Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISO 14001 Internal Auditing Training Course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on internal audits of an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on ISO 14001:2015 requirements.

This course focuses on developing practical audit competencies, improving evaluation techniques, and supporting organizations in maintaining compliance, identifying improvement opportunities, and ensuring continual EMS effectiveness.

It is ideal for individuals responsible for conducting, supporting, or managing internal audits as part of ISO 14001 maintenance or certification readiness.

Duration: 3 Days

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and purpose of EMS internal audits under ISO 14001.
• Interpret ISO 14001:2015 requirements from an auditing perspective.
• Plan and prepare effective EMS internal audits based on ISO 19011 guidelines.
• Conduct systematic audits using objective evidence-gathering techniques.
• Identify audit findings, classify non-conformances, and write clear audit reports.
• Manage follow-up processes including corrective action tracking.
• Support continual improvement and organizational compliance through audit practices.

Course Content

Day 1: Introduction to ISO 14001 and Internal Auditing Fundamentals

• Module 1: Overview of ISO 14001:2015 and EMS Requirements
  • Key Concepts: Environmental Aspects, Legal Compliance, Risk-Based Thinking
  • Clause-by-Clause Summary for Auditors
• Module 2: Principles of Auditing (ISO 19011)
  • Purpose and Benefits of Internal Audits
  • Auditor Ethics, Objectivity, Confidentiality, and Competency
• Module 3: Preparing for the Internal Audit
  • Understanding Audit Scope, Objectives, and Criteria
  • Developing Audit Plans and Checklists
  • Pre-Audit Documentation Review (EMS Documentation and Records)

Day 2: Conducting and Managing the Internal Audit

• Module 4: Performing the Internal Audit
  • Opening Meetings and Setting the Right Tone
  • Evidence Collection Techniques: Interviews, Observations, Document Review
  • Recording Audit Observations and Non-Conformances
• Module 5: Evaluating and Classifying Findings
  • Distinguishing Between Major, Minor Non-Conformances, and Observations
  • Root Cause Identification and Opportunity for Improvement
• Module 6: Audit Communication
  • Handling Sensitive Information and Conflict Situations
  • Interim Reporting and Closing Meeting Preparation

Day 3: Reporting, Follow-Up and Practical Application

• Module 7: Writing the Audit Report
  • Structure of a Clear and Actionable Audit Report
  • Linking Findings to ISO 14001 Clauses and Requirements
  • Recommendations for Corrective Actions
• Module 8: Post-Audit Activities and Continual Improvement
  • Corrective Action Requests and Non-Conformance Management
  • Audit Follow-Up Procedures and Verification Audits
• Practical Group Exercise:
  • Conducting a Mock EMS Internal Audit on a Simulated Company
  • Writing and Presenting the Audit Report with Recommendations

Course Difficulty Rating: Intermediate