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ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Course Key Features
Environmental Management System Online Course Details
ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Training Course Summary
3FOLD Training’s CQI IRCA Certified EMS Lead Auditor Online Course is a comprehensive 5 day training program delivered continuously or weekends or in evening blocks. The aim of this course is to provide delegates with the knowledge and skills required to perform first, second and third-party audits of environmental management systems against ISO 14001:2015, in accordance with ISO 19011:2018 and ISO/IEC 17021, as applicable.
Delegates who successfully complete this CQI and IRCA Certified ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor (EMS) Online 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 an IRCA EMS auditor.
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the purpose of EMS standards, audit, third-party certification, and the business benefits of improved performance of environmental management system.
2. Explain the role of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow up a environmental management system audit.
3. Plan, conduct, report and follow-up an audit of a EMS to establish conformity or otherwise with ISO 14001, and in accordance with ISO 19011.
ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Course Outline
Lesson 1: Foundations of ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems Auditing
Begin with an overview of the ISO 14001:2015 standard, its structure, and key requirements. Learn about organizational context, environmental aspects, and impacts identification. Engage in hands-on activities such as auditing EMS policies and objectives, and practice preparing an audit checklist based on ISO 14001:2015. The lesson concludes with a summary of key takeaways and homework to reinforce your understanding of EMS auditing principles.
Lesson 2: Audit Management and Auditor Competence
Focus on audit management principles and the essential competencies required for effective auditing. Participate in individual exercises to evaluate environmental aspects and impacts, as well as auditor competence requirements. Through group activities, simulate auditing top management and learn about auditor responsibilities in preparing for an audit. The lesson wraps up with a review of auditor behavior and practical tips for audit execution.
Lesson 3: Non-Conformance Reporting and Audit Planning
Delve into Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR), corrective actions, and the preparation of audit reports. Engage in group exercises to practice audit management and plan for Stage 1 audits. Hands-on sessions include conducting Stage 1 audits and transitioning to Stage 2 planning. The lesson concludes with a summary of the day’s learnings and preparatory tasks for the next phase of the course.
Lesson 4: Conducting Stage 2 Audits and Role-Play Simulations
Experience real-world auditing through role-play exercises. Practice conducting opening meetings and executing Stage 2 audits, focusing on compliance with ISO 14001:2015 requirements. Group activities will reinforce your skills in NCR reporting and corrective action follow-ups. The lesson ends with a recap of key insights and instructions for the final day of training.
Lesson 5: Closing Meetings and Corrective Action Review
Master the critical steps to conclude an audit effectively. Participate in group exercises to simulate closing meetings and review corrective actions. The session includes a course recap and Q&A to solidify your knowledge, ensuring you’re fully prepared to lead EMS audits in your organization.
EMS Lead Auditor Course Delivery Format
At 3FOLD Training, our ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) Lead Auditor Course is structured to suit the needs of working professionals, offering flexible online learning options:
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- Weekend Batch (Sundays)
Participate in live virtual classes every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM GST for five consecutive weeks. This intensive weekend format is ideal for professionals who prefer focused learning without weekday interruptions. - Weekday Evening Batch
Opt for our weekday evening sessions from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM GST over two weeks. This schedule provides a manageable pace for those with daytime work responsibilities. - Customized Training Schedule
We also offer customized course schedules tailored for corporate teams or group enrollments to meet specific organizational needs.
- Weekend Batch (Sundays)
Technology & Learning Tools
To deliver an engaging and impactful online ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Course, we utilize a reliable digital platform, which promotes collaboration and interactive learning:
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- Zoom
Live training sessions are hosted through Zoom, enabling real-time engagement with trainers and fellow participants. Breakout rooms are used extensively for group discussions and audit simulation role-plays, effectively mimicking real-life environmental audit scenarios.
- Zoom
What’s Inside the LMS for This Course?
All learners enrolled in the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Course at 3FOLD receive full access to our comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS), designed to support your learning before, during, and after the course.
✅ Key LMS Features:
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- Pre-Course Preparation: Pre-course assignment and prior knowledge quiz to ensure you’re ready for live sessions.
- CQI IRCA Exam Guidelines: Access detailed information on the new CQI IRCA Lead Auditor exam pattern, official exam overview, instruction video, and online exam policies.
- Live Session Recordings: Access to all recorded trainer sessions (weekend and weekday formats)
- Course Materials Download: Activity Workbook, case study, IAF MD for audit time determination, and delegate manual.
- Homework Assignments: Four sets of homework designed to reinforce ISO 14001:2015 concepts and auditing guidelines.
- CQI IRCA Exam Preparation:
- Practice questions based on ISO 14001:2015 EMS to support exam readiness.
- Two full mock exams (Version 1 and Version 2) designed to simulate the real exam experience.
- In-depth video review (2+ hours) to help you prepare for the practical component of the CQI IRCA assessment.
What Happens After You Complete the Course?
Upon completing the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Course, your tutor will submit your continuous assessment results. This confirms your active participation in the course and the successful completion of all required individual and group activities. Once submitted, we will register your details on the CQI IRCA Authorized Training Partner Portal, granting you access to two key platforms:
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- Demo Exam Portal Access
You will first receive access to a demo version of the exam platform, allowing you to:
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- Verify your system compatibility and become familiar with the exam interface
- Experience a practice exam that mirrors the actual test conditions
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- Final Exam Portal Access
After using the demo portal, you will gain access to the official CQI IRCA Final Exam Portal. You may take the final exam at a time that suits you best, once you feel fully prepared.
💡 Important Note:
Your course fee includes one free attempt at the final exam. If a re-attempt becomes necessary, an additional fee will apply, as the CQI IRCA exam is administered via an independent testing platform.
