Description
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.
After completing the training course, you can sit for the exam. After passing the exam, you can apply for the “PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor” credential. The internationally recognized “PECB ISO 14001 Lead Auditor” certificate validates your professional expertise and demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills to audit environmental management systems that are based on the requirements of ISO 14001.
Who should attend?
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
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this training course, the participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts and principles of an environmental management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001
- Interpret the ISO 14001 requirements for an EMS from the perspective of an auditor
- Evaluate the EMS conformity to ISO 14001 requirements, in accordance with the fundamental audit concepts and principles
- 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
- Manage an ISO 14001 audit program
Educational approach
The training course is participant centered and contains:
- 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
Prerequisites
In order to fully benefit from this training course, participants should have an understanding of environmental concepts, ISO 14001, and audit principles.
Course Agenda
Day 1: Introduction to the environmental management system (EMS) and ISO 14001
Day 2: Audit principles and the preparation for and initiation of an audit
Day 3: On-site audit activities
Day 4: Closing of the audit
Day 5: Certification exam
Examination
The “PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor” exam fully meets the requirements of the PECB Examination and Certification Program (ECP). It covers the following competency domains:
Domain 1: Fundamental principles and concepts of an environmental management system
Domain 2: Environmental management system requirements
Domain 3: Fundamental audit concepts and principles
Domain 4: Preparing an ISO 14001 audit
Domain 5: Conducting an ISO 14001 audit
Domain 6: Closing an ISO 14001 audit
Domain 7: Managing an ISO 14001 audit program
For more information regarding the exam type, languages available, and other details, please visit the List of PECB Exams and the Examination Rules and Policies.
Certificate requirements
Upon the successful completion of the exam, you can apply for one of the credentials shown in the table below. You will receive a certificate once you fulfill all the requirements related to the selected credential. For more information about ISO 9001 credentials and the PECB certification process, please refer to the Certification Rules and Policies.
The credentials in the PECB ISO 14001 certification scheme have the following requirements:
| Designation | Exam | Professional experience | MS audit/assessment experience | Other requirements |
| PECB Certified ISO 14001 Provisional Auditor | PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Exam or equivalent | None | None | Signing the PECB Code of Ethics |
| PECB Certified ISO 14001 Auditor | PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Exam or equivalent | Two years: One year of work experience in Environmental Management | Project activities: a total of 200 hours | Signing the PECB Code of Ethics |
| PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor | PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Exam or equivalent | Five years: Two years of work experience in Environmental Management | Project activities: a total of 300 hours | Signing the PECB Code of Ethics |
| PECB Certified ISO 14001 Senior Lead Auditor | PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Exam or equivalent | Ten years: Seven years of work experience in Environmental Management | Project activities: a total of 1,000 hours | Signing the PECB Code of Ethics |
Note: PECB certified individuals who possess both the Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor credentials are qualified for the respective PECB Master Credential, given they have taken 4 additional Foundation Exams related to this scheme. For more information about the Foundation Exams and the overall Master Requirements, please go to PECB Master Credentials.
To be considered valid, the audit activities should follow best audit practices and include the following:
- Planning an audit
- Managing an audit program
- Drafting audit reports
- Drafting nonconformity reports
- Drafting audit working documents
- Reviewing documented information
- Conducting an on-site audit
- Following up on nonconformities
- Leading an audit team
General Information
- Certification and examination fees are included in the price of the training course.
- PECB will provide over 500 pages of instructional materials containing explanations, guidance, and practical examples.
- An attestation of course completion worth 31 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) credits will be issued to participants who have attended the training course.
- In case of exam failure, the candidate can retake the exam once for free within 12 months following the initial exam date.
