ISO/IEC 27034: Lead Auditor vs. Implementer, Which Certification Is Best for You?

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and software is the backbone of business operations, organizations are placing more importance on securing applications from the outset. One standard that is leading the charge in this initiative is ISO/IEC 27034, the global standard for application security.

If you're thinking of having a career in this key field, then you've probably been exposed to two main certification avenues, ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Auditor and ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Implementer.

Both certifications are vital in the current IT and cybersecurity world, but they're used for different reasons, benefit different skills, and create different ISO 27034 career trajectories.

In this article, we will dissect each career path, describe what their job involves, and assist you in determining which ISO training path fits your plans and skills.

What is ISO/IEC 27034?

Let's start with the context of the career paths. It's worth knowing that the purpose of the ISO/IEC 27034 standard is to give advice on how to incorporate security into application development and operations, highlighting:

• Security frameworks and policies
  
  
• Application Security Controls (ASCs)
  
  
• Organizational Normative Frameworks (ONFs)
  
  
• Secure development lifecycle processes
  
  

In contrast to ISO/IEC 27001, which aims at organization-wide information security schemes, ISO 27034 focuses on defending applications, a critical field with the upsurge of web and mobile threats.

Why Pursue a Career in ISO 27034?

With the increasing rate of cyberattacks on software programs, demand has become high for experts who will be able to deploy and audit secure development methodologies. Regardless of your current position in governance, risk, compliance, or software development, there's never been a better time to enter the application security career path.

You will have the confidence you need to lead programs, advise clients, or assist in audits with high-risk sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology once you have the right certification.

That brings us to the question of principle, should you be a Lead Auditor or an Implementer?

ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Auditor, Overview

Who is this for?

• Security auditors
  
  
• Risk and compliance officers
  
  
• Internal audit professionals
  
  
• Consultants conducting third-party audits
  
  
• Professionals with ISO auditing experience (e.g., ISO 27001, ISO 9001)
  
  

Primary Role

A Lead Auditor is tasked with assessing whether an organization's application security processes, controls, and documentation comply with the ISO/IEC 27034 standard.
This includes:

• Assessing Organizational Normative Frameworks (ONFs)
  
  
• Verifying Application Security Controls (ASCs) are in use
  
  
• Identifying areas of non-conformity and opportunities for improvement
  
  
• Creating audit reports for internal stakeholders or certification bodies
  
  

Auditors work independently of development teams and deliver a factual, evidence-based judgment on compliance.

Key Skills Required

• High knowledge of ISO standards
  
  
• Analytical mind and attention to detail
  
  
• Audit procedures and documentation knowledge
  
  
• Communication skills to present findings and recommend improvements
  
  

ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Implementer, Overview

Who is it for?

• Software developers and engineers
  
  
• Application security experts
  
  
• DevSecOps professionals
  
  
• Project managers and product owners
  
  
• Compliance and GRC experts in charge of security implementation
  
  

Primary Role

A Lead Implementer's task is to implement ISO/IEC 27034 in an organization. This involves creating secure application workflows from scratch or refining existing workflows to achieve compliance and security requirements.
Important tasks include:

• Designing and sustaining the ONF
  
  
• Establishing and implementing Application Security Controls
  
  
• Collaboration with developers to integrate security into the software lifecycle
  
  
• Implementing tools such as SAST, DAST, and code analysis in CI/CD pipelines
  
  

Whereas auditors look from the outside, implementers are hands-on and very much entrenched within the development and security processes of the organization.

Key Skills Required

• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  
  
• Knowledge of secure coding guidelines
  
  
• Ability to map technical controls to ISO standards
  
  
• Collaboration skills to work in cross-functional teams
  
  

Key Differences, Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer

Which ISO 27034 Career Path is Right for You?

Select Lead Auditor if:

• You have experience in information security auditing
  
  
• You like analysis, reporting, and examining policies and evidence
  
  
• You're interested in consulting or external auditing positions
  
  
• You want to assist certification initiatives and compliance programs
  
  

This position is suitable for those who like structured evaluation, decision-making based on evidence, and advising others from conclusions.

Select Lead Implementer if:

• You have a development or technical background
  
  
• You like hands-on implementation of security in code and pipelines
  
  
• You are in or aspire to lead DevSecOps or product security teams
  
  
• You want to create secure applications that meet ISO/IEC 27034
  
  

This job is ideal if you enjoy addressing real-world security issues by integrating protection directly into software systems.

ISO Training Roles, Supplementary, Not Inclusive

Though the positions are distinct, businesses are best off when they complement both skill sets. Implementers make application security integral to business-as-usual, whereas auditors check and enhance those practices.

Indeed, most practitioners prefer to obtain both certifications in the long run to increase their professional skills and choices.

How to Get Certified

Regardless of your choice, professional education is the starting point. A guided course gets you ready for the certification test and provides you with the skills to excel in practical situations.

If you want to be a Lead Implementer, this is the course for you:

Enroll in the ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Implementer Training at CourseMonster

Course Highlights

• In-depth exploration of the ONF and ASMP models
  
  
• Practical integration of security in SDLC and DevOps pipelines
  
  
• Templates, guides, and real-world scenarios
  
  
• Exam prep to become certified
  
  

CourseMonster also provides Lead Auditor training for individuals following the auditing career path.

Final Thoughts: Lead with Confidence in Application Security

Regardless of whether you want to audit application security practices or enforce them outright, ISO/IEC 27034 provides an internationally recognized framework for constructing and assessing secure applications.

Selecting between Lead Auditor and Implementer will be based on your experience, passion, and aspirations. Either way, you will become a critical contributor to safeguarding mission-critical business systems against increasing cyber threats.

With ISO 27034 certification, you don't merely comply with standards, you define them.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Become the expert your company or clients need in application securit

 Start your journey with ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Implementer Training
Build secure systems. Ensure compliance. Advance your career.