The aim of this ISO 45001:2018 lead auditor training course is to provide delegates with the knowledge and skills required to perform first, second and third-party audits of occupational health and safety management systems against ISO 45001:2018 in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, as applicable. All references in this document to ISO standards are to the current versions unless otherwise stated. Delegates who successfully complete this CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor (OHSMS) Training course (within the five years prior to making an application to become a certificated auditor) will satisfy the training requirements for initial certification as a CQI-IRCA or Exemplar Global OHSMS auditor.
PR 357 ISO 45001:2018 Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course
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Prior Knowledge Requirements
Recommended prior knowledge: FD 127 ISO 45001:2018 Foundation (OHSMS) Training Course
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.
Occupational health and safety management
The concepts of managing occupational health and safety through hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control and compliance with legal requirements and other requirements.
The relationship between occupational health and safety management and the provision of safe and healthy workplaces, the prevention of work-related injury and ill health, and the proactive improvement of health and safety performance.
Common examples of relevant national and local OH&S legislation and requirements
ISO 45001
Knowledge of the requirements of ISO 45001: 2018 and the commonly used occupational health and safety management terms and definitions, as given in ISO 45001:2018, which may be gained by completing a CQI and IRCA or Exemplar Global Certified ISO 45001:2018 Foundation OHSMS training course or the 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 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard.
Whether you're stepping into quality auditing or looking to enhance your expertise, this ISO 45001:2018 Auditor/Lead Auditor course provides the tools to achieve excellence. Start your journey toward becoming a certified leader in Occupational Health and Safety auditing today!
Learning Objectives
Knowledge
Explain the purpose of an occupational health and safety management system, of occupational health and safety management system standards, of management system audit, of third-party certification, and the business benefits of improved performance of the occupational health and safety management system as part of the iso 45001 lead auditor course.
Explain the role of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow up an occupational health and safety management system audit in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, as appropriate as part of iso 45001:2018 lead auditor training.
Skills
Plan, conduct, report and follow-up an audit of an occupational health and safety management system to establish conformity (or otherwise) with ISO 45001, and in accordance with ISO 19011:2026 and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 where appropriate.
Our Methodology
Introducing our skilled Consultants!
Gerard Kelly
Principal Consultant
Syllabus breakdown
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
Introduction to ISO 45001:2018
- Purpose and Benefits of a Quality Management System
- ISO 45001:2018 Overview and Structure
- Management System Principles and their relevance
- ISO 45000:2018 Family of Standards
- ISO 45001:2018 Process Model
- ISO 45001:2018 Key Concepts
- ISO 45001:2018 Terminology
- ISO 45001:2018 Requirements [Overview only]
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
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
Audit Examination / Debrief
- Examination Overview/De-Brief and Resources
- Examination Platform and Access
- Examination Preparation and Evaluation
- Examination Practice and Review
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
Conducting the Audit
- Audit Investigation - Case Study Exercise
- Audit Findings
- Audit Examination Preparation
Conducting the Audit
- Closing/Exit Meeting Role Play Exercise
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
Class Close
- Summary/Review of Learning Objectives
- Examination Strategy
- Examination Results/Training Certificate
- Class Evaluation
- Class Close
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a CQI-IRCA Certified Lead Auditor programme under Course ID 2295. The course is designed to build and verify your competence to audit a complete Occupational Health & Safety Management System, known as OH&SMS, against ISO 45001:2018. It also includes formal assessment requirements aligned with Auditor and Lead Auditor expectations.
This course is intended for professionals who need to audit a complete Occupational Health & Safety Management System against the requirements of ISO 45001:2018. 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 should already be familiar with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018, or you should have completed ISO 45001 OH&SMS Fundamentals training beforehand. This background knowledge is required because it provides the essential foundation needed for Auditor and Lead Auditor training. It also helps ensure that you can fully engage with the full audit lifecycle activities covered during the course, including planning, conducting audits, reporting audit results, and following up on audit outcomes.
This course is the right level if your goal is to develop the competence to perform and lead audits of a complete ISO 45001 OH&SMS, rather than simply understand the standard requirements. The course is structured around the full audit lifecycle, including planning, conducting, reporting, and follow-up. If you are new to ISO 45001:2018, then a Fundamentals course would be 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 consultant-facilitated activities and follows a structured audit approach aligned with the ISO 19011 audit lifecycle. There is also a strong emphasis on audit tools, audit techniques, auditor behaviours, and the responsibilities expected of a Lead Auditor.
Yes, learners complete a facilitated audit covering the full audit lifecycle. During this practical audit work, learners apply audit planning, evidence gathering, findings development, and reporting methods in practice. Competence is developed and verified through structured course activities and applied audit work.
Yes, the course includes a final CQI-IRCA online, computer-marked examination. The exam forms part of the formal assessment requirements for successful course completion. Successful completion of both the course and examination supports achievement of the programme outcome in line with CQI-IRCA requirements.
After completing the course, you will be able to plan, conduct, report, and follow up audits of a complete Occupational Health & Safety Management System against ISO 45001:2018. You will also be able to apply the ISO 19011 audit lifecycle across different OH&SMS audit scenarios in a structured and professional manner. In addition, you will be able to deliver evidence-based audit findings and conclusions that support OH&SMS effectiveness, conformity, and continual improvement.
This Lead Auditor course focuses on auditing a complete OH&SMS through a structured, facilitated audit approach. It places strong emphasis on consistent interpretation of ISO 45001:2018 requirements, together with the evaluation of health and safety controls, process effectiveness, and OH&SMS performance. The course also provides practical development of auditor tools, techniques, behaviours, and the leadership capability expected of professional Lead Auditors.
An ISO 45001 Internal Auditor course focuses on auditing an organization’s own occupational health and safety management system. An ISO 45001 Lead Auditor course prepares the Auditor/Lead Auditor to conduct external audits and goes further by developing the participant’s audit knowledge and skills needed to plan, manage, conduct, report complete audits, managing post audit activities including leading and managing an audit team.
ISO 45001:2018 Auditor/Lead Auditor training typically provides an overview of the requirements of ISO 45001:2018, occupational health and safety management system auditing, audit principles, audit initiation, planning and preparation, risk-based auditing, identifying and collecting objective evidence, identifying conformities/nonconformities, audit reporting, corrections corrective actions, and audit follow-up activities.
An ISO 45001 Auditor/Lead Auditor course develops Auditor/Lead Auditor practical auditing skills, including initiating and planning audit activities, conducting audits, gathering and evaluating objective evidence, assessing conformity, documenting audit findings, preparing the audit conclusions statement/audit report, and managing follow-up activities. These skills help participants conduct systematic and effective OH&S management system audits.
Yes. ISO 45001 Lead Auditor training is suitable for occupational health and safety professionals, internal auditors, management system auditors, compliance professionals, consultants, quality and HSE personnel, and others involved in implementing, maintaining, or auditing an ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system.
Completing an ISO 45001 Lead Auditor course can strengthen your skills and professional profile for roles involving occupational health and safety auditing, internal audits, compliance, HSE management, supplier audits, and management system consulting. The training can also support professionals seeking to develop their competence in leading ISO 45001 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.
Similar Courses
FD 127 ISO 45001:2018 Foundation Training Course
View Sample Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion, each learner shall receive a digital Certificate of Completion that is recognized globally.