Course Outline
Course Title: Lead Auditor – EMS ISO 14001:2015
Offered By: Cosmos International Training Institute (CITI)
Duration: 5 Days (40 Hours)
Delivery Mode: Classroom / Virtual Live / Blended / Self-Paced
Assessment Method: Continuous Assessment + Final Examination
Certificate Type: Certificate of Completion issued by Cosmos International Training Institute (CITI)

Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand and interpret the requirements of ISO 14001:2015
• Apply environmental management concepts and terminology
• Plan, conduct, report, and follow up EMS audits in accordance with ISO 19011:2018
• Lead an EMS audit team effectively in internal, supplier, or certification contexts
• Evaluate compliance, risk, and continual improvement in environmental performance

Course Content & Structure
Day 1: Introduction to EMS & ISO 14001:2015
• Environmental Management: Principles & Importance
• ISO 14001:2015 – Purpose, Structure, and Terminology
• Overview of the ISO Family and High-Level Structure (Annex SL)
• Environmental Aspects, Impacts, and the PDCA Model
• Introduction to Clauses 4–10: Key Concepts & Terminology
Day 2: ISO 14001:2015 Requirements in Detail
• Clause 4: Context of the Organization
• Clause 5: Leadership and Environmental Policy
• Clause 6: Planning (Aspects, Risks, Compliance Obligations, Objectives)
• Clause 7: Support (Competence, Awareness, Communication, Documentation)
• Clause 8: Operations (Operational Control, Emergency Preparedness)
• Clause 9: Performance Evaluation (Monitoring, Internal Audit, Management Review)
• Clause 10: Improvement (Nonconformity, Corrective Actions, Continual Improvement)
Day 3: Audit Concepts & Planning
• Audit Types: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Party
• Auditing Principles as per ISO 19011:2018
• Auditor and Lead Auditor Responsibilities
• Audit Planning: Scope, Objectives, and Criteria
• Preparing Audit Checklists and Audit Schedules
• Understanding Compliance Evaluation and Risk-Based Thinking
Day 4: Conducting the Audit & Reporting
• Opening Meeting and Communication Techniques
• Gathering Objective Evidence: Interviews, Documents, Observations
• Identifying and Reporting Nonconformities
• Conducting Closing Meetings with Stakeholders
• Drafting Clear, Concise, and Evidence-Based Audit Reports
• Follow-Up on Corrective Actions and Audit Closure
Day 5: Practical Audit + Final Assessment
• Simulated EMS Audit (Case Study and Group Role-Play)
• Managing an Audit Team and Conflict Resolution
• Recap of Key EMS Audit Principles
• Final Examination (Multiple Choice + Case-Based Scenarios)
• Participant Feedback and Course Closing

Assessment Criteria
• Formative: Interactive tasks, group work, and trainer observation
• Summative: Final written exam (pass required for certification)

Certification Details
• Certificate Title: EMS ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor – Certificate of Completion
• Issuing Body: Cosmos International Training Institute (CITI)
• Certificate Validity: Lifelong (Refresher recommended every 3–5 years)

Disclaimer on Recognition
This course is independently developed and delivered by Cosmos International Training Institute (CITI), in alignment with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 19011:2018 auditing principles.

Target Audience
• Environmental Officers and EMS Managers
• Internal Auditors aiming to become Lead Auditors
• EMS Consultants and Compliance Specialists
• Professionals conducting supplier or third-party audits

Prerequisites
• Familiarity with ISO 14001:2015 and basic environmental concepts
• Prior EMS training (e.g., Foundation or Internal Auditor) is recommended
• English language proficiency (for understanding standards and taking the exam)