ISO 45001 Lead Auditor (OH&SMS) – CQI | IRCA Certified

This comprehensive five-day programme combines detailed understanding of ISO 45001 with the practical skills required to conduct and lead effective OH&S management system audits. Learners work through the complete audit process while applying requirements to realistic organisational situations.

Topics include:

• Purpose, structure and key benefits of OH&S management systems and ISO 45001
• Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) and the OH&S process approach
• ISO 45001 requirements, terminology and Annex SL structure
• First, second and third-party audits
• Auditing principles and auditor responsibilities
• Audit planning and preparation
• Gathering and evaluating objective audit evidence
• Interviewing and questioning techniques
• Developing audit findings and nonconformities
• Audit reporting, follow-up and corrective action

The course focuses on practical application using workshops, case studies and role play, giving learners opportunities to develop and practise the skills required to conduct effective OH&S management system audits.

The course is intensive with a total study commitment of approximately 40 hours. Learners should expect to review course material and prepare for assessment outside scheduled training sessions where required.

This programme is designed for learners who want to develop the competence and confidence required to audit Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. It is suitable for those who intend to become practising auditors as well as professionals involved in the implementation, management, improvement or assurance of ISO 45001 systems.

The course is particularly relevant for:

• Internal Auditors: Individuals responsible for auditing all or part of an OH&S management system
• Second and Third-Party Auditors: Those who audit contractors, suppliers, clients or other organisations
• Health and Safety Officers and Managers: Professionals responsible for OH&S performance, compliance and improvement
• Quality and Environmental Professionals: Those who work across integrated management systems or have wider audit responsibilities
• Safety Representatives: Individuals who support the operation and improvement of workplace health and safety systems
• Subcontractors and Suppliers: Those who participate in or prepare for client OH&S audits
• Developing Lead Auditors: Learners who want to progress towards leading audits and managing audit teams

The programme is particularly valuable for learners who need to move beyond understanding ISO 45001 and develop the practical ability to evaluate how effectively an OH&S management system operates.

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

• Explain the purpose, structure and benefits of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System based on ISO 45001
• Interpret ISO 45001 requirements in the context of first, second and third-party auditing based on ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021
• Plan and lead OH&S management system audits using recognised auditing principles and a process-based approach
• Apply effective interviewing, questioning, observation and evidence-gathering techniques
• Evaluate objective evidence and develop clear, accurate and defensible audit findings
• Produce meaningful audit reports and follow up audit outcomes to support corrective action and continual improvement
• Demonstrate the professional responsibilities, behaviours and judgement expected of an OH&S lead auditor

These outcomes are reinforced through practical scenarios, workshops and audit activities that help learners build the confidence to apply their skills within real organisational settings.

SQT tutors have extensive industry expertise in Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, ISO 45001 and management system auditing. Each tutor brings real-world experience, sector-specific insights and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engaging, hands-on exercises and personalised support.

Tutors bring practical auditing experience into the learning environment and help learners connect the requirements of ISO 45001 with real workplace situations. Their facilitation, feedback and professional insight support learners in developing the technical, communication and leadership skills required to conduct effective OH&S audits.

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  John Collins

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  Shane Curran

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Learners are expected to have suitable prior knowledge before attending this programme so that they can engage fully with the auditing activities and assessment.

Recommended prior knowledge includes:

• The Plan Do Check Act cycle
• Management system structures and the relationship between leadership, planning, implementation, evaluation and improvement
• Fundamental occupational health and safety principles
• Hazard identification and risk control
• Legal and regulatory compliance within an OH&S context
• The role of OH&S management systems in supporting safer workplaces and preventing injury and ill-health
• Relevant national and local OH&S legislation
• ISO 45001 requirements and terminology

Prior completion of an ISO 45001 Foundation course or equivalent is highly recommended.

Learners who have access to a copy of ISO 45001 should have it available during the course.

The final examination requires learners to demonstrate a strong understanding of ISO 45001 and audit methodology. Appropriate preparation enables learners to participate more effectively in the practical activities and assessment.

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

Assessment combines continuous evaluation throughout the five-day programme with an open-book online examination following the course. This approach assesses both practical auditing capability and the learner's understanding of ISO 45001 and audit methodology.

Assessment consists of:

• Continuous assessment: 70% pass mark
• Open-book online examination: 50% pass mark

Continuous Assessment (70% pass mark):

Learners are assessed throughout the programme through practical exercises, case studies, audit activities and participation.

Assessment activities include:

• Role-playing realistic audit scenarios
• Participating in case study exercises
• Participating actively in discussions and question sessions
• Individual contributions evaluated by the tutor

Full attendance and active participation are required for successful completion. Learners receive confidential feedback on their individual performance during the course.

Open-Book Online Examination (50% pass mark):

Learners have 30 days from the final day of training to complete the online examination.

The examination includes:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Matching and sequencing activities
• Scenario-based audit tasks
• Audit planning and decision-making exercises
• Evaluation of realistic audit situations and selection of appropriate actions

Learners receive 24 practice questions towards the end of the course to help them become familiar with the online SARAS examination format.

The final examination is computer-marked and open book. Learners may use their course notes and a copy of the ISO 45001 standard in paper or electronic format. Internet use during the examination is strictly prohibited.

Learners should review the relevant IT requirements for the examination platform before the course begins. A reliable internet connection, supported browser and suitable quiet environment are required.

Exam results will be issued 7 weeks after course completion.

The programme uses a practical, facilitated and highly interactive learning approach. Accelerated learning techniques, workshops, role play, case studies, group exercises and tutor feedback help learners develop their auditing capability through active participation.

Support includes:

• Pre-training consultation to understand learner and organisational requirements
• Integration of the organisation's own OH&S management system documentation into In-Company exercises where suitable
• Realistic audit scenarios and case studies
• Practice examination questions and access to an exam simulator
• Support through SQT's online learning platform
• Real-time support from experienced subject matter experts
• Individual feedback to help learners strengthen their auditing approach

Class sizes are generally limited to 10 learners to support personalised learning, meaningful participation and individual feedback.

The learning environment gives learners repeated opportunities to practise audit techniques, receive constructive feedback and build the confidence required to apply their skills in real audit situations.

This programme is CQI IRCA certified and is delivered in partnership with Bywater.

• CQI IRCA certified course
• Course ID: 1866
• Recognised as meeting the training requirements for CQI IRCA OH&SMS Auditor certification (subject to applicable additional criteria)*

The main focus of the programme is the practical capability learners develop. Certification supports professional recognition but the training itself is designed to develop the knowledge, judgement, communication skills and confidence required to lead effective OH&S management system audits.

Learners interested in professional auditor certification should consult CQI IRCA directly for current eligibility, experience and registration requirements.

Learners who successfully complete this CQI IRCA Certified ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor (OHSMS) training course within five years of applying will meet the training requirement for initial IRCA OHSMS auditor certification. Additional education, work and auditing experience are also required.

Learners considering professional auditor registration should refer directly to CQI IRCA for the current requirements that apply at the time of application.

Progression

Completion of this programme provides a strong foundation for learners who want to deepen their OH&S auditing expertise or develop capability across additional management system standards.

Progression opportunities include:

• Applying for relevant CQI IRCA OH&SMS Auditor certification subject to current eligibility criteria
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training
• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor training
• ISO 50001 Lead Auditor training

Progression into additional management system standards can broaden a learner's auditing capability and support development towards wider audit, assurance and management system responsibilities.