This ISO 14001:2026 lead auditor training course aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform first, second and third-party audits of environmental management systems against (EMS) ISO 14001, in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO 17021-1, as applicable. All references in this document to ISO standards are to the current versions unless otherwise stated. Learners who successfully complete this CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified ISO 14001:2026 Lead Auditor (EMS) Training course (within the five years before making an application to become a certificated auditor) will satisfy the training requirements for initial certification as a certified CQI-IRCA or Exemplar Global EMS auditor.
Environmental Management System
PR 376 ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course
Approved by:
Course ID: PR 376 / 2294
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Requirements
Prior Knowledge Requirements
Recommend prior knowledge:
a) Management systems
The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle
The core elements of a management system and the interrelationship between top management responsibility, policy, objectives, planning, implementation, measurement, review, and continual improvement.
b) Environmental management
The intended outcomes of an environmental management system:
Enhancement of environmental performance
Meeting compliance obligations
Achievement of environmental objectives.
c) ISO 14001
Knowledge of the requirements of ISO 14001 and the commonly used environmental management terms and definitions, which may be gained by completing a CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified ISO 14001: 2026 Foundation (EMS) (FD135) Training course or equivalent.
Virtual Technology Requirements
To participate in the virtual training sessions, you will need:
- Workplace Networks & VPN Connections
- In our experience, Workplace IT environments’ internal configurations and available software can vary (new or old), and there may be various limitations or other restrictions in place, and as such, the functionality of any Learning Management System (LMS) may be impacted, restricted, and may not perform well.
- The use of a VPN connection can result in poor performance and interfere with the SSO (Single Sign On) that connects users from our website and associated applications to their eLearning modules. We strongly recommend ensuring you are disconnected from a VPN or Proxy Server if experiencing any issues with accessing the eLearning modules.
- Recommended Operating Systems
- Windows 7/10, macOS Sierra, iPad iOS 10
- Mobile Devices
- The Kelmac Group Academy LMS is not available on a mobile app at this time. We recommend using a web browser on a mobile device to complete any eLearning modules. However, if completing any final assessment, we recommend completing it via a desktop browser.
- Internet Speed & Reliability
- We recommend using an internet connection of 256 Kbit/sec or faster, which will ensure that you can successfully access our eLearning modules. A stable connection is important to ensure you do not experience any outages during the completion of any module or any final assessment (s).
- Recommended Internet Browsers
- Google Chrome 32-bit version 50 or later (most recommended)
- Safari 10 or later
- Note: Add-ons and toolbars can affect any browser’s performance.
- Recommended Settings
- We recommend that the following settings be enabled:
- Cookies
- Pop-ups (in both Internet browsers and security software)
- JavaScript
- Plugins
- Latest Version of Adobe Flash Player
- Latest Version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
- To view all resources made available within our LMS, you will probably need Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or an equivalent (i.e. Open Office, Viewer) installed.
- Virtual Learning Technology Requirements
- General
- Laptop or desktop computer (Note: A tablet or mobile device is not suitable for this training)
- Advisory: Certain features ONLY work on the laptop/desktop version & each Learner will be required to actively participate in online exercises/assignments via virtual breakout rooms in groups
- Webcam – Built-in or USB plug-in
- Advisory: This is required to be enabled for the duration of any live or group exercises, as 100% attendance & participation are required on all virtual workshops. We must be able to verify attendance during live sessions and during any virtual breakout sessions.
- Speakers and a microphone – Built-in or USB plug-in. We strongly recommend a headset for this training.
- Advisory: A headset will ensure that each Learner can effectively communicate & listen. Plus, a headset will provide a better filter for any background noise or interference that may impact the Learner experience, and that of other Learners.
- Internet connection – Minimum of 1.0 Mbps
- Advisory: Naturally, each Learner should ensure that they have reliable access to the Internet during the training, either through a suitable Wi-Fi or wired connection. Any disruptions may cause difficulties during the training and, in certain cases, if large portions of the training are missed, a Learner may not be able to complete the program (Certification Criteria may not be met).
- Zoom Workday
- This is the platform we use for video and team collaboration. Approximately 1 week in advance, a calendar invite including a link to access training material where the course documentation & resources are located. This team’s environment will also be used for submitting/sharing completed individual and team-based assignments.
- We will be sharing access with the EMAIL ID that was provided to us when each Learner was registered for the course.
- It is important that each Learner verifies that they can access the Zoom Workday platform successfully in advance of the live workshops to avoid delays or their planned attendance being impacted by not being able to access the Zoom Workday platform during the training.
- For support with accessing the Zoom Platform, please contact one of our representatives for assistance in advance of the start date to ensure you can gain access on the date of your training.
