CQI IRCA PR376: EMS ISO 14001:2026 Lead Auditor (2887)

Train to lead environmental management system audits against the current edition of ISO 14001:2026.

Course

Dates on request

Certificate of Completion

Classroom training

40 Lessons

Seminar Number: IN-SUS-IS0 14001 LA

The ISO 14001:2026 EMS Lead Auditor Training Course is a 5-day, 40-hour CQI IRCA certified course. It trains you to plan, conduct, report, and follow up first-, second-, and third-party audits of an environmental management system (EMS) against ISO 14001:2026, in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 and ISO/IEC 17021-1. Learners who pass the continuous assessment and the CQI and IRCA examination receive a CQI and IRCA Certificate of Achievement.

Why do EMS auditors need ISO 14001:2026 training now?

Published on 15 April 2026, the new edition cancels and replaces ISO 14001:2015, and organizations certified to the 2015 edition have three years to transition. Certification bodies, second-party supplier audit programs, and internal audit teams need auditors trained on the current requirements before transition audits start. An auditor trained only to the 2015 edition audits against superseded requirements.

What does the course cover?

The course covers ISO 14001:2026 requirements, ISO 19011:2026 audit principles, and the full audit cycle from planning to follow-up. The 40 hours split into eight modules, listed in the training outline below. Core content:

EMS principles, the purpose of an EMS audit, and the structure and requirements of ISO 14001:2026
The 2026 changes an auditor verifies: climate change and other environmental conditions in context, the life cycle perspective in scope and aspects, planning of changes, and control of externally provided processes, products, and services
Audit planning, Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, checklists, evidence gathering, and interviewing
Evaluating compliance obligations, environmental aspects and impacts, and environmental performance
Grading findings, writing nonconformity reports, and running opening and closing meetings
Corrective action evaluation and audit follow-up
A simulated site audit with case studies, group activities, and role-play exercises

Benefits

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For Professionals:

A CQI and IRCA Certificate of Achievement for ISO 14001:2026 EMS Lead Auditor training
Eligibility to apply for IRCA EMS auditor or lead auditor certification
Audit, compliance evaluation, and environmental risk assessment competence
A recognized qualification for roles in environmental compliance, ESG, sustainability, and management system auditing

For Organizations:

Staff trained to lead internal EMS audits against the current edition
Readiness for the ISO 14001:2026 transition audit before the three-year window closes
Stronger compliance evaluation and environmental performance monitoring
Evidence of audit competence for customers, regulators, and other interested parties

Target group

The course suits professionals who audit, manage, or support an environmental management system and want lead auditor training on the current standard:

Environmental, sustainability, and ESG managers
EMS coordinators and environmental compliance officers
Internal auditors who want lead auditor training on ISO 14001:2026
ISO 9001, ISO 45001, or ISO/IEC 27001 lead auditors adding EMS auditing
Professionals who support ISO 14001 implementation and audit readiness
Teams responsible for supplier audits and the 2026 transition

Relevant across manufacturing, energy, utilities, construction, logistics, and the public sector.

Requirements

Learners need prior knowledge of ISO 14001:2026, a pass mark of 11 out of 15 on the entry test, and strong English.

Prior knowledge: CQI and IRCA expect learners to know:

The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and the core elements of a management system: top management responsibility, policy, objectives, planning, implementation, measurement, review, and continual improvement
The intended outcomes of an EMS: enhanced environmental performance, fulfilment of compliance obligations, and achievement of environmental objectives
ISO 14001:2026 requirements, terms, and definitions
The purpose of an EMS audit and the principles of management system auditing

Admission requirements

Pass the 15-item entry test with at least 11 correct.
All training, exercises, and the CQI and IRCA examination run in English.
Work experience in EMS, environmental compliance, or auditing.

Pre-assessment

Registered participants receive a pre-course self-assessment.

Assessment

Continuous assessment over five days plus a CQI and IRCA examination on Day 5. The online examination runs 1 hour 45 minutes with objective questions. Learners whose first language is not English receive 30 extra minutes. For adjustments due to a disability or a religious requirement, for example a female proctor, notify us at registration so we file a request with CQI in time.
CQI IRCA Online Examination, with the extra 30 minutes for learners whose first language is not English

Training outline

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DAY 1

Course assembly, registration, and review of delegate profiles submitted before the course
Introduction: aims, objectives, rules, and continuous assessment
Module A, Essential knowledge: ISO 14001:2026 refresher and exercises, including the 2026 changes to context, life cycle perspective, planning of changes, and externally provided processes, products, and services
Module B, Audit standards: feedback on the pre-course questionnaire,ISO 19011:2026 presentation and exercises, duties of the audit team, guides and observers, auditor personal attributes, and introduction to the specimen examination

DAY 2

Module C, Introduction to and preparation for the audit
Recap and further learning points
Exercises: document review, review of EMS documented information, and document review reports to management with delegate self-assessment
Audit preparation: Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, audit plans, and audit checklists, with a planning exercise
One-to-one tutorials with tutors, 1 to 2 hours

DAY 3

Module D, Carrying out the audit and reporting the findings
Recap, further learning points, and the opening meeting
Opening meeting exercise with preparation and delegate self-assessment
Auditing techniques and exercises, including evidence gathering on aspects, compliance obligations, and life cycle controls
Presentations on auditor performance
Reporting audit findings and the closing meeting
One-to-one tutorials with tutors, 1 to 2 hours

DAY 4

Recap and further learning points
Exercise: closing meeting preparation, audit findings, report writing, running the closing meeting, and delegate self-assessment
Exercise: nonconformity and observation reporting and follow-up action
Module E, Post-audit activities: follow-up, corrective action evaluation, exercise, and summary
Close of day and self-marked extra-curricular exercise
One-to-one tutorials with tutors

DAY 5

Module F, Learning consolidation: delegate self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses, full course review, and course feedback form
Module G, Accreditation and auditor registration: schemes, overview of accreditation and the IRCA registration scheme, requirements for registration, and a visit to the IRCA website
Module H, Examination: CQI and IRCA examination, with the extra 30 minutes for learners whose first language is not English

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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

TÜV Rheinland India reserves the right to postpone or cancel public courses for valid reasons.
Unless the cancellation is initiated by TÜV Rheinland India, all fees are non-refundable once registration is confirmed.
Cancellations made 10 days or fewer before the training date are non-refundable, and full fees will be charged.
Substitute delegates may be nominated at no extra cost, but their details must be provided at least 5 business days before the training date.

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In-House Training, Delivered Where You Work

We bring the training to your team—on-site, efficient, and focused.
Led by industry experts with hands-on experience.
Designed around your operations, aligned with global standards for compliance and performance.