Career upgrade: Learn practical AI skills for better jobs and higher pay.
Level up
PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Practice Questions

Pass your Exemplar Global ISO 27001 ISMS Lead Auditor (ISO/IEC 27001:2022) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
~65-80% Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

Which of the following is the MOST defensible ISMS nonconformity statement?

A
B
C
D
to track
Same family resources

Explore More Exemplar Global Auditor Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Exemplar Global ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor

Practice Questions

Exemplar Global OHSMS Lead Auditor (ISO 45001)

Practice Questions

Exemplar Global QMS Lead Auditor (ISO 9001)

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Exam

IS + AU + TL

TPECS Competency Units

Exemplar Global

ISO 27001:2022

ISMS Requirements Standard

ISO/IEC

93 controls

Annex A:2022 Controls

4 themes

ISO/IEC 17024

Accreditation Standard

IAS

5 days

Typical Course Length

TPECS providers

3 years

Certification Validity

Recert by CPD

The Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor certification is an ISO/IEC 17024-accredited credential (via IAS) for auditors who lead ISO/IEC 27001:2022 audit teams. It is earned by completing a TPECS-certified 5-day Lead Auditor course that assesses three competency units - IS (ISO 27001 + Annex A), AU (ISO 19011), TL (Team Leadership) - through a written exam plus practical exercises. Course-and-certification cost is typically $1,800-$3,500 USD. Certification is valid for 3 years and requires CPD-based recertification. This free prep delivers 100 practice questions across ISO 27001:2022 clauses 4-10, the 93 Annex A:2022 controls (Organizational/People/Physical/Technological themes including new 2022 controls 5.7, 5.23, 5.30, 7.4, 8.9-8.12, 8.16, 8.22, 8.23, 8.28), Statement of Applicability auditing, the seven ISO 19011 audit principles, NCR writing using the Statement-Evidence-Requirement structure against Annex A controls, classification of findings, ISO 27005 risk assessment, lead auditor team-leadership scenarios, remote auditing per Annex A.16, and the Stage 1/Stage 2/surveillance/recertification cycle under ISO/IEC 27006.

Sample Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor certification is backed by which three TPECS competency units?
A.IS, AU, and TL
B.QM, AU, and TL
C.IS, AU, and CB
D.ISO, ISMS, and AUD
Explanation: Exemplar Global's TPECS framework certifies the ISMS Lead Auditor against three competency units: IS (Information Security Management System knowledge of ISO 27001 + Annex A), AU (Auditing knowledge of ISO 19011), and TL (Team Leader competence). All three must be evidenced through certified training plus the Work Style Assessment.
2Which international standard provides the auditable requirements for an information security management system used as audit criteria?
A.ISO/IEC 27000:2018
B.ISO/IEC 27001:2022
C.ISO/IEC 27002:2022
D.ISO/IEC 27005:2022
Explanation: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 contains the certifiable ISMS requirements and is the standard against which ISMS audits are conducted. ISO 27000 defines vocabulary, ISO 27002 gives implementation guidance for Annex A controls, and ISO 27005 provides guidance on information security risk management.
3How many controls are in Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001:2022?
A.114 controls in 14 clauses
B.93 controls in 4 themes
C.133 controls in 11 domains
D.100 controls in 5 categories
Explanation: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A contains 93 controls organized into 4 themes: Organizational (37, A.5.x), People (8, A.6.x), Physical (14, A.7.x), and Technological (34, A.8.x). This consolidated the prior 114 controls from ISO 27001:2013 and introduced 11 new controls.
4Which clause of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requires the organization to determine the scope of its ISMS?
A.4.1
B.4.3
C.5.2
D.6.1
Explanation: Clause 4.3 requires the organization to determine the boundaries and applicability of the ISMS to establish its scope. The scope must consider internal/external issues (4.1), requirements of interested parties (4.2), and interfaces and dependencies with other organizations, and be available as documented information.
5Which new control was introduced in ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A to address threat intelligence?
A.A.5.7 Threat intelligence
B.A.5.30 ICT readiness for business continuity
C.A.8.16 Monitoring activities
D.A.5.23 Information security for use of cloud services
Explanation: A.5.7 Threat intelligence is one of the 11 new controls added in ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A. It requires the organization to collect and analyze information relating to information security threats to produce threat intelligence.
6Annex SL provides which feature for management system standards including ISO 27001?
A.A list of certification bodies
B.A high-level structure with common clauses, text, and terminology
C.A schedule of mandatory audit fees
D.A template for nonconformity reports
Explanation: Annex SL (now Appendix 2 to the ISO/IEC Directives) provides the high-level structure, identical core text, common terms, and core definitions used across all management system standards. This makes ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and others structurally aligned with clauses 4-10.
7What is the Statement of Applicability (SoA) per ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 6.1.3 d?
A.A list of all organizational policies
B.A documented statement containing the necessary controls, justifications for their inclusion, whether they are implemented, and justifications for excluding any Annex A controls
C.A risk register
D.A vendor contract
Explanation: Clause 6.1.3 d requires the SoA to contain the necessary controls determined by risk treatment, justification for their inclusion, current implementation status, and justification for exclusion of any Annex A controls. The SoA is the single document linking risk treatment outputs to Annex A.
8Which ISO/IEC 27001:2022 clause covers nonconformity and corrective action?
A.9.2
B.10.2
C.8.7
D.6.1
Explanation: Clause 10.2 requires reacting to nonconformity, evaluating the need for action to eliminate the cause, implementing action, reviewing effectiveness, and making changes to the ISMS if necessary. Documented information of nature and actions taken must be retained.
9In ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Clause 6.1.2, information security risk assessment must:
A.Use ISO 31000 risk registers only
B.Establish criteria, identify risks, analyze, and evaluate risks consistently to produce comparable, valid and reproducible results
C.Eliminate all risk before certification
D.Be optional for organizations under 50 employees
Explanation: Clause 6.1.2 requires the organization to define and apply an information security risk assessment process that establishes risk criteria (including acceptance and assessment criteria), and ensures repeated assessments produce consistent, valid and comparable results. ISO 27005 provides guidance.
10Who has overall accountability for the effectiveness of the ISMS under ISO/IEC 27001:2022?
A.The CISO
B.Top management
C.The certification auditor
D.The internal audit team
Explanation: Clause 5.1 places accountability for ISMS effectiveness on top management. Top management must demonstrate leadership by ensuring resources, integrating ISMS into business processes, communicating importance, and promoting continual improvement.

