ISO 19011:2018 to 2026 Bridging Course for Lead Auditors

ISO 19011 Lead Auditor Bridging Course (Expected 2026)

ISO 19011 is currently under revision, with the updated standard expected around March 2026. This Bridging Course is being developed for experienced Lead Auditors and auditors who want a focused update from ISO 19011:2018 to the revised ISO 19011, without repeating a full Lead Auditor qualification.

Register your interest to be notified when enrolments open.

What This ISO 19011 Bridging Course Will Cover

This course is designed as a short, high-impact transition for auditors already competent in ISO 19011:2018. It will concentrate on:

• What has changed between ISO 19011:2018 and the revised ISO 19011
• Why those changes were made and the intent behind them
• How the updates affect audit programs and planning
• How to adjust audit methods and techniques to align with the revised guidelines
• Practical examples showing how to apply the new guidance in real audits

The aim is to give Lead Auditors a clear, efficient pathway to stay current as the new standard is adopted.

Who This Bridging Course Is For

This Bridging Course is intended for:

• Qualified Lead Auditors wanting an ISO 19011 update
• Qualified Internal and external auditors working to ISO 19011:2018
• Audit program managers responsible for aligning audit approaches to new standards with an existing Lead Auditor qualification to ISO 19011:2018

If you audit management systems and will need to align to the revised ISO 19011, this course is designed for you.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for the New ISO 19011 to Upskill

The revision of ISO 19011 does not mean ISO 19011:2018 becomes irrelevant overnight.
If you are looking to for a career in Auditing and dont already hold a Lead Auditor qualification to the current ISO 19011:2018 standard, we encourage you enrol in ATOL’s current Lead Auditor Management Systems qualification, which is fully aligned with today’s best practice in management system auditing. Completing your Lead Auditor qualification now means that, once the new version of ISO 19011 is released, you’ll only need a short bridging update rather than redoing a full Lead Auditor program.

Most organisations continue using the old standard during transition

When ISO standards are updated, organisations usually keep operating to the previous version until they are required to transition. This period is typically up to three years after publication, meaning ISO 19011:2018-aligned audit programs and Lead Auditors remain essential well beyond release of the new edition.

Current Lead Auditor capability remains in demand

Audit competence aligned to ISO 19011:2018 is still the benchmark for effective auditing today. The core elements of strong auditing, principles-based and risk-based auditing, audit program management, planning, evidence gathering, interviewing, reporting, and continual improvement,  remain stable foundations even as the guideline is modernised.

Bridging is faster than redoing a qualification

Auditors who are already qualified to ISO 19011:2018 typically only need a short bridging update once the revised standard is released, rather than completing another full Lead Auditor program.

What to Expect From the Revised ISO 19011

While final wording is not confirmed until publication, ISO 19011 revisions usually:

• Modernise auditing guidance to reflect changes in risk, technology, and organisational context
• Expand or clarify guidance on audit approaches, competency expectations, and program management
• Provide updated direction for planning and conducting audits in evolving environments

This Bridging Course is designed to translate those updates into practical, auditor-ready application. By registering your interest now, you’ll receive:

• Notification when enrolments open
• Access to early-bird discounts
• Release timing and course outline
• Details on format, inclusions, and access

FAQ

When will the revised ISO 19011 be released?

The updated ISO 19011 is expected around March 2026. Release dates can shift slightly depending on the ISO approval process.

Will ISO 19011:2018 still be used after the revision is published?

Yes. Most organisations continue auditing to the existing standard during the transition period, typically up to three years after publication of the revised standard.

Do I need to redo my Lead Auditor qualification when ISO 19011 changes?

Generally no. Experienced auditors and Lead Auditors aligned to ISO 19011:2018 usually need only a short bridging course to update to the revised guidelines.

Who should take this Bridging Course?

Auditors who already understand ISO 19011:2018 and want an efficient update to the revised ISO 19011 once released.