Course Overview:
The "ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification Course: Master OH&S Auditing and Compliance Skills" is designed to equip professionals with the critical expertise to lead and conduct ISO 45001 audits effectively. Based on international best practices and incorporating ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 standards, this intensive course develops both technical audit capabilities and leadership skills. Participants will explore essential topics, including ISO 45001 clauses 4 to 10, risk-based auditing, compliance audit planning, audit evidence collection, nonconformity reporting, and corrective action evaluation. With a focus on occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS), the course combines theory with hands-on audit simulation activities, enhancing readiness for real-world ISO audits. On completion, attendees will be prepared for the ISO 45001 certification exam and eligible for globally recognized credentials, including PECB Certified Lead Auditor. This course supports professional development in health and safety, risk management, and international auditor certifications.
Target Audience:
- HSE Managers and Officers
- Internal Auditors and Compliance Professionals
- Quality and Risk Managers
- ISO Consultants and Implementers
- Occupational Safety Advisors
- Management System Auditors
Targeted Organizational Departments:
- Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Compliance & Audit
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Human Resources
- Operations and Facility Management
Targeted Industries:
- Oil & Gas
- Construction and Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Aviation
- Utilities and Energy
- Logistics and Warehousing
Course Offerings:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand ISO 45001 principles and requirements for OH&S MS
- Conduct internal and third-party ISO 45001 audits
- Apply ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 in audit practices
- Identify and report audit findings, nonconformities, and corrective actions
- Prepare and lead an ISO 45001 audit team
- Interpret audit evidence and evaluate compliance
- Plan and execute Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit activities
- Prepare for the ISO 45001 certification exam and credentialing
Training Methodology:
This course applies a blended methodology combining interactive lectures, real-life case studies, audit simulations, group exercises, and feedback sessions. Participants engage with tools and scenarios reflecting actual workplace safety challenges and ISO 45001 compliance requirements. Practical applications of audit techniques are reinforced through role-playing interviews, evidence review workshops, and report writing activities. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, critical analysis, and peer collaboration. Trainers with international audit experience deliver personalized coaching to prepare candidates for ISO certification. This hands-on, reflective, and engaging method ensures knowledge retention and professional readiness.
Course Toolbox:
- Printed and digital course manuals (450+ pages)
- ISO 45001 clause reference cards
- Internal audit checklists and report templates
- Evidence evaluation matrix
- Access to online mock exam platform
- CPD Certificate (31 credits)
- Practice scenarios and audit simulations
- ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 summary sheets
Course Agenda:
Day 1: Introduction to OH&S Management Systems and ISO 45001
- Topic 1: Overview of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)
- Topic 2: Purpose and Structure of ISO 45001:2018 Standard
- Topic 3: Understanding ISO 45001 Clauses 4 to 10
- Topic 4: OH&S Terminology, Definitions, and Key Concepts
- Topic 5: Regulatory, Legal, and Other Compliance Requirements
- Topic 6: Risk-Based Thinking and Preventive Culture in OH&S
- Reflection & Review: Foundations of ISO 45001 and Systematic Safety Management
Day 2: Audit Fundamentals and Preparation
- Topic 1: Principles and Types of Auditing (First, Second, Third Party)
- Topic 2: ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 – Auditor Guidelines and Requirements
- Topic 3: Audit Program Planning and Scheduling
- Topic 4: Risk-Based and Evidence-Based Auditing Techniques
- Topic 5: Preparing for Stage 1 Audit: Objectives, Scope, and Criteria
- Topic 6: Initiating the Audit and Conducting Document Review
- Reflection & Review: Preparing for Effective ISO 45001 Audits
Day 3: Conducting the On-site Audit (Stage 2)
- Topic 1: Managing On-site Audit Activities and Resources
- Topic 2: Effective Communication with Auditees During the Audit
- Topic 3: Collecting Audit Evidence – Observation, Interview, Documentation
- Topic 4: Sampling Methods and Objective Evidence Recording
- Topic 5: Identifying and Classifying Nonconformities
- Topic 6: Drafting Audit Test Plans and Assigning Audit Tasks
- Reflection & Review: Operationalizing Stage 2 Audit Success
Day 4: Finalizing the Audit and Nonconformity Management
- Topic 1: Writing Nonconformity Statements and Audit Findings
- Topic 2: Conducting Closing Meetings and Obtaining Acknowledgements
- Topic 3: Preparing and Submitting the Audit Report
- Topic 4: Evaluating Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Requirements
- Topic 5: Managing an Internal Audit Program for Continual Improvement
- Topic 6: Beyond Initial Certification: Surveillance and Recertification Audits
- Reflection & Review: Ensuring Long-Term Compliance and Audit Impact
Day 5: Certification Preparation and Professional Development
- Topic 1: Overview of PECB ISO 45001 Auditor Certifications and Pathways
- Topic 2: Exam Format, Structure, and Sample Questions
- Topic 3: Case Study Review and Scenario-Based Learning
- Topic 4: Auditor Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Topic 5: Final Preparation Tips for Certification Exam Success
- Topic 6: Career Opportunities and Global Recognition of Lead Auditors
- Reflection & Review: Building Confidence for Examination and Practice
FAQ:
What specific qualifications or prerequisites are needed for participants before enrolling in the course?
While there are no mandatory prerequisites to attend the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification Course, participants aiming for PECB certification must meet the following experience criteria after completing the course and passing the exam:
Provisional Auditor: No prior experience required.
Auditor: At least 2 years of professional experience, including 1 year in OH&S management, and 200 hours of audit activities.
Lead Auditor: At least 5 years of professional experience, with 2 years in OH&S management, and 300 hours of audit activities.
Senior Lead Auditor: 10 years of experience, including 7 years in OH&S management, and 1,000 hours of audit activities. All levels require signing the PECB Code of Ethics and passing the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor exam.
How long is each day's session, and is there a total number of hours required for the entire course?
Each day's session is generally structured to last around 4–5 hours, including breaks and interactive sessions. The complete course runs over five days, totaling 20–25 hours of instruction.
What are the differences between ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 in audit processes?
ISO 19011 provides comprehensive guidelines for auditing management systems, suitable for both internal and external audits. ISO/IEC 17021-1, on the other hand, outlines the requirements for bodies that audit and certify management systems, ensuring impartiality, competence, and consistency in third-party certification audits.
How This Course is Different from Other ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Courses:
Unlike standard auditor courses, this program immerses participants in practical audit simulations, aligning with both ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 audit standards. It goes beyond the basics by training professionals on leadership in audits, international certification standards, and real-world case analysis. Our course integrates advanced audit techniques such as risk-based and evidence-based auditing while offering resources like CPD-certified hours, mock exam access, and post-training consultation. Delivered by certified professionals, it ensures that each participant not only understands the theory but also builds competence in applying ISO 45001 audit techniques across industries. This is more than a training—it's your gateway to becoming a globally recognized ISO 45001 Lead Auditor.
