CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course

CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course

Why Choose this Qualification

The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) Lead Auditor Course is a globally recognized qualification that equips professionals with the skills and credentials to lead and conduct effective audits of occupational health and safety management systems. Here’s why this course stands out:

1. International Recognition

This course is certified by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)—the world’s leading professional body for auditors. Successfully completing this course positions you as a qualified Lead Auditor with credentials respected worldwide.

2. Compliance with ISO 45001:2018

ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. This course provides a deep understanding of its requirements, helping organizations reduce workplace risks and improve employee safety through effective audit practices.

3. Career Advancement

Achieving Lead Auditor status significantly boosts your career opportunities in health and safety, auditing, and compliance roles across various sectors. It opens doors to roles such as Lead Auditor, HSE Manager, Compliance Officer, or Consultant.

4. Practical Audit Skills

The course focuses on practical auditing techniques based on ISO 19011:2018 and ISO/IEC 17021-1. You’ll gain hands-on experience in planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on audits—skills that are immediately applicable in real-world scenarios.

5. Develop Leadership and Communication Abilities

Beyond technical knowledge, this course sharpens your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills—critical traits for managing audit teams and engaging with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.

6. Contribute to Safer Workplaces

By becoming a certified Lead Auditor, you play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement within organizations—directly contributing to the health and wellbeing of workers.

7. Pathway to IRCA Auditor Certification

Successful completion of this training satisfies the formal training requirement for individuals seeking IRCA certification as an OHSMS Auditor or Lead Auditor.


This course is ideal for professionals involved in occupational health and safety, internal or external auditing, compliance, risk management, or those aspiring to become certified auditors.

Course Overview

Average Completion Time:5 Day

Study Units: 7 Units

Evidence & Assignment Based

The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