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Process Audit & Layered Process Audits (LPA) Training Course

Teaches how to plan risk-based process audits, build standard checklists, observe processes on the floor and run layered audits that keep controls effective.

QRA · Quality Auditing, Risk & ImprovementAll Levels#2716ClassroomEnglish , Arabic
Duration
5 Days
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Free substitution at any time · 30+ days' notice: full refund minus 10%. Cancellation policy

Course Overview

The Process Audit & Layered Process Audits (LPA) Training Course provides professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to evaluate process compliance, verify the effectiveness of operational controls, and strengthen quality performance through structured auditing methods. The course covers process audit planning, audit criteria, evidence collection, process observation, nonconformity identification, corrective action follow-up, and the implementation of Layered Process Audits (LPA). Participants learn how to establish risk-based audit priorities, develop standardized checklists, and engage personnel at different organizational levels in verifying critical process requirements. Through practical exercises and case studies, participants develop the ability to detect process deviations, identify recurring problems, improve accountability, and establish sustainable audit routines. The programme is particularly relevant to manufacturing, automotive, engineering, oil and gas, and other environments where consistent process execution and operational discipline are essential.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the principles and purpose of process auditing and Layered Process Audits.
  • Develop process audit plans based on operational risks and quality requirements.
  • Establish clear audit criteria and standardized checklists.
  • Conduct systematic process observations and collect objective evidence.
  • Identify deviations, nonconformities, and weaknesses in process controls.
  • Design an effective LPA structure involving multiple organizational levels.
  • Define audit frequencies, responsibilities, escalation routes, and reporting requirements.
  • Apply root cause analysis to recurring audit findings.
  • Monitor corrective actions and verify their effectiveness.
  • Establish sustainable auditing practices that support continuous improvement.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for quality managers, process engineers, internal auditors, production supervisors, manufacturing managers, operational excellence specialists, and professionals responsible for process compliance and operational performance. It is also suitable for maintenance and reliability teams, supplier quality professionals, engineering departments, and managers in manufacturing, automotive, oil and gas, and industrial organizations seeking to strengthen process discipline, reduce recurring deviations, and improve the effectiveness of operational controls.

Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
  • Differentiate between process audits, system audits, and product audits.
  • Identify critical process characteristics and control requirements.
  • Develop risk-based audit plans and practical audit checklists.
  • Conduct process audits using observation, interviews, and record reviews.
  • Implement layered audit routines across supervisory, management, and leadership levels.
  • Record findings clearly and distinguish isolated errors from recurring process weaknesses.
  • Prioritize findings according to risk, severity, and operational impact.
  • Assign corrective actions and establish clear accountability.
  • Track audit completion, closure rates, and recurring findings.
  • Use audit results to strengthen process compliance and continuous improvement.

Course Outline

Day 1

Process Audit Fundamentals and Planning

  • Introduction to process auditing and its role in quality management.
  • Differences between process, system, and product audits.
  • Understanding process inputs, outputs, controls, and performance requirements.
  • Identifying critical process steps and potential failure points.
  • Defining audit objectives, scope, criteria, and responsibilities.
  • Risk-based audit planning and scheduling.
  • Practical exercise: Develop a process audit plan for a selected operational activity.
Day 2

Conducting Process Audits and Evaluating Evidence

  • Preparing audit checklists based on process requirements.
  • Conducting workplace observations and structured interviews.
  • Reviewing operating procedures, records, and control documents.
  • Verifying compliance with approved work instructions and process parameters.
  • Identifying deviations and documenting objective evidence.
  • Evaluating process discipline and the effectiveness of existing controls.
  • Practical exercise: Conduct a simulated process audit and document the findings.
Day 3

Layered Process Audits (LPA) Design and Implementation

  • Fundamentals, purpose, and benefits of Layered Process Audits.
  • Differences between traditional audits and layered audit systems.
  • Selecting critical process controls and audit questions.
  • Designing short, standardized, and frequency-based audit checklists.
  • Defining audit layers for operators, supervisors, managers, and senior leadership.
  • Establishing audit schedules, ownership, and completion requirements.
  • Practical exercise: Design an LPA checklist and audit schedule for a critical process.
Day 4

