Achieve a Globally
Recognized Certification
CMSA Certification.
Advance Your Auditing Career with an Accredited CMSA Certification.
Upcoming Certified IPC Management
Systems Auditor (CMSA) Events
Upcoming Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor (CMSA) Events
By Expressing Interest in CMSA Training Event, you consent to receive email communications related to
your expression of interest, course updates, and related PECB programs.
Upcoming Certified IPC Management
Systems Auditor (CMSA) Events
Upcoming Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor (CMSA) Events
Wed
12
Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor
Partner
Organized by PECB
Locations
Event Status
Course Language
English
The Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor (CMSA) training course is tailored to instill expertise in ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO 19011, and related standards, providing a comprehensive understanding of management systems (MS) audit concepts.
The course emphasizes practical application, encompassing the entire certification audit process, which includes the planning, execution, and reporting stages. Additionally, it defines the competencies and responsibilities of auditors in MS audits.
The CMSA (Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor) certification significantly enhances an auditor’s profile and visibility on PECB Connect, PECB’s dedicated online platform that connects certified auditors with organizations worldwide. Through PECB Connect, auditors can showcase their credentials, access exclusive audit opportunities, and expand their network across industries and regions. CMSA-certified auditors benefit from priority placement and increased exposure on the platform, enabling them to connect more easily with potential clients and partners. This added visibility, combined with PECB Connect’s global reach, helps auditors stand out in a competitive market and grow their professional network with confidence.
Why Become CMSA Certified?
Access Global Auditing Opportunities
As a CMSA Certified professional, you’ll gain access to PECB Connect, a global platform that connects certified auditors with organizations looking for qualified professionals.
Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Keep up with evolving standards and best practices in management system auditing.
Enhance Your Professional Reputation
Earn a globally recognized certification that validates your expertise.
Expand Your Career Opportunities
Qualify for more high-profile audit engagements and greater career opportunities.
CMSA Training Agenda
The Certified IPC Management Systems Auditor (CMSA) training course spans three intensive days of instructor-led sessions, practical exercises, quizzes and discussions designed to prepare you for real-world auditing challenges and the certification exam.
Management systems (MS) auditing and the responsibilities of the certification body
- Training course objectives and structure
- Introduction to MS auditing
- ISO MS standards
- Certification process for an MS audit
- Principles of certification according to ISO/IEC 17021-1
Auditor competence and audit planning
- Auditor competence
- Auditor responsibilities
- Value-based auditing
- Audit planning
- On-site visits and considerations
Audit methods
- Evidence collection procedures
- Evidence collection tools
- Evidence collection analysis
- Audit documentation management and conservation
- Auditing in the 21st century
- Closing of the training course
Choose a Training Path
Fast Track
Choose Fast Track if you:
-
Have 5+ years of auditing experience
-
Prefer a self-paced certification process
-
Opt for a flexible, 1-day e-learning course
-
Have a Lead Auditor course equivalent
to 30 hours training
Comprehensive Path
Choose Comprehensive Path if you:
-
Want an instructor-led training experience
-
Seek a structured, in-depth learning process
for a thorough understanding -
Opt for a flexible, 1-day e-learning course
Demonstrate Your
Competence as an Auditor
To become a Certified Management Systems Auditor (CMSA), candidates must successfully complete:
CMSA Certification Exam
This exam evaluates your understanding of management systems auditing based on international standards, including ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1. The exam assesses both theoretical knowledge and practical application, with a focus on real-world audit situations.
The course includes CMSA materials, the exam plus one free retake, the Auditor Behavior Exam , and a professional certificate.
Auditor Behavior Exam
In addition to technical skills, successful auditors must demonstrate behavioral traits that align with the responsibilities of the role. The CMSA exam and Auditor Behavior Exam offer a comprehensive assessment of your capabilities, ensuring that CMSA-certified professionals are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded and behaviorally aligned with the highest standards of auditing practice. That’s why CMSA candidates are also required to complete the brief Auditor Behavior Exam that evaluates key competencies such as:
- Integrity and objectivity
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Responsibility and reliability
- Adaptability and professional judgment
Who Can Enroll in the CMSA Training Course?
