Best training providers for ISO 27001 Lead Auditor courses

As organizations face growing cybersecurity threats and increasing information security requirements, qualified auditors play an important role in evaluating the effectiveness of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). ISO 27001 Lead Auditor training helps professionals develop the knowledge and auditing skills needed to assess compliance with the standard and identify areas for improvement.

In this article, we take a closer look at top ISO 27001 Lead Auditor training providers, comparing their course content, accreditation, pricing, and learning methods to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Criteria for comparison

We used the following criteria for comparing the course providers:

• Price — Obviously, you want the most value for your money.
• Accreditation — This is how the course provider proves that it is recognized.
• Instructor quality — It is important that you can understand the lectures and learn quickly. E.g., are instructors experienced auditors or just trainers; do they have experience working for a certification body?
• Course quality — Is it practical or theoretical? Does it include workshops, case studies, templates, and auditing exercises?
• Learning format — How easily can you attend the course?
• What’s included — Does it include the exam and exam retakes, which materials, and what kind of support?

We didn’t use the following factors for comparison, since the training providers are roughly similar:

• All the training providers are reputable companies.
• All the training providers deliver the same credentials after passing the exam (“Certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor”).
• The course duration is similar: 4 to 5 days of training or an equivalent amount of self-paced learning.

Main differences

Here’s a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each training provider (listed alphabetically):

Detailed overview of each course provider

Below is a detailed overview for each provider of ISO 27001 Lead Auditor courses.

Advisera

Advisera is an online training provider and a personnel certification body specializing in ISO standards, cybersecurity, AI governance, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.

Here are the details of the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from Advisera:

• Price — The course is free of charge; the certification exam is $2000
• Accreditation — Exemplar Global
• Instructor quality — Dejan Kosutic and Garry Cornell — Advisera’s in-house vetted experts with extensive auditing experience
• Course quality — Video lessons that teach theory; live virtual workshop with case studies and exercises
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded video lessons + instructor-led workshop in a virtual classroom (1x per month)
• What’s included — Learning videos, quizzes, course script, suggested materials, interactive quizzes, live virtual workshop, practice exam, exam + 2 exam retakes

BSI

BSI is the United Kingdom’s national standards body and one of the world’s leading providers of standards development, certification, testing, inspection, and professional training services.

Here are the details of the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from BSI:

• Price — Up to $3500, but it differs according to the region
• Accreditation — It seems that the Exemplar Global-accredited version of the course is available only in certain markets
• Instructor quality — The names are not published online, but BSI has selected a small group of industry experts and senior auditors to serve as instructors
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, and exercises
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a virtual classroom (1x per month)
• What’s included — Training materials, instructor-led virtual classroom, exam

GRC Solutions

GRC Solutions (formerly IT Governance) is a UK-based training and consultancy provider specializing in cybersecurity, information security, ISO standards, data privacy, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Here are the details of the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from GRC Solutions:

• Price — Up to $2900 depending on learning format
• Accreditation — IBITGQ
• Instructor quality — Vetted experts; names are not published online
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, discussions, and role play
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded, and instructor-led virtual (every two months)
• What’s included — Training materials and exam

PECB

PECB is an international certification body that provides professional education, certification, and credentialing services across a wide range of ISO management systems, cybersecurity, privacy, and governance disciplines.

Here are the details of the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from PECB:

• Price — Not publicly listed; varies depending on the local partner that provides the course
• Accreditation — ISO 17024 accredited by IAS
• Instructor quality — Vetted by PECB; however, each local partner provides its own instructor
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, quizzes, and exercises
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a classroom and in a virtual classroom; frequent course dates
• What’s included — Varies by partner; generally training materials, quizzes, exercises, exam + 1 exam retake

TRECCERT

TRECCERT is an international certification and training organization focused on professional certification schemes and competency-based credentials.

Here are the available ISO 27001 Lead Auditor courses from TRECCERT:

• Price — Exam: $800. Students can go either for the E-learning option ($400) or through a local training provider. Also, different prices apply to the practice exam, certificate maintenance, and training provided by partners.
• Accreditation — ISO 17024 accredited by ANAB
• Instructor quality — Vetted by TRECCERT; however, each local partner provides its own instructor
• Course quality — Expert-led videos, interactive slides, knowledge-testing quizzes and exercises
• Learning format — Self-paced preparation, instructor-led videos, and classroom
• What’s included — Certification and exam process; preparation/training is a separate cost

TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD is a global testing, inspection, certification, and technical services organization that helps businesses improve quality, safety, security, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Here are the details of the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from TÜV SÜD:

• Price — Up to $2500, but it differs according to the region
• Accreditation — Exemplar Global-accredited version of the course is available in certain markets
• Instructor quality — The names are not published online, but TÜV SÜD has selected industry experts to serve as instructors, with assignments made by region.
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, case studies, role play, group discussions, and exercises
• Learning format — Instructor-led in a virtual classroom
• What’s included — Training materials, instructor-led virtual classroom, exam

Udemy

Udemy is one of the world’s largest online learning marketplaces, offering thousands of courses created by independent instructors across business, technology, compliance, and many other subject areas.

Here are the available ISO 27001 Lead Auditor courses from Udemy:

• Price — Up to $50
• Accreditation — None
• Instructor quality — Instructors are not vetted; some instructors do not have enough experience with ISO 27001
• Course quality — Lessons that teach theory, exercises, and role plays
• Learning format — Self-paced / pre-recorded
• What’s included — Learning videos, practice test, assignments, role plays; depends on the individual course

Choosing a course provider

There is no single ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course that will be the best choice for everyone. Some professionals may benefit from interactive training with experienced instructors, while others may prefer the flexibility of self-paced online learning.

Regardless of the format, the most valuable courses are those that go beyond explaining ISO 27001 requirements and help participants understand how to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on audits in real-world situations.

Ultimately, a well-chosen course should do more than prepare you to pass an exam. It should give you the confidence and practical knowledge to apply what you have learned and take the next step in your auditing career.

Click here to sign up for a free ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course from Advisera.