- Mimeo DRM Application - Digital Course Material
- This is the platform we use for distributing digital versions of course material, ISO standards, case study material, and reference material. Please note International standards are subject to international copyright laws and are not available to download or print.
Course Overview
Advance your career in environment auditing with our ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course, designed for professionals aiming to lead successful external and internal audits or delegates who have the experience but who may not have an Internationally Certified CQI-IRCA or Exemplar Global training certificate.
This comprehensive program is available in In-Person/ Classroom, Online Live/Virtual or Blended Learning formats, ensuring flexibility for your learning needs.
Through this training, you'll gain the essential skills and knowledge to confidently lead audit teams and assess conformity with the ISO 14001 Environment Management System standard.
Whether you're stepping into quality auditing or looking to enhance your expertise, this ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor course provides the tools to achieve excellence. Start your journey toward becoming a certified leader in Environmental auditing today!
Learning Objectives
Knowledge
Explain the purpose of an environmental management system and the business and societal benefits of improving environmental performance.
Explain the role of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow up an environmental management system audit in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 (and ISO 17021-1:2015 where appropriate) as part of ISO 14001:2026 lead auditor training course.
Skills
Plan, conduct, report and follow up an audit of an environmental management system
to establish conformity (or otherwise) with ISO 14001 and in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 (and ISO 17021-1 :2015 where appropriate.
Our Methodology
Introducing our skilled Consultants!
Gerard Kelly
Principal Consultant
IRCA Registration No: A143267
Syllabus breakdown
1.0 Hour
Introduction and Welcome
- Course Introduction and Welcome
- Course Certification
- Course Learning Objectives
- Course Program/Rules
- Auditor Certification
- Privacy, Data Processing, Special Considerations,
- Course Materials
- Virtual Platform Overview
- Learner Support
2.0 Hours
Introduction to ISO 14001
- Purpose and Benefits of an Environmental Management System
- ISO 14001:2026 Overview and Structure
- Management System Principles and their relevance
- ISO 14000:2026 Family of Standards
- ISO 14001:2026 Process Model
- ISO 14001:2026 Key Concepts
- ISO 14001:2026 Terminology
- ISO 14001:2026 Requirements [Overview only]
5.0 Hours
ISO 19011:2026 Purpose, Scope and Requirements
- Overview and Context
- Introduction, Scope and Structure
- Terminology
- Audit Principles
- Audit Program
- Audit Life Cycle
- Auditor Roles and Responsibilities
- Auditor Behaviors
- Auditor Competency, Evaluation and Performance
7.0 Hours
Audit Initiation and Planning
- Initiation and Activities
- Audit Preparation Activities
- Document and Data Review
- Audit Risks and Opportunities
- Audit Planning, Sequence and Strategy
- Audit Checklist/PEAR Report
- Audit File
- Final Audit Preparation Requirement Activities
1.0 Hour
Audit Examination/ Debrief
- Examination Overview/De-Brief and Resources
- Examination Platform and Access
- Examination Preparation and Evaluation
- Examination Practice and Review
8.0 Hours
Conducting the Audit
- Audit Activities
- Pre-Opening Meeting Activities
- Opening Meeting Role Play Exercise
- Guides and Consultants Do's and Don'ts
- Audit Evidence and Trails Exercise
- Auditee Documentation and Records
- Audit Meetings Exercise
- Lead Auditor Leadership and Coaching
- Auditee Reactions and how to handle Exercise
- Audit Investigations
- Final Audit Team Meeting
- Audit Conclusion Statement
8.0 Hours
Conducting the Audit
- Audit Investigation - Case Study Exercise
- Audit Findings
- Audit Examination Preparation
2.0 Hours
Conducting the Audit
- Closing/Exit Meeting Role Play Exercise
5.0 Hours
Audit Post-Delivery
- Audit Post-Delivery Activities
- Reviewing Non-Conformities including Closure
- Extent Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Correction, Corrective Action
- Correction/Corrective Action Implementation and Monitoring
- Corective/Corective Action Verification
- Corrective Action/Corrective Action Effectiveness Review
- Audit Completion
- Audit Program Review and Update
1.0 Hour
Class Close
- Summary/Review of Learning Objectives
- Examination Strategy
- Examination Results/Training Certificate
- Class Evaluation
- Class Close
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an IRCA Certified Lead Auditor programme under Course ID 2294. The course is designed to build and verify your competence to audit a complete Environmental Management System, known as EMS, against ISO 14001:2015. It also includes formal assessment requirements aligned with Lead Auditor expectations.
