmaceutical Quality Management Systems (PQMS). IRCA course reference number – A17632.
This is an IRCA PR325 training course. Find out more here
Assessment
Delegates are assessed by continuous assessment throughout the course and a final examination. Our final examination success rate is currently 95%. In the event of failing the final examination, we offer free support and a free examination re-sit.
Examination
The final course examination lasts for 120 minutes. An additional 20% of the time allowed (24 minutes) if English is not a delegate’s first language. An additional 30% of the time (36 minutes) is allowed for specific disabilities. For VIRTUAL courses the exams are invigilated online, in a small group, within a few weeks of taking the course. The exact dates will be arranged in the weeks leading up to the course. The exams will be recorded. For CLASSROOM-BASED courses, the examination takes place on the final afternoon of the course, at the course venue.
Course Cost
£3500, plus VAT. *.
The course will be charged and invoiced in GB Pounds. If you require an invoice in Euros or Dollars, then please contact us once you have received the invoice and we will update it.
* Delegates from outside the UK, but within the European Union (EU) will not be charged 20% VAT (sales tax), if they supply their own company’s national VAT number when booking. Please select “Tax exempt” when booking and enter your company VAT number. VAT will not be charged for any delegates coming from outside the UK or EU.
What’s included?
The cost includes:
- Course folder containing copies of slides and supplementary notes and handouts.
- Course attendance certificate.
- Full tutor support and access during course times.
- Additional support given where needed.
- Your own personnel copies of the main standards covered during the course, including: EU GMP • USA GMP • API GMP • Excipient GMP • Good Distribution Practice • Good Distribution Practice for active ingredients • ICH Q9 and 10
- Examination fees.
- Free examination re-sit and additional coaching (if needed) on the next public course.
- Our final examination success rate is currently 95%. The IRCA average success rate for standard Lead Auditor courses is 76.5%.
Plus on Classroom courses refreshments and lunch are provided during course times.
Not Included on Classroom courses: Accommodation costs, which need to be booked directly with the hotel – see venue details.
Payment
Payment can be made by cheque, electronic transfer, credit or debit card. Payment must be made before the course start date. Either payment or a Purchase Order number will be required to secure a place on the course.
If you plan to pay by credit card, then you can first look at additional information. We accept Mastercard, Visa and AmEx.
Alternatively, if you want to discuss any aspect of this training course, then please send an email with your enquiry or call +44 1635 866699.
Based outside the UK
If so, be sure to pick the “Tax Exempt” option in the payment method list when you are making a booking. If you are based in the EU then you must also enter your VAT number to qualify to be exempt from VAT.
Group Booking Discount
Book 2 or more individuals from the same company for the same course date to get a 10% discount off each booking. This discount is applied automatically when you make a booking. If you are from an NHS organisation or a registered charity, then please contact us for special discounts.
Course Times
VIRTUAL COURSES: 09.00 – 17.30 each day.
CLASSROOM COURSES: Day 1 09.00 – 18.30. Days 2,3 & 4 08.30 – 18.30. Day 5 08.30 – 16.30.
There is also some evening work each evening (approximately 1 hour).
Virtual courses are presented in UK time (unless stated otherwise).
For details of the course examination, see EXAMINATION section.
Classroom Venues and Live Online
Many of our public courses are delivered using our proven live on-line interactive virtual training platform. Delegate feedback from these courses has been just as positive as our classroom courses, and in addition, many people have benefitted by not having to travel to attend. We also offer the Pharmaceutical GMP Auditor/Lead Auditor Course as a traditional “in person” classroom-based course, at various locations in the UK, Ireland, Japan and the USA. Please see the Course Dates panel for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course IRCA registered?
Yes. Our GMP Lead Auditor course is registered with IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) under course reference PR325/A17632. Upon passing the examination, you will be eligible for IRCA GMP Lead Auditor certification, an internationally recognised qualification across the pharmaceutical industry.
What is the exam pass rate?
Our delegates achieve a 95% pass rate on the IRCA Lead Auditor examination, compared to the IRCA average of 76.5%. In the event of failing, we offer free support and a free examination re-sit on the next public course.
What are the prerequisites?
We recommend that delegates have an appreciation of GMP standards (ICH Q10, plus ICH Q8 and ICH Q9) and a basic knowledge of Eudralex Volume 4 and auditing, but this is not essential. Pre-course preparation materials are included in the price to help you prepare. If you are new to GMP, consider our Good Manufacturing Practice course (/good-manufacturing-practice/) first.
Can this course be delivered in-house?
Yes. We deliver in-house GMP Lead Auditor training at your premises, tailored to your organisation’s specific quality systems and regulatory requirements. Please contact us for a proposal.
What happens if I fail the exam?
We offer free support and a free examination re-sit on the next public course. Our 95% pass rate reflects the comprehensive preparation we provide throughout the five days.
How long is the course?
The course runs over five days and includes pre-course preparation materials, classroom-based or live online training, practical audit exercises including the Drumley’s simulation, and the IRCA examination. We recommend allowing additional time before the course to complete the pre-reading materials.
What certificate will I receive?
Successful delegates receive an IRCA-recognised GMP Lead Auditor certificate. This qualifies you to begin registration with IRCA as an internationally recognised auditor of Pharmaceutical Quality Management Systems (PQMS).
What is the difference between the Internal Auditor and Lead Auditor courses?
Our GMP Internal Auditor course (/pharma-internal-auditor-course/) is a two-day programme for those performing internal audits within their own organisation. This Lead Auditor course is a five-day IRCA-registered programme that qualifies you to conduct external audits of suppliers and other organisations, with formal IRCA examination and certification.
Meet the expert tutors

Dominic Parry

Matt Morris

Ruth Downs

Andy Martin
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Inspired Pharma Training Ltd,
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Sheffield, S11 8YZ, United Kingdom.



