Certified ISO 27701 Lead Auditor Training

Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor is a comprehensive auditing course designed for professionals who want to plan, perform, manage, and report audits of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) based on the ISO/IEC 27701 standard.

The programme follows internationally recognized auditing principles and methodologies, enabling participants to evaluate privacy controls, assess the effectiveness of privacy management processes, and perform independent audits of organizations that process Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Throughout the course, participants will develop practical auditing skills aligned with ISO 19011, ISO/IEC 17021-1, and ISO/IEC 27706 guidance. Topics include audit planning, evidence collection, compliance evaluation, audit reporting, and follow-up activities. Learners will also gain practical experience in assessing privacy controls implemented by both PII Controllers and PII Processors.

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to conduct internal, supplier, and certification audits while developing the knowledge and confidence required to sit the PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor certification examination.

Participants are recommended to have:

• A basic understanding of information security and privacy management principles.
• Knowledge of management system auditing concepts and audit methodologies.
• Familiarity with ISO-based management systems and Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS) is beneficial.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principles and business value of a Privacy Information Management System based on ISO/IEC 27701.
• Describe the objectives of management system auditing and third-party certification.
• Interpret ISO/IEC 27701:2025 requirements from an auditor's perspective.
• Apply internationally recognized auditing principles, methodologies, and techniques during PIMS audits.
• Plan, conduct, report, and follow up ISO/IEC 27701 audits in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 guidance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of privacy controls implemented by both PII Controllers and PII Processors.
• Apply risk-based thinking, leadership principles, and process-oriented auditing techniques.
• Assess an organization's capability to maintain and continually improve its Privacy Information Management System.
• Manage ISO/IEC 27701 audit programmes while supporting stakeholder confidence through effective auditing practices.
• Demonstrate the practical auditing skills required to successfully complete the PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor examination.

Module 1 - Introduction to Privacy Information Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27701

• Introduction to Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS)
• Purpose and scope of ISO/IEC 27701:2025
• Relationship between ISO/IEC 27701 and ISO/IEC 27001
• Core concepts and principles of privacy management
• Privacy obligations related to Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
• Roles of PII Controllers and PII Processors
• Business benefits of implementing and auditing a PIMS
• Understanding third-party certification and organizational assurance

Module 2 - Audit Principles and Audit Programme Management

• Introduction to management system auditing
• Understanding ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 guidance
• Roles and responsibilities of Auditors and Lead Auditors
• Applying risk-based auditing principles
• Audit integrity, confidentiality, and professional conduct
• Planning and managing an audit programme
• Defining audit objectives, scope, and criteria
• Selecting appropriate audit methods and techniques
• Preparing audit plans, checklists, and working documentation

Module 3 - Preparing for an ISO/IEC 27701 Audit

• Reviewing documented information
• Evaluating organizational context
• Assessing audit readiness
• Identifying audit risks and opportunities
• Establishing communication with stakeholders and auditees
• Preparing opening meeting activities
• Reviewing privacy controls for PII Controllers and PII Processors
• Assessing leadership, governance, and process management requirements
• Planning evidence collection and sampling activities

Module 4 - Conducting On-Site Audit Activities

• Interviewing techniques and gathering objective evidence
• Observing operational processes
• Evaluating the effectiveness of privacy controls
• Assessing compliance with ISO/IEC 27701 requirements
• Identifying conformity, nonconformity, and improvement opportunities
• Applying practical audit techniques
• Recording audit findings and evidence
• Maintaining effective communication throughout the audit

Module 5 - Closing the Audit and Follow-Up Activities

• Preparing audit conclusions
• Producing audit reports
• Conducting closing meetings
• Evaluating corrective actions
• Planning follow-up audits
• Managing audit records
• Supporting continual improvement initiatives
• Preparing organizations for certification and surveillance audits

Module 6 - Preparing for the PECB Certification Examination

• Overview of the PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor examination
• Reviewing audit methodologies
• Revisiting ISO/IEC 27701 requirements
• Practice questions and scenario-based audit exercises
• Reviewing evidence gathering and audit reporting techniques
• Understanding competency domains and certification expectations

Exams and Assessments

Throughout the programme, participants reinforce their knowledge through practical audit exercises, knowledge checks, case studies, and scenario-based activities.

The course includes the PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Auditor certification examination. Examination and certification fees are included in the course price.

In accordance with PECB policies, participants who do not pass their first examination attempt are entitled to one complimentary retake within 12 months of completing the course.