Internal Environmental Auditor Training (EMS/ISO 14001)

Build audit expertise to drive impactful environmental performance

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ISO 14001:2015 has recently been replaced by ISO 14001:2026 (April 2026). This course is based on ISO 14001:2026 and will address the changes to the standard.
This revision was a moderate evolution of ISO 14001, rather than a fundamental redesign.
Organisations will have three years from the publication of ISO 14001:2026 to transition their environmental management systems to the revised standard.
SQT can provide detailed guidance and training on transition to this new version.

Organisations across all sectors face increasing responsibility to proactively manage their environmental impact. Internal audits play a pivotal role in identifying non-conformities and driving continuous improvement. The implementation of an EMS is increasingly viewed as a requirement for maintaining supplier status and satisfying stakeholder expectations. With growing scrutiny from customers, regulators and investors, organisations that demonstrate robust environmental governance gain competitive advantage, improve transparency and reduce operational risks.

This certified course equips learners with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills to conduct effective internal audits of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in alignment with ISO 14001 and ISO 19011.

The course is aligned with international best practices and provides a pathway to globally recognised auditing credentials. It blends theoretical concepts with real-world application, enabling learners to confidently plan, execute, report and follow up on EMS audits. Whether transitioning to ISO 14001 or enhancing audit performance, this course lays a strong foundation in environmental auditing.

This two-day course uses a mix of interactive learning, practical exercises and group work to build audit capability.

Topics include:

Day One:

EMS auditing principles and ISO 19011
Structure and requirements of ISO 14001
Responsibilities and skills of internal auditors
Process-based auditing and PDCA methodology
Conducting document reviews and preparing audit plans
Practical audit activities and exercises

Day Two:

Interviewing techniques and gathering evidence
Preparing and conducting audits of top management
Evaluating audit findings, writing nonconformities and generating an audit report
Opening and closing meetings
Post-audit follow-up and reporting
End-of-course quiz and final case study
Learners participate in practical exercises and case studies throughout, with In-Company delivery offering tailored scenarios and on-site audits.

This programme is designed for anyone involved in the auditing, management, or implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms to ISO 14001. It is equally valuable for those who are new to auditing and for experienced auditors who wish to strengthen their skills.

It will benefit individuals who:

Conduct, plan, or support internal audits of an EMS
Manage, maintain, or implement ISO 14001 quality systems
Need to identify and address gaps in system effectiveness to support compliance
Carry out supplier or external audits on behalf of their organisation

Typical participants include Environmental Auditors and Managers, Engineers, Technicians, Department Managers, Supervisors and Laboratory staff.

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Plan, conduct, report and follow up internal EMS audits in accordance with ISO 19011
Evaluate environmental performance and identify nonconformities
Apply the process-based approach and PDCA cycle to auditing
Describe the auditor’s responsibilities within an EMS
Use effective techniques for interviewing and gathering objective audit evidence
Write clear, actionable nonconformity reports

This training focuses on practical audit performance to support measurable environmental improvement.

John Collins

John Collins is an experienced Management Systems Coach, Lead A...

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Shane Curran

Shane Curran is an experienced Management Systems Consultant, L...

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Entry Requirements

Learners should have prior knowledge of:

Management systems (Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, objectives and processes for implementation, monitoring and continual improvement, emphasising the relationship between leadership, planning, operations and review)
Environmental management concepts (including the interrelationship between improved environmental performance, fulfilling compliance obligations and achieving environmental objectives)
ISO 14001 structure and terminology

This prior knowledge may be acquired by attending an ISO 14001 Overview (EMS) course or equivalent.

Learners are assessed continuously throughout the course via interactive exercises and engagement in Q&A sessions:

Role-playing audit scenarios
Involvement in case study exercises
Active participation in course discussions
Tutor-led evaluation of individual contributions

Full attendance and participation are required for successful completion.

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs:

Pre-training consultation to align with your EMS system (for In-Company courses)
Where appropriate, exercises incorporate the organisation’s own EMS documentation, offering learners the opportunity to practise audit techniques in a relevant and realistic setting. This hands-on approach culminates in a tutor-supervised internal audit, reinforcing practical application and embedding core learning outcomes.
Flexible delivery options to suit different needs:
onsite and live virtual training for your team
scheduled virtual public courses for individuals to join independently
Real-time support from expert tutors

Class sizes are generally limited to 10 - 12 to support personalised learning and individual support.

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Snapshot

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Course Code

EE014

Duration

2 training days

Public Price

Virtual Training: €525

Delivery Mode

This programme is delivered by Classroom, Virtual Training, or In-Company training

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