About the Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Exam

The Exemplar Global Certified ISMS Lead Auditor credential validates competence to lead third-party or supplier audits of an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security management system. The certification is built on three TPECS competency units: IS (Information Security Management System knowledge of ISO 27001 and Annex A controls), AU (Auditing knowledge of ISO 19011), and TL (Team Leadership). Candidates complete a TPECS-certified or Exemplar Global Recognized Training Provider (RTP) Lead Auditor course - typically a 5-day intensive that includes a written exam plus practical exercises (NCR writing against Annex A controls, opening/closing meeting role-plays, case studies, team leader scenarios). Exemplar Global is accredited under ISO/IEC 17024:2012 by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Certification is valid for 3 years and is maintained through documented audit days and CPD. Core reference texts include ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (clauses 4-10 plus Annex A with 93 controls across 4 themes), ISO 19011:2018 (including Annex A.16 on remote auditing), ISO/IEC 27006 for ISMS certification rules, and ISO/IEC 27005 for risk assessment.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Course-end exam 2-3 hours; full Lead Auditor course typically 5 days

Passing Score

Typically 70% on the course-end exam plus satisfactory practical exercises (set by training provider)

Exam Fee

$1,800-$3,500 USD (course and certification application combined; varies by provider/region) (Exemplar Global (ISO/IEC 17024-accredited by IAS) via TPECS-certified training providers)

Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Exam Content Outline

25% practice weight

ISO 27001:2022 Requirements (Clauses 4-10)

Context, leadership, planning (risk assessment, risk treatment, SoA), support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.

20% practice weight

Annex A:2022 Controls

93 controls in 4 themes: Organizational (37), People (8), Physical (14), Technological (34); new 2022 controls.

8% practice weight

Statement of Applicability and Risk Treatment

SoA Clause 6.1.3 d, justifications, risk treatment plan, risk owner approval, residual risk acceptance.

10% practice weight

ISO 19011:2018 Audit Principles

Integrity, fair presentation, due professional care, confidentiality, independence, evidence-based approach, risk-based approach.

8% practice weight

Audit Programme and Planning

Programme establishment, audit objectives, scope, criteria, ISMS-specific risk-based planning, checklists.

10% practice weight

Conducting the ISMS Audit

Opening meeting, interviews, observation of controls, log/SIEM evidence, sampling, team meetings, closing meeting.

8% practice weight

Audit Findings and Reporting

SER nonconformity structure against ISO 27001 clauses and Annex A controls, classification, conclusions, report content.

6% practice weight

Lead Auditor Responsibilities

Team selection, supervising trainees, managing disagreements, report accountability, team leadership behaviors.