All Auditors may attend the CMSA training course, however certification is granted only to
those who meet the full CMSA requirements.
All Auditors may attend the CMSA training course, however certification is granted only to those who meet the full CMSA requirements.
CMSA Certification Requirements
In order to get the CMSA Certificate the Auditor should fulfill all the following requirements.
Education & Training
A minimum of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent)
Have a Lead Auditor course or CMSA equivalent to 40 hours training
Professional Experience
Work Experience: Five years of which two years of work experience in the relative field.
MS experience: At least two years of relevant experience in the implementation, operation, and/or auditing of manageent systems
Auditing Experience
The applicant shall have accted as a member of an audit team, team leader or as sole auditor on at least 4 complete
audits, the total duration of which shall be a minimum of 20 days including preparation and reporting with a
minimum of not less than 8 days on site.
All auditing experience shall have been gained in the three - year period prior to certification.
Exam and Auditor Behavior Exam
Passing the CMSA exam and Exam and Auditor Behavior Exam.
Both these exams assess knowledge of auditing principles, risk-based thinking, and relevant ISO standards.
Ethics & Professional Conduct
Is able to demonstrate the best personal behavior necessary to carry out effective audits in accordance with clause
7.2.2 of ISO 19011:2018 and Annex D of ISO 17021-1:2015
Is able demonstrate that he/she has the needed competence and knowledge to carry out an effective audit in
accordance to the clause 7.2.3.2 of ISO 19011:2011
Demonstrates adherence to PECB's Code of Ethics.
Application & Fees
Submission of an application for certification.
Payment of applicable certification and exam fees.
Build your profile.
Get discovered.
Start auditing.
Join PECB Connect
While all auditors can join PECB Connect, holding the CMSA certification gives you a distinct competitive edge.
How to Create Your Profile on PECB Connect?
- If you do not have a PECB Member account, create one here.
- Use your member account to register and set up your profile on PECB Connect.
- Complete all required fields with accurate and up-to-date information. Submit your profile for review.
- Once your profile is approved, you can start exploring and applying for audit mandates.
Benefits of Joining PECB Connect
Increased Visibility
Auditors gain exposure to a wider network of organizations seeking auditor services.
Access to a Global Network
PECB Connect connects auditors with organizations worldwide, enabling them to expand their reach and collaborate on a global scale.
Targeted Opportunities
Auditors receive tailored opportunities based on their expertise, location, language, and other criteria, making it easier to find relevant audit mandates.
Simplified Process for Job Matching
The platform's structured system simplifies the process of matching auditors with organizations looking for specific expertise, saving time for both parties.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Auditors Say
Ready to Get Started?
path (instructor-led) or fast track. Once you obtain the corresponding certification, it will help you
gain recognition and connect with a global network of professionals.
Take the first step toward your auditing career with the CMSA training course, comprehensive path (instructor-led) or fast track. Once you obtain the corresponding certification, it will help you gain recognition and connect with a global network of professionals.
Enroll now in the upcoming
to the CMSA event
Download Brochure
Explore PECB Connect
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Is the CMSA certification recognized globally?
Yes, PECB certifications are internationally accredited and accepted by Certification Bodies around the world.
02 How can I join PECB Connect after I obtain the CMSA certification?
You will receive an invitation to join once you are certified. Simply complete your profile and start connecting with organizations. You can check more information on the PECB Connect website here.
03 What is the difference between the Comprehensive Path and the Fast Track?
The Standard Path is a 3-day instructor-led course ideal for those new to auditing or seeking hands-on learning. The Fast Track is a 1-day self-paced eLearning course for experienced professionals (5+ years) who want to validate their skills and earn certification quickly.
04 Can I retake the exam if I don’t pass on the first attempt?
Yes. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you are eligible for a free retake within a specific timeframe. Additional retakes may be subject to a fee.
05 Can I take the training online from anywhere in the world?
Yes. Both the instructor-led training (delivered via virtual classroom) and the Fast Track eLearning course are accessible globally.
06 How long does it take to receive the certificate after passing the exam?
You will typically receive your digital certificate within 7–10 business days after successfully passing the exam and completing any post-course requirements.