ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

The PECB ISO 14001 Lead Auditor training course enables you to acquire the necessary competencies to conduct effective environmental management system (EMS) audits by applying widely recognized audit principles, procedures, and techniques.

This training course combines the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1, the recommendations of ISO 19011, and other best practices of auditing and integrates them into a comprehensive methodology which enables you to effectively plan and conduct ISO 14001 conformity assessment audits.

In addition to providing a solid theoretical foundation, this training course adopts a practical approach by incorporating examples, exercises, and quizzes that help you practice the most important aspects of conformity assessment audits, such as the interpretation of ISO 14001 requirements in the context of an audit, the application of auditing principles and methods, the utilization of approaches to evidence collection and verification, leading an audit team, drafting nonconformity reports, and preparing the final audit report.

By the end of this training course, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental concepts and principles of an environmental management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001
2. Interpret the ISO 14001 requirements for an EMS from the perspective of an auditor
3. Evaluate the EMS conformity to ISO 14001 requirements, in accordance with the fundamental audit concepts and principles
4. Plan, conduct, and close an ISO 14001 compliance audit, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements, ISO 19011 guidelines, and other best practices of auditing
5. Manage an ISO 14001 audit program

Day 1 Introduction to the Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 14001

• Training course objectives and structure
• Standards and regulatory frameworks
• Certification process
• Fundamental concepts and principles of environmental management
• Overview of ISO 14001 requirements

Day 2 Audit principles and the preparation for and initiation of an audit

• Fundamental audit concepts and principles
• The impact of trends and technology in auditing
• Evidence-based auditing
• Risk-based auditing
• Initiation of the audit process
• Stage 1 audit

Day 3 On-site audit activities

• Preparing for stage 2 audit
• Stage 2 audit
• Communication during the audit
• Audit procedures
• Creating audit test plans

Day 4 Closing the audit

• Drafting audit findings and nonconformity reports
• Audit documentation and quality review
• losing the audit
• Evaluation of action plans by the auditor
• Beyond the initial audit
• Managing an internal audit program
• Closing of the training course

Day 5 Certification Exam

• Obtaining ISO 14001 Certification enhances environmental performance, ensures legal compliance, reduces waste and costs, improves stakeholder relationships, and boosts corporate image and market opportunities.

• Elaborates theories, approaches, and best practices used in EMS audits 
• Provides practical exercises which are based on scenarios inspired by real-life events 
• Encourages interaction between the trainer and participants by means of questions and suggestions
• Provides quizzes consisting of stand-alone and scenario-based questions, tailored to prepare the participants for the certification exam

The ISO 14001 Lead Auditor training course is intended for:

• Auditors seeking to conduct and lead EMS audits
• Managers or consultants seeking to master the EMS audit process
• Individuals responsible for maintaining conformity to the requirements of ISO 14001 in an organization
• Technical experts seeking to prepare for EMS audits
• Expert advisors in environmental management

In order to fully benefit from this training course, participants should have an understanding of environmental concepts, ISO 14001, and audit principles.

ISO 14001 helps organizations develop their environmental performance through the reduction of waste, getting a competitive advantage, and the trust of stakeholders.

Achieving the ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification opens up these career opportunities:

1. Lead Auditor: Conducting ISO 14001 audits for certification bodies or consulting firms.
2. Environmental Consultant: Advising on ISO 14001 implementation and compliance.
3. Sustainability Manager: Overseeing environmental initiatives aligned with ISO 14001.
4. EHS Manager: Integrating ISO 14001 into health, safety, and environmental programs.
5. QA/QC Manager: Ensuring environmental compliance and quality standards.
6. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Managing environmental regulatory compliance.
7. Supply Chain Sustainability Manager: Ensuring ISO 14001 standards in supply chains.
8. Corporate Responsibility Manager: Leading environmental stewardship initiatives.

Exam duration: 3 hours

Exam type: multiple choice

Closed/opened book: open book

Number of questions: 40

Exam score:  70% to pass.