5% practice weight

ISO 27005 Risk Assessment Methodology

Asset/threat/vulnerability vs scenario-based risk assessment; alignment with ISO 27001 Clause 6.1.2 and 8.2.

6% practice weight

Certification Cycle and Remote Auditing

Stage 1/Stage 2/surveillance/recertification per ISO/IEC 27006, IAF MD 5 audit time, remote auditing per Annex A.16.

4% practice weight

Exemplar Global TPECS and Auditor Competence

TPECS IS/AU/TL units, ISO/IEC 17024 personnel certification, Work Style Assessment, conflict of interest.

How to Pass the Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Typically 70% on the course-end exam plus satisfactory practical exercises (set by training provider)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Course-end exam 2-3 hours; full Lead Auditor course typically 5 days
  • Exam fee: $1,800-$3,500 USD (course and certification application combined; varies by provider/region)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the seven ISO 19011:2018 audit principles (integrity, fair presentation, due professional care, confidentiality, independence, evidence-based approach, risk-based approach) and be ready to apply each to ISMS scenario questions
2Know all 93 Annex A:2022 controls by number, theme, and purpose - especially the 11 new 2022 controls (5.7, 5.23, 5.30, 7.4, 8.9, 8.10, 8.11, 8.12, 8.16, 8.22, 8.23, 8.28)
3Practice writing nonconformity statements in three parts (Statement, Evidence, Requirement) against Annex A controls and ISO 27001 clauses until the structure is automatic
4Know ISO 27001:2022 clauses 4-10 cold, with attention to 4.3 ISMS scope, 6.1.2 risk assessment, 6.1.3 risk treatment and SoA, 8.2/8.3 operational risk, 9.2 internal audit, 9.3 management review, and 10.2 nonconformity and corrective action
5Understand the SoA (Clause 6.1.3 d) as the single document linking risk treatment to Annex A controls; auditors verify justifications for inclusion and exclusion of each control

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor certification?

It is an ISO/IEC 17024-accredited personnel certification that validates competence to lead third-party or supplier audits of an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security management system. The credential is built on three TPECS competency units: IS (Information Security Management System), AU (Auditing), and TL (Team Leadership). Exemplar Global is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) under ISO/IEC 17024:2012.

How long is the Lead Auditor course and what does it cost?

TPECS-certified ISMS Lead Auditor courses are typically delivered as a 5-day intensive program. Course fees vary by provider and region but typically range from $1,800 to $3,500 USD - somewhat higher than QMS Lead Auditor courses due to the technical security content. Exemplar Global certification application is paid separately.

How many controls are in ISO 27001:2022 Annex A and how is it structured?

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A contains 93 controls organized into 4 themes: Organizational (37 controls, A.5.x), People (8 controls, A.6.x), Physical (14 controls, A.7.x), and Technological (34 controls, A.8.x). This is a reduction from the 114 controls in ISO 27001:2013 because related controls were consolidated. Eleven new controls were added in 2022 covering modern topics like threat intelligence (5.7), cloud services (5.23), ICT readiness (5.30), physical monitoring (7.4), configuration management (8.9), information deletion (8.10), data masking (8.11), DLP (8.12), monitoring activities (8.16), web filtering (8.22), secure coding (8.23), and secure code analysis (8.28).

What is the difference between the TPECS competency units IS, AU, and TL?

Exemplar Global's TPECS framework breaks ISMS Lead Auditor competence into three units: IS (Information Security Management System) covers ISO/IEC 27001:2022 knowledge - clauses 4-10, Annex A controls, ISO 27005 risk assessment, and security domain knowledge. AU (Auditing) covers ISO 19011:2018 - principles, programme management, planning, conduct, and reporting. TL (Team Leadership) covers leading an audit team - team selection, daily coordination, managing disagreements, and report accountability. All three must be evidenced for the Lead Auditor credential.

How long is the certification valid and how do I recertify?

Exemplar Global ISMS Lead Auditor certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires documented audit days, evidence of continuing professional development (CPD), and re-application. The aim is to demonstrate that you have maintained and refreshed your competence as a working ISMS auditor over the cycle.

How should I prepare for the end-of-course exam?

Read ISO/IEC 27001:2022 in full, paying attention to clauses 4-10 and ALL 93 Annex A controls. Read ISO 19011:2018 and Annex A (especially A.16 remote auditing). Study ISO/IEC 27005 risk assessment methodology and ISO/IEC 27006 certification rules. Practice writing nonconformity statements against Annex A controls using the Statement-Evidence-Requirement (SER) structure. Run through opening and closing meeting role-plays. Practice 100+ multiple-choice questions across all topic areas. Most candidates dedicate 70-130 hours including the course itself.