Findings, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective Actions

  • Classifying and prioritizing audit findings.
  • Distinguishing nonconformities from improvement opportunities.
  • Applying the Five Whys and fishbone diagram to identify root causes.
  • Developing correction, corrective action, and preventive measures where appropriate.
  • Assigning action owners, deadlines, and verification requirements.
  • Escalating overdue actions and recurring process deviations.
  • Practical exercise: Analyze recurring audit findings and develop a corrective action plan.
Day 5

LPA Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

  • Establishing LPA performance indicators and reporting mechanisms.
  • Monitoring audit completion, findings, closure rates, and repeat deviations.
  • Developing visual dashboards and management review reports.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of corrective actions.
  • Integrating LPA results into quality management and operational reviews.
  • Engaging leadership and employees in process compliance.
  • Final workshop: Develop an integrated Process Audit and LPA implementation plan covering risk priorities, audit layers, checklists, responsibilities, schedules, escalation procedures, performance indicators, and continuous improvement actions.

Upcoming Dates

Selected date

Istanbul · 8 – 12 Mar 2027 · Classroom

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CityDatesPrice per ParticipantEarly Bird
MarbellaScheduled
2 – 6 Nov 2026€5,400—
MarrakeshScheduled
9 – 13 Nov 2026€4,300—
MilanScheduled
16 – 20 Nov 2026€6,000—
MuscatScheduled
23 – 27 Nov 2026€5,300€4,770until 2 Nov
OnlineScheduled
29 Nov – 3 Dec 2026€1,700€1,530until 9 Nov
ParisScheduled
7 – 11 Dec 2026€5,700€5,130until 16 Nov
RiyadhScheduled
7 – 11 Dec 2026€4,200€3,780until 16 Nov
RomeScheduled
14 – 18 Dec 2026€5,800€5,220until 23 Nov
SalalahScheduled
21 – 25 Dec 2026€5,300€4,770until 30 Nov
SingaporeScheduled
28 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027€6,700€6,030until 7 Dec
ViennaScheduled
4 – 8 Jan 2027€5,700€5,130until 14 Dec
AmmanScheduled
10 – 14 Jan 2027€3,100€2,790until 21 Dec
BakuScheduled
18 – 22 Jan 2027€4,800€4,320until 28 Dec
AmsterdamScheduled
18 – 22 Jan 2027€5,400€4,860until 28 Dec
BarcelonaScheduled
25 – 29 Jan 2027€5,400€4,860until 4 Jan
CairoScheduled
1 – 5 Feb 2027€3,300€2,970until 11 Jan
CasablancaScheduled
8 – 12 Feb 2027€4,300€3,870until 18 Jan
DammamScheduled
15 – 19 Feb 2027€4,200€3,780until 25 Jan
DohaScheduled
22 – 26 Feb 2027€4,400€3,960until 1 Feb
DubaiScheduled
28 Feb – 4 Mar 2027€4,400€3,960until 8 Feb
GenevaScheduled
8 – 12 Mar 2027€6,300€5,670until 15 Feb
IstanbulScheduled
8 – 12 Mar 2027€4,700€4,230until 15 Feb
JeddahScheduled
14 – 18 Mar 2027€4,200€3,780until 22 Feb
Kuala LumpurScheduled
22 – 26 Mar 2027€4,400€3,960until 1 Mar
LisbonScheduled
29 Mar – 2 Apr 2027€5,400€4,860until 8 Mar
LondonScheduled
5 – 9 Apr 2027€5,600€5,040until 15 Mar
MadinahScheduled
12 – 16 Apr 2027€4,200€3,780until 22 Mar
MadridScheduled
19 – 23 Apr 2027€5,400€4,860until 29 Mar
MakkahScheduled
26 – 30 Apr 2027€4,200€3,780until 5 Apr
ManamaScheduled
26 – 30 Apr 2027€4,700€4,230until 5 Apr

Available in: Istanbul · Dubai · London · Riyadh · Doha · Amsterdam

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