About This Course
The PECB ISO 18788 Lead Auditor programme prepares you to audit a Security Operations Management System (SOMS) against ISO 18788 — the international standard for organisations that provide security operations. Delivered fully self-paced and online, it takes you from SOMS fundamentals to planning and leading a complete audit using the principles of ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1.
You’ll learn to evaluate whether a security-operations provider manages its activities lawfully, ethically and effectively — respecting human rights and client requirements — and to report findings that drive improvement. It suits auditors and professionals in the private security sector.
Course Information
What You Will Learn
Course Curriculum
- Security operations management concepts
- Structure and requirements of ISO 18788
- Human rights and legal considerations
- The certification landscape
- Fundamental audit concepts
- Risk-based audit thinking
- Initiating the audit and defining scope
- Reviewing documentation and planning
- Opening meeting
- Collecting evidence through interviews and sampling
- Evaluating operational controls
- Drafting audit findings
- Grading nonconformities
- Audit conclusions, report and closing meeting
- Follow-up and corrective action
- Managing an audit programme
- The competency domains
- Revision and exam technique
- Booking and sitting the PECB exam
Get the Full Syllabus as a PDF
Curriculum, exam format & everything included — sent straight to your inbox.
All You Need to Know
This programme suits professionals who audit or oversee security operations, including:
- Internal and external auditors
- Security operations managers and consultants
- Risk and compliance professionals in the security sector
- Anyone maintaining conformity with ISO 18788
A fundamental understanding of ISO 18788 and of audit principles is recommended before enrolling.
The PECB Certified ISO 18788 Lead Auditor exam assesses the competency domains for planning, leading and reporting a SOMS audit. Completing the training earns 31 CPD credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — it is delivered online and self-paced, covering the same competency domains as PECB’s instructor-led programme so you can study around your schedule.
A Security Operations Management System is the framework ISO 18788 defines for organisations that provide security operations to manage their activities lawfully, ethically and effectively.
A fundamental understanding of ISO 18788 and audit principles is recommended.
After passing the exam and meeting PECB’s requirements you can apply for the PECB Certified ISO 18788 Lead Auditor credential.
Yes — the self-paced kit includes one certification exam and one free exam retake.