This course is intended for professionals who need to audit a complete Environmental Management System against the requirements of ISO 14001:2015. It is particularly suitable for learners involved in second-party audits, such as customer or supplier audits, and third-party audits, including certification-focused audit activities. It is also suitable for those preparing to work in these audit environments. As this is a five-day intensive training programme with practical audit activities and a final examination, it is best suited to learners who are ready for a more advanced and demanding level of auditor training.
Yes, before registering for this course, you must be familiar with ISO 14001:2015 requirements or have completed EMS Fundamentals training. This is required prior to registering because it provides the essential background knowledge needed for Lead Auditor training. It also ensures that you can fully engage with the full audit lifecycle activities covered during the course.
This course is the right level if you want to develop the competence to lead audits of a full Environmental Management System. It is structured around the full audit lifecycle, including planning, conducting, reporting, and follow-up. If you are new to ISO 14001, then a Fundamentals course is the best starting point before progressing to Lead Auditor training.
The delivery format for your course will be confirmed at the time of registration. If your cohort is delivered virtually, the training will take place on the Zoom platform, and you will receive the relevant joining instructions, access details, and platform guidance in advance. To participate effectively, you will need a stable internet connection and a laptop, desktop, iPad, or other tablet device that supports the required platform, together with working audio and an active web camera.
The course is practical and skills-focused, not just theory-based. It includes a consultant-facilitated, complete systematic audit aligned with ISO 19011. There is also strong emphasis on audit tools, audit techniques, and appropriate auditor behaviours throughout the programme.
Yes, learners complete a facilitated audit covering the full audit lifecycle. During this practical audit work, learners apply audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting methods in practice. Competence is developed and verified through structured course activities.
Yes, the course includes a final CQI-IRCA administered online EMS Lead Auditor examination. The exam is part of the formal assessment requirements for course completion. Successful completion of the course and examination supports achievement of the programme outcome.
After completing the course, you will be able to plan, conduct, report, and follow up audits of a complete Environmental Management System against ISO 14001:2015. You will also be able to apply the ISO 19011 audit lifecycle across different audit scenarios. In addition, you will be able to deliver audits that provide assurance that the EMS meets interested party needs.
This Lead Auditor course focuses on auditing a complete Environmental Management System through a structured, facilitated audit approach. It places strong emphasis on assurance-focused auditing and consistent interpretation of ISO 14001:2015 requirements. The course also provides practical development of auditor tools, techniques, behaviours, and the leadership capability expected of Lead Auditors.
ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor training provides and overview of the requirements of an environmental management system (EMS). It primary focus is external auditing and covers audit principles and techniques, audit initiation, audit planning, conducting and reporting audits, evaluating environmental performance, identifying conformities and nonconformities, and following up on corrections and corrective actions. The training also focuses on the basic skills needed to lead effective ISO 14001 external audits.
ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor training develops the practical knowledge and auditing skills needed to initiate, plan, conduct, report, and follow up on EMS audits. Participants learn how to assess conformity with ISO 14001 requirements and environmental regulatory compliance , gather objective evidence, identify conformities/nonconformities, communicate audit findings and their risk impact/classification, audit conclusions and post-audit activities.
ISO 14001:2026 Auditors/Lead Auditors need to understand the updated requirements and how they affect environmental management systems and auditing practices based upon ISO 19011:2026 and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. A key new addition in IAO 19011:2016 is Annex 16 and remote auditing. Auditor/Lead Auditors need to be competent when conducting remote environmental audits, remote auditing digital tools and their limitations. Training helps participants interpret the revised standard, identify relevant changes, assess organizational processes against the requirements, and apply the updated requirements during audits.
An ISO 14001 Auditor/Lead Auditor course helps develop skills in audit initiation, audit planning, team management, interviewing, audit evidence identification and collection, audit sampling, evaluating conformity, identifying and documenting conformities/ nonconformities, preparing audit conclusion statements/reports, conducting follow-up activities including effective communication and social skills. These skills support effective and consistent environmental management system audits.
Completing ISO 14001:2026 Auditor/Lead Auditor training can support career development in environmental management and external auditing in a Certification Body/Registrar, Regulatory Agency, Consulting practice or industry. Depending on your experience and professional requirements, you may apply your skills as an internal auditor, external auditor, environmental management professional, or auditor/lead auditor involved in ISO 14001 audits.
Virtual Technology Requirements
To participate in the virtual training sessions, you will need:
- A current generation laptop or desktop computer with the latest web browser installed, capable of handling multiple software applications at the same time (a tablet or mobile device is not suitable for this training).
- HD webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
- Speakers and a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in). A headset is highly recommended for optimal audio quality.
- Internet connection with a minimum of 2.5 Mbps download and 3.0 Mbps upload.
- Two display monitors are highly recommended: one for joining the virtual classroom and viewing e-course documentation (if applicable), and the other for completing class exercises and assignments.
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