ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
Overview
The ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification is specifically designed for professionals with an in-depth understanding of ISO 14001 requirements and guidelines. This program caters to individuals responsible for auditing and evaluating Environmental Management Systems (EMS) against ISO 14001 standards. The certification serves as evidence of a high level of proficiency in environmental management auditing and validates the skills necessary to conduct effective audits of an EMS based on ISO 14001 and ISO 19011 standards.
Professionals holding this certification demonstrate their capability to assess and confirm the effectiveness of an EMS, pinpointing areas for improvement. This credential not only opens doors to expanded career opportunities but also brings industry recognition and a competitive advantage in the job market.
Prerequisites
Candidates aspiring to earn any of the three credentials must pass the exam with a minimum score of 60% and satisfy the following requirements:
Exam Domains
No. | Domain Title | Domain Definition | Weight |
| Domain 1 | EMS Fundamentals | Be familiar with the basic terminology, concepts and basic principles related to the Environmental Management System (EMS). | 16% |
| Domain 2 | EMS Requirements | Comprehend and explain the core requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an Environmental Management System (EMS), from an audit perspective. | 8% |
| Domain 3 | Auditing Fundamentals | Understand the basic terminology, principles, and distinctive roles associated with management system (MS) auditing. | 18% |
| Domain 4 | Audit Initiation and Preparation | Design and outline a risk-based audit programme in compliance with ISO 19011, and prepare the audit tasks and related resources. | 16.66% |
| Domain 5 | Audit Execution | Carry out the audit tasks following the audit plan, adhering to standards and best practices. | 31.33% |
| Domain 6 | Audit Reporting, Completion and Follow-Up | Compile and convey the audit findings and plan a follow-up audit, if applicable, to verify the status of corrective actions. | 10.00% |
Recertification
The ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification program has a three-year recertification cycle. To retain certification beyond this period, candidates are required to fulfill specific requirements, including the payment of either an annual maintenance fee (AMF) or a triannual maintenance fee (TMF).
Moreover, a total of 90 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are required to be accrued over the three year recertification cycle, with 30 CPE credits recommended for each year. The CPE credits earned are required to be related to the subject matter area of the certificate you hold. For ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, the CPE credits are required to be activities related to the following subject matter areas:
- Management Systems
- Environment
- Quality
These obligations ensure that certified professionals remain up-to-date and proficient in relevant areas, thereby maintaining the program's high standards of expertise and knowledge retention.
Exam Details
Duration
180 Minutes
Language
- English
Number of Questions
150 Multiple-choice Questions
Passing Score
60 %