Railway Quality Management
Railway applications quality management system standard incorporating ISO 9001 requirements with railway-specific additions for the supply chain.
ISO 22163 (formerly the International Railway Industry Standard — IRIS) specifies quality management system requirements for organisations in the railway supply chain. It incorporates all ISO 9001 requirements and adds railway-specific elements addressing safety, reliability, availability, maintainability, and project management.
The standard is recognised globally by major railway operators and procurement organisations as the benchmark for rail supply chain quality. Certification to ISO 22163 is often a prerequisite for companies supplying to European and international rail networks.
ACI-certified auditors demonstrate competency in railway-sector QMS requirements, understanding the specific demands of rolling stock, infrastructure, and signalling supply chains.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 22163.
Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.
Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.
Available Grades for ISO 22163
All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.
Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.
For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.
Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.
Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.
Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.
The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.
Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.