Foundation, Specialist, or Auditor: How to Choose Your Level

One of the most common mistakes when getting certified is choosing the wrong level: enrolling in Auditor without prior grounding, or staying at Foundation when you already have real experience. Each level responds to a different moment in your professional career.

Foundation: for those just starting out

Foundation is designed for professionals who need a solid, structured base on a standard or knowledge area — no prior formal experience required. It’s the natural entry point.

Specialist: for those already applying the knowledge

Specialist certifies the ability to apply that knowledge in real work contexts. It’s the right level for those already executing related processes and who want to formally validate it.

Auditor: for those who evaluate third parties

Auditor is the most demanding level: it validates the competency to audit, evaluate, and issue a professional judgment on third-party compliance against a standard. It requires judgment, experience, and methodological rigor.

Levels aren’t mandatory steps: they’re independent from each other, and each responds to a different professional need.

How to choose?

• If you’re just starting in the field: Foundation.
• If you’re already working with these processes: Specialist.
• If your role involves evaluating or auditing others: Auditor.

You don’t need to go through every level to reach Auditor — you can enroll directly in the one that matches your current experience.