• Those responsible carrying out environmental system audits

• Internal auditors – New and Existing

• Experienced quality auditors who want to audit environmental management systems and who need to show professional competence in this subject.

• Managers who will have to evaluate the outcome of internal EMS audits

• Those who manage the risk and opportunity within Environment in their organisation

• Those who already work as an auditor but need a refresher

• Those interested in understanding how to fit EMS into their business

• Those starting their career in environmental management.

• Interpreting the requirements of ISO 19011 auditing standard

• How to plan and prepare for an internal audit, gather audit evidence through observation, interview and sampling of documents and record

• How to prepare and report audit findings

The CQI and IRCA states that delegates are expected to have the following prior knowledge before attending this course:

Management systems

The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle

The core elements of a management system and the interrelationship between top management responsibility, policy, objectives, planning, implementation, measurement, review, and continual improvement.

Environmental management

The intended outcomes of an environmental management system:

• Enhancement of environmental performance

• Fulfilment of compliance obligations

• Achievement of environmental objectives.

ISO 14001

An understanding of the requirements of ISO 14001 and the commonly used environmental management terms and definitions, which may be gained by completing an Introduction to audit ISO 14001 EMS Training course or equivalent.

Note: this document references ISO 14001 as the management system standard that provides the context for the internal audit. However, this course does not address ISO 14001 in detail and does not aim to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to determine conformity, or otherwise, with ISO 14001. Learners requiring the knowledge and skills to conduct entire environmental management system audits against ISO 14001 should be directed to attend a CQI and IRCA Certified ISO 14001:2026 Lead Auditor (EMS) training course.)

Learners who successfully complete this ISO 14001:2026 Internal Auditor (EMS) course (within the five years before making an application to become a certificated auditor) will satisfy part of the training requirements for initial certification as an IRCA Certificated EMS Internal Auditor. For the full requirements, please refer to quality.org/IRCA-grades.