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Industry & Sector ISO 56001 2024

Innovation Management

International standard for innovation management systems. Specifies requirements for a systematic approach to managing innovation activities within organisations.

technology R&D manufacturing all sectors
About This Standard

ISO 56001 is the first certifiable international standard for innovation management systems, specifying requirements for organisations to establish governance over their innovation activities and manage innovation as a strategic function. The 2024 publication followed extensive development work under TC 279.

The standard addresses innovation strategy, portfolio management, idea creation, development processes, and the organisational conditions (culture, leadership, resources) that enable sustained innovation. Annex A provides implementation guidance across the full innovation management system.

ACI-certified auditors evaluate innovation management system design, assess the effectiveness of innovation processes and governance, and review how organisations capture value from innovation activities.

Examination Topic Areas
Innovation strategy, strategic intent, and alignment
Innovation ecosystem and portfolio management
Idea creation, opportunity identification, and concept development
Innovation process governance and stage-gate management
Innovation resources, funding, and capability management
Collaboration, open innovation, and co-creation management
Innovation performance measurement, KPIs, and value capture
Intellectual property management and protection
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 56001.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

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.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO 56001
Edition 2024
Category Industry & Sector
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO 56001

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO 56001?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.