What does a quality auditor do?
Quality auditors assess whether an organisation's processes, products, and services meet established standards — whether that's an internal policy, an ISO standard (like ISO 9001 or ISO 45001), or a regulatory requirement. They plan and conduct audits, document findings, write audit reports, and work with management to close out non-conformances. Internal auditors work within one organisation; external auditors work for certification bodies or as independent consultants.
Types of audits quality auditors conduct
Internal audits assess your own organisation's compliance with its management system or applicable standards. Second-party audits assess suppliers or contractors on behalf of your organisation. Third-party audits are conducted by independent certification bodies to issue or maintain ISO certification. Quality auditors typically start with internal audits and progress to lead auditor roles that include second and third-party work.
What is ISO 9001 and why does it matter?
ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a framework for consistently delivering products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. Over one million organisations globally hold ISO 9001 certification. In Australia, ISO 9001 certification is required for many government contracts, tender applications, and regulated industry supply chains — creating demand for qualified auditors across every sector.
The Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920)
The BSB50920 Diploma of Quality Auditing is the nationally recognised vocational qualification for quality auditing in Australia. It covers audit planning and execution, management system requirements, non-conformance management, corrective action, and audit reporting. It is the qualification most commonly required or preferred for quality auditor roles in Australian organisations.
What salary can you expect?
Quality auditors in Australia typically earn $75,000–$130,000 depending on experience, sector, and whether they hold lead auditor certification. Internal auditors in larger organisations sit at the lower end; external consultants and certified lead auditors command premiums. The most in-demand auditors are those who can cover multiple management system standards (quality, environment, WHS) — known as integrated management system (IMS) auditors.
Lead auditor certification
Beyond the Diploma, many quality auditors pursue lead auditor certification through RABQSA or IRCA for specific standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001). Lead auditor certification demonstrates the ability to lead third-party certification audits and is valued by certification bodies and consultancies. A Diploma of Quality Auditing is the standard prerequisite for lead auditor training courses.
Who transitions into quality auditing?
Quality auditing attracts people from quality assurance and control backgrounds, WHS professionals looking to expand into integrated management systems, and operations or process improvement specialists. RPL is available for the Diploma — if you have experience conducting audits, managing non-conformances, or implementing management systems, you may be eligible for RPL recognition rather than completing full study.