Sustainability
ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
Learn to plan, conduct and close an ISO 14001 audit — and judge whether an environmental management system (EMS) truly conforms. Built on ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1, self-paced on myPECB, with 24/7 access.
Veloraa Training
COURSE INFORMATION
Your Learning, at a Glance
- Price
- 899 USD
999 USD - Category
- Sustainability
- Duration
- Self-paced; suggested pace: 4–6 weeks at 6–8 hours per week
- Format
- Self-paced online eLearning via myPECB
- Certification
- PECB Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor (subject to passing the exam and meeting certification requirements)
Course Overview
The Credential for People Who Verify Environmental Management, Not Just Take It on Trust
ISO 14001 sets the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). It helps organisations manage their environmental impact, meet compliance obligations and keep improving — and auditors confirm it really works.
As a Lead Auditor, you plan and lead audits, collect and verify evidence, lead an audit team, write nonconformity reports and prepare the final audit report. Veloraa delivers the official PECB curriculum online, with examples, exercises and quizzes that mirror real audits.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who will audit, lead or maintain EMS
No prior ISO 14001 certification or audit experience needed.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Master EMS fundamentals - Explain the concepts and principles of an environmental management system (EMS) based on ISO 14001.
- Interpret the requirements - Read ISO 14001 clause by clause from an auditor’s view.
- Apply audit principles - Use evidence-based and risk-based auditing, in line with ISO 19011.
- Plan the audit - Initiate the audit, run Stage 1 and build audit test plans.
- Conduct the audit - Run Stage 2, interview auditees and verify evidence against Clauses 4–10.
- Lead the team - Lead an audit team and communicate clearly throughout the audit.
- Report and close - Draft nonconformity reports and the final audit report, then close the audit.
- Manage an audit programme - Evaluate action plans, plan surveillance and run an ISO 14001 audit programme.
Curriculum
Lessons follow the life of a real certification audit, from first contact to follow-up. Quizzes throughout.
Foundations of EMS5 Lessons
- 1. Course Objectives and Structure
- 2. Introduction to Management Systems and the ISO 14000 Family
- 3. The Certification Process
- 4. Fundamental Concepts and Principles of Environmental Management
- 5. Overview of ISO 14001 Requirements
You Will Be Able To Understand ISO 14001 and how certification works
Audit Principles4 Lessons
- 6. Fundamental Audit Concepts and Principles
- 7. The Impact of Trends and Technology in Auditing
- 8. Evidence-based Auditing
- 9. Risk-based Auditing
You Will Be Able To Apply the audit concepts every finding depends on
Preparing and Conducting the Audit7 Lessons
- 10. Initiating the Audit Process
- 11. Stage 1 Audit
- 12. Preparing for the Stage 2 Audit
- 13. Stage 2 Audit
- 14. Communication During the Audit
- 15. Information Collection and Analysis Methods
- 16. Creating Audit Test Plans
You Will Be Able To Initiate the audit, run Stage 1 and Stage 2, and gather evidence
Reporting and Closing3 Lessons
- 17. Drafting Audit Findings and Nonconformity Reports
- 18. Audit Documentation and Quality Review
- 19. Closing the Audit
You Will Be Able To Write findings, review audit documentation and close the audit
After the Audit4 Lessons
- 20. Evaluating Action Plans
- 21. Beyond the Initial Audit
- 22. Managing an Internal Audit Programme
- 23. Course Close and Exam Preparation
You Will Be Able To Evaluate action plans, plan surveillance and run an audit programme
Downloadable Resources: 450+ pages of course notes with practical examples, exercises and quizzes, in editable formats.
What’s Included
- 23 video lessons Expert-led, with quizzes
- 450+ pages of notes Practical examples, exercises & quizzes
- Exam voucher Plus one free retake within 12 months of purchase
- Certification fee No extra cost once you pass
- 31 CPD credits Attestation of completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Audit Experience?
No. The course teaches audit principles from the ground up. Your work experience counts towards the higher credential levels once you pass the exam.
How Long Do I Have to Finish?
You get [ACCESS PERIOD] of unlimited access and study at your own pace. You can take the exam whenever you are ready.
Is the Exam Online?
Yes. You book it through PECB Exams and take it remotely.
What If I Fail the Exam?
You get one free retake within 12 months of purchase.
Lead Auditor or Lead Implementer — Which Should I Take?
Choose Lead Auditor if you will assess an EMS, and Lead Implementer if you will build or run one. Many professionals take both, and holding both is a step towards PECB Master.
Can My Team Enrol Together?
Yes. Veloraa offers corporate and bespoke programmes. Use the enquiry form below for group pricing.
Exam & Certification
Your Path to Certification
The online exam covers seven competency domains. Your fee covers the first attempt, one free retake, the certification application fee and your first year’s annual maintenance fee — all within 12 months of purchase.
- Complete the eLearning
23 lessons and quizzes · earn 31 CPD credits
- Pass the Exam
Book online at a time that suits you
- Apply for Your Credential
Choose the level that matches your experience
- Sign the Code of Ethics
Then receive your PECB certificate
- Maintain It
First year’s annual maintenance fee included
Exam Domains
- Fundamental principles and concepts of an environmental management system (EMS)
- Environmental management system requirements
- Fundamental audit concepts and principles
- Preparing an ISO 14001 audit
- Conducting an ISO 14001 audit
- Closing an ISO 14001 audit
- Managing an ISO 14001 audit programme
Credential Levels
| Credential | Experience | Project Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Auditor | None | None |
| Auditor | 2 yrs (1 in environmental mgmt) | 200 hours |
| Lead Auditor This Course | 5 yrs (2 in environmental mgmt) | 300 hours |
| Senior Lead Auditor | 10 yrs (7 in environmental mgmt) | 1,000 hours |
All levels require passing the ISO 14001 Lead Auditor exam (or equivalent) and signing the PECB Code of Ethics. Holders of both Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer who pass four additional Foundation exams qualify for PECB Master.
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