CQI IRCA Exam Procedure
After completing the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Course, you will have 30 days from the final day of the course to take the official CQI IRCA exam via the online testing platform. To ensure a smooth experience and maximize your chances of success, we strongly recommend that you:
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- Explore the Demo Exam Portal to get familiar with the system and question format
- Practice with sample questions to build your confidence and exam readiness
What Happens If You Miss or Fail the Exam?
❌ 1. You Didn’t Take the Exam Within 30 Days
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- If you fail to sit for the exam within the 30-day window, your first attempt will be marked as DNS (Did Not Submit).
- No extensions are permitted by CQI IRCA.
- You remain eligible for a second attempt within one year from your course completion date.
- To reschedule, you must contact 3FOLD and pay a resit fee of only USD 30.
✅ Important: 3FOLD charges no additional fees beyond the official CQI IRCA resit cost — a rare advantage among training providers.
❌ 2. You Attempted but Did Not Pass
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- If you fail, you will receive a section-wise performance report highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement.
- You may retake the exam by paying the same USD 30 resit fee.
- You are eligible to re-attend the full training at no additional cost within one year of your original course completion.
What If You Fail the Second Attempt?
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- CQI IRCA requires that you re-attend the full course before a third attempt.
- For the third attempt, you will need to pay a combined Levy + Exam fee of USD 75, which includes:
- Levy fee (for re-attending the course)
- Exam fee (applicable to all attempts beyond the first)
- If you do not pass the third attempt, you can retake the exam again by paying the USD 30 resit fee.
- You are still eligible to re-attend the training free of charge within one year of course completion.
CQI IRCA Exam Attempts and Fee Structure
| Attempt | Condition | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Included in course fee | USD 0 | Must be taken within 30 days of course completion. |
| 2nd | Missed or failed 1st attempt | USD 30 | Resit only. No need to re-attend the course. |
| 3rd, 5th, 7th… | Failed previous attempt and must re-attend course | USD 75 | Mandatory course re-attendance. Fee includes Levy + Exam fee. |
| 4th, 6th, 8th… | Resit after completing course again | USD 30 | Resit fee after re-attendance. Charged for each additional attempt. |
Exam Content Structure
The CQI IRCA Lead Auditor Exam is structured to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and practical auditing skills across five key domains. Each domain aligns with the course’s learning outcomes and includes a defined number of questions, total marks, and a minimum score required to pass.
| Domain | Topic Area | Marks | Questions | Minimum Pass Marks | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concepts & Principles of Management Systems | 8 | 6 | 3 | 10 minutes |
| 2 | Audit Concepts & Auditor Responsibilities | 8 | 6 | 3 | 10 minutes |
| 3 | Planning the Audit | 8 | 6 | 3 | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Conducting the Audit | 36 | 14 | 14 | 45 minutes |
| 5 | Reporting & Closing the Audit | 20 | 8 | 8 | 30 minutes |
✅ Overall Pass Criteria: You must score a minimum of 40 out of 80 marks (50%) overall, and meet the minimum pass mark in each domain to successfully clear the exam.
🕒 Note on Exam Duration:
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- Native English speakers: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Non-native English speakers: 2 hours 15 minutes
✅ Fair Exam Access for All: At 3FOLD, we automatically apply for the extended exam duration for all non-native English speakers, ensuring a fair and supportive testing experience.
📝 Question Format: The exam includes a mix of situation-based (brief contextual) and scenario-based (detailed case study) questions. Domains 4 and 5 focus heavily on scenarios and assess higher-order skills like evaluation and decision-making.
📖 Open Book Exam Format
✅ Permitted Materials During the Exam:
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- Your personal training course notes
- A clean copy of the relevant ISO standards (paper or PDF)
These resources are allowed to help you apply concepts effectively throughout the exam.
🚫 Prohibited Items:
As per CQI IRCA Quality Handbook:
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- Internet access is strictly forbidden — using search engines or browsing online content is not allowed.
- Possession of the following items is considered malpractice, even if not used:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones, or any other electronic devices
- Dictionaries, calculators (unless specifically approved), blank paper
- Additional books, handouts, or unauthorized materials
⚠️ Important: Having any prohibited item during the exam may result in learner disqualification, regardless of intent or usage. Please review CQI IRCA’s malpractice policy article for full details.
🎉 What Happens After You Pass the Exam?
Once you complete your CQI IRCA Lead Auditor Exam, here’s what comes next:
⏱️ Exam Result Timeline
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- CQI IRCA will release your official exam result within 10 working days.
- As soon as the result is available, 3FOLD will inform you promptly.
📜 Certification Process
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- If you pass the exam, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement within 3 working days, issued via our digital credential partner, Accredible.
- This certificate is digitally verifiable and internationally recognized.
- If you do not pass and decide not to resit, you will still receive a Certificate of Attendance, confirming your full course participation.
- If you pass the exam, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement within 3 working days, issued via our digital credential partner, Accredible.
📌 Important Note:
Only the Certificate of Achievement makes you eligible to apply for CQI IRCA Auditor Membership Grades — a critical step in advancing your auditing career.
Upcoming ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Training Schedule
Choose your preferred batch and make your payment in AED or USD to secure your seat in our upcoming CQI IRCA Approved ISO 14001:2015 EMS Lead Auditor Online Course.
💳 Once your payment is confirmed, a member of the 3FOLD team will contact you within 24 hours with your detailed course schedule, Zoom joining instructions, and access to all learning resources.
📧 Important: Please ensure you provide your correct email address during payment. All future communication, including joining links and exam access, will be sent to this email.