Completing ISO 20000 auditor training at the internal auditor level is a key achievement for IT service management professionals. It shows you understand the standard and can evaluate processes in your organization. With this foundation, many professionals aim to advance to a lead auditor role, taking on broader responsibilities.

Typical Career Path

For IT service management specialists, a common progression begins in technical roles and then moves into auditing and quality positions. After gaining internal audit experience, individuals often move into roles such as:

• Senior Internal Auditor: Oversee audits, mentor junior auditors, and help shape the internal audit program.
• IT Service Manager: Manage broader ITSM processes and collaborate with auditors to improve services.
• Lead Auditor: Plan and conduct audits at a program level, leading audit teams across internal and external audit programs.
• Consultant or External Auditor: Perform ISO 20000 audits for other organizations and advise on best practices.

Each step builds on the previous one. Internal auditors develop detailed process knowledge, while lead auditors leverage that insight to guide entire audits and audit teams. Over time, an experienced auditor may also transition into ITSM consulting or audit management roles.

Enhancing Skills for a Lead Auditor Role

Advancing from an internal to a lead auditor requires both technical and leadership skills. Key skills to develop include:

• Deep ISO 20000 Knowledge: Understand the standard fully and how different ITSM processes (for example, incident, change, and continuity management) interrelate across the organization.
• Audit Planning and Methodology: Ability to scope and plan audits, apply risk-based thinking, and use effective techniques like interviewing, document review, and data analysis.
• Clear Reporting and Communication: Prepare concise audit reports and present findings to senior management, explaining nonconformities and opportunities clearly.
• Leadership and Team Management: Lead audit teams, assign tasks, and ensure audit objectives are met on schedule.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluate complex information to reach objective conclusions about the ITSM system’s effectiveness.

These skills grow with experience. Aspiring lead auditors can gain them by taking on more responsibility in audits, seeking feedback, and studying advanced ITSM concepts.

Gaining Practical Audit Experience

Hands-on audit experience is essential. To build this experience:

• Participate in Internal Audits: Join diverse internal ISO 20000 audits in your organization. Assist with audit planning, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence.
• Lead Smaller Audit Activities: Under guidance, manage parts of an audit (such as drafting plans or focusing on a specific process) to build leadership skills.
• Shadow Experienced Auditors: Observe and learn from certified lead auditors during real audits. Ask questions about their approach and decision-making.
• Document Your Experience: Keep records of each audit you participate in, including roles and hours. These records support any formal lead auditor qualification requirements.

Building a variety of audit experiences—across different processes and contexts—prepares you to handle full-scale lead auditor responsibilities.

Advancing Through Formal Lead Auditor Training

After gaining practical experience, formal lead auditor training is the next step. A typical path includes:

• Review the ISO 20000 Standard: Ensure you have a deep understanding of the standard’s requirements before progressing.
• Attend a Lead Auditor Course: Enroll in an accredited ISO 20000 Lead Auditor training program. These multi-day courses cover advanced audit topics, team leadership, and the complete audit cycle.
• Pass the Exam: Demonstrate your competence by passing the lead auditor certification exam.
• Document Your Audit Experience: Keep detailed records of your audits (dates, durations, roles) to meet any certification requirements.
• Continue Professional Development: Engage in workshops or seminars to stay current with ITSM and auditing best practices.

Combining formal training with hands-on experience solidifies the skills needed for a successful lead auditor role.

Benefits of Becoming a Lead Auditor

Advancing to a lead auditor offers several professional advantages:

• Expert Recognition: Lead auditors are seen as ITSM experts, which can enhance career opportunities and professional reputation.
• Greater Impact: You influence entire IT service management systems, helping organizations improve service quality and compliance.
• Leadership Skills: Managing audit teams and projects builds leadership and project-management abilities that are valuable in many IT and management roles.
• Career Growth and Compensation: With lead auditor skills, you can pursue consulting or management roles in ITSM. Lead auditors are often rewarded with higher compensation for their specialized expertise.

Conclusion

Transitioning from an internal auditor to a lead auditor is a strategic career move. By continuing to develop auditing skills, gaining diverse experience, and completing formal lead auditor training, you prepare for a role with more responsibility and visibility. This progression not only elevates your career but also contributes to stronger IT service management practices across organizations.