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Training content
Overview
ISO 14001:2026 Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor Training aims to develop lead auditors who can assess organisations’ environmental management systems against international standard requirements, plan and conduct audits, and manage audit teams.
The training covers the requirements of the ISO 14001:2026 standard, the assessment of environmental aspects and impacts, the management of environmental risks and opportunities, legal compliance, environmental performance, audit principles, audit planning, implementation, reporting and follow-up activities.
The programme also examines the key changes between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026, as well as climate change, biodiversity, the life cycle approach and environmental sustainability.
In addition to theoretical instruction, the training is supported by case study analyses and practical audit exercises.
Objectives and Outcomes
Purpose of the Training
The aim is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to interpret the requirements of ISO 14001:2026, assess environmental management systems, examine environmental risks and control mechanisms, conduct risk-based audits and perform lead auditor activities.
Learning Outcomes
Participants who complete the training are expected to acquire the following knowledge and skills:
- Interpret the requirements of ISO 14001:2026
- Assess environmental management system processes
- Assess environmental aspects, impacts, risks and opportunities
- Audit environmental legal obligations and compliance processes
- Assess environmental performance and sustainability processes
- Interpret the key changes in ISO 14001:2026
- Apply auditing principles within the scope of ISO 19011
- Prepare an audit programme and audit plan
- Manage the audit team
- Evaluate objective audit evidence
- Identify and report nonconformities
- Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions
- Prepare audit reports
Programme and Method
Day 1 – ISO 14001 Requirements and the Environmental Management System
- Purpose, scope and structure of the ISO 14001:2026 standard
- Environmental management system principles and the process approach
- Requirements of ISO 14001 Clauses 4–10
- Key changes in the ISO 14001:2026 standard
- Environmental aspects, impacts, risks and opportunities
- Environmental legislation and compliance obligations
- Operational control and the life cycle approach
- Environmental performance evaluation and continual improvement
Day 2 – Audit Principles and Conducting the Audit
- Audit principles within the scope of ISO 19011
- Duties and responsibilities of the lead auditor
- Preparation of the audit programme and audit plan
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Audit techniques and evaluation of objective evidence
- Auditing environmental management system processes
- Formulation of audit findings and practical audit exercises
Day 3 – Audit Reporting and Lead Auditor Practice
- Identification and classification of nonconformities
- Preparation of the audit report
- Closing meeting and evaluation of audit results
- Corrective actions and follow-up audits
- Management of the audit team
- Case studies and final examination
Attendance and Certificate
Certification Rule
A certificate of attendance is issued to all participants whose attendance has been confirmed. To receive a certificate of achievement, participants must obtain a passing grade in the examination at the end of the training; participants who use all their examination attempts but do not pass will be issued a certificate of attendance.
FAQ and Resources
1. Who is the ISO 14001 Lead Auditor Training suitable for?
It is suitable for management system auditors, environmental engineers, environmental management specialists, internal auditors, sustainability specialists and professionals who wish to become lead auditors.
2. What is the purpose of the ISO 14001 standard?
Its purpose is to enable organisations to control their environmental impacts, comply with environmental legislation and other compliance obligations, improve their environmental performance and continually improve their environmental management systems.
3. What is the difference between ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026?
ISO 14001:2026 retains the basic structure of the previous version while addressing environmental risks, climate change, biodiversity, the life cycle approach, management of change and environmental performance more explicitly.
4. Is environmental legislation covered within the scope of ISO 14001:2026?
Yes. The training examines environmental legislation, compliance obligations and processes for evaluating legal compliance.
5. What is the difference between the 5-day and 3-day training courses?
The 5-day training comprehensively covers the requirements of the standard and audit processes, while the 3-day training is an intensive programme for participants who already have auditing knowledge.
6. Does the training include practical exercises?
Yes. Exercises are carried out on environmental aspect and impact assessment, audit planning, case study analysis, writing nonconformities and reporting.
7. Can the training be delivered online or in person?
Yes. The training can be scheduled online or in person according to the requirements of organisations and participants.
8. Is there an examination and certificate at the end of the training?
Yes. A final examination or assessment may be administered at the end of the training. A certificate is issued according to participation and successful completion.
Resources
- ISO 14001:2026 – Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use
- ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use (Previous version)
- ISO 14004:2016 – Environmental Management Systems – General Guidelines on Implementation
- ISO 19011:2026 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17021-2:2016 – Competence Requirements for Auditing and Certification of Environmental Management Systems
- Relevant national environmental legislation and legal regulations
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