This ISO 14001 EMS Lead Auditor Training Course provides the knowledge and practical skills to conduct and lead environmental management system (EMS) audits in accordance with ISO 14001:2015. It is certified by CQI-IRCA, the globally recognized authority for management system auditors.
Designed for professionals who want to lead environmental audits with confidence, the course equips you to assess compliance, manage risks, and contribute to sustainable performance. Whether taken online or in-person, it prepares you for real-world audit responsibilities and global certification.
Upon passing the final IRCA exam and continuous assessments, you will receive a CQI-IRCA Certificate of Achievement, valid for IRCA registration as a QMS Lead Auditor.
This 5-day (40-hour) intensive course covers:
Environmental management system principles and ISO 14001:2015 structure
EMS audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up per ISO 19011
Evaluating legal compliance and identifying environmental impacts
Managing audit teams and communicating with stakeholders
Real-world case studies, group activities, and hands-on roleplay exercises
Benefits
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For Professionals:
Gain a globally respected ISO 14001 lead auditor certification
Qualify to register as an IRCA EMS Lead Auditor
Develop in-demand audit and risk management competencies
Build a career in environmental compliance, ESG, or ISO consulting
For Organizations:
Train qualified staff to lead internal EMS audits independently
Improve environmental performance and legal compliance
Promote continuous improvement in sustainability practices
Strengthen credibility with stakeholders and customers
Target group
This course is ideal for:
EMS professionals and environmental compliance officers
Internal auditors seeking ISO 14001 lead auditor certification
Sustainability and ESG managers
Consultants supporting ISO implementations
Corporate teams responsible for audit readiness and risk management
Relevant across industries such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, construction, logistics, and public sector.
Requirements
To successfully join this CQI-IRCA certified course, learners must meet the following criteria:
Recommended Knowledge
Participants should have a working understanding of:
The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
Key concepts of environmental management
ISO 14001:2015 structure and requirements
Environmental aspects, legal compliance, and EMS audit purpose
Prior completion of an ISO 14001 awareness or internal auditor course is strongly recommended.
Training outline
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DAY 1
Course assemble, registration of delegates
Introduction to the course, the aims and objectives, rules and continuous assessment; study of the delegate profile s obtained before the course
Module A - Essential Knowledge
Refresher & Exercise ISO 14001, Exercises ISO 14001
Module B - Audit Standards
Feedback on Pre-course Questionnaire
ISO 19011 Presentation & Exercises
ISO 19011 Exercises (continued)
Duties of the Audit Team
Guides and Observers and Auditors’ Personal Attributes
Introduction to the specimen examination
DAY 2
Module C - Introduction to & Preparation for Audit
Start of day, administration, recap and further learning points
Exercises: Overview Document Review; Reviewing EMS documentation; and Document review reports to management and delegate self assessment of their performance
Audit Preparation (Stage 1 & 2 audit, audit plans and audit check-lists) and exercise on preparation of audit plans and audit check-lists
Tutors will be available for 1 - 2 hours for 1 to 1 tutorials with delegates
DAY 3
Module D - Carrying out the Audit and Reporting the Findings
Start of day, administration, recap and further learning points and opening meeting
Exercise on opening meeting including preparation and delegate self assessment of performance
Auditing techniques and auditing techniques exercises
Presentations on the performance of the auditors
Reporting the audit findings and closing meeting
Tutors will be available for 1 - 2 hours for 1 to 1 tutorials with delegates
DAY 4
Start of day, administration, recap and further learning points
Exercise - preparation for the closing meeting including audit findings , re port writing, carrying out the closing
Exercise - preparation for the closing meeting including audit findings , re port writing, carrying out the closing meeting and delegate self assessment of performance
Exercise on non-conformance, observation reporting and follow up action
Module E - Post Audit Activities
Follow -up activities
Exercise & Summary
Close of day and hand out of extra curricula exercise to be self marked by the students
Tutor(s) available for one to one tutorial
DAY 5
Module F - Learning Consolidation
Start of day, administration, recap and further learning points
Delegate feedback on their assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and where they require further assistance
Review of the complete course
Continuation of review of the complete course
Delegate feedback on the course and suggested improvements. Completion of the course feedback form
Module G - Accreditation and Auditor Registration
Schemes
Overview of Accreditation and the IRCA registration scheme; requirements for registration; visit to the IRCA website
Refreshment break and rearrange tables into classroom style for exam
Module H - Examination
IRCA examination
Finish of course for native language speakers
Finish of course for non-native speakers
Other information
For payment details and inquiries, please contact academy@ind.tuv.com. Our team will guide you through the payment process and address any questions regarding schedules, content, or logistics.
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