The document outlines the competencies and attributes required of quality auditors. It states that auditors should have knowledge of audit principles and techniques, management systems, applicable laws and regulations, quality methods and products/processes. Additionally, auditors should be ethical, open-minded, diplomatic, observant, versatile, tenacious, decisive and self-reliant. For internal auditors, the document recommends at minimum a secondary education, two years' experience in the organization, auditor training, participation in three audits and training in quality control methods.

1. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 COMPETENCE Knowledge and skills Auditors should have knowledge and skills in following areas :  Audit principles, procedures and techniques to be able to select and apply those that are appropriate to different audits; and ensure that audits are conducted in a consistent and systematic manner. Management system and reference documents to be able to comprehend the scope of the audit, and apply audit criteria to different organisations and organisational situations.

2. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 Applicable laws, regulations and other requirements relevant to discipline, to be able to work within, and be aware of the requirements that apply to the organisation being audited. Quality related methods and techniques such as quality terminology, quality management principles and their application, and quality management tools and techniques Products including services and operational processes to be able to comprehend the technological context in which the audit is being conducted.

3. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 PERSONNEL ATTRIBUTES An auditor should be Ethical : Fair, truthful, sincere, honest, and discreet Open-minded : Willing to consider alternative ideas or points of view, in the way of doing things and taking corrective actions. Diplomatic : Tactful in dealing with people, particularly time wasters. Observant : Constantly and actively aware of physical surroundings and activities, to spot the right person or location of audit.

4. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 Versatile : Able to adopt to different situations, such as management style of functioning. Tenacious : Persistent, focused on achieving objectives; does not loose heart and give up in the face of setbacks. Decisive : Reaching timely conclusions, based on logical reasoning and analysis, investigates to the depth necessary. Self-reliant : Acts and functions independently, while effectively interacting with others; has faith in his judgment, and is polite.

5. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS Internal Auditor It is up to the organisation to decide the level of education, training, and levels of knowledge and skills, appropriate to their needs, taking the following into consideration ; The size, nature and complexity of the organisation. The audit programme objectives Certification requirements

6. May 21, 2011 SPSC ISO 9001:2008 Since internal auditors may also be required to carry out second party audits, minimum level recommended in ISO 10011-2 :1991 as under  Completed secondary education  Have served in the organisation for at least two years.  Completed an in house / open auditor training course, to acquire knowledge and understanding of the standard and auditing skills.  Performed 3 audits as a member of the audit team.  Have been trained in the application of quality control methods.  Has worked in production planning and service departments; as well as demonstrated work place use of receipt, in process and final inspection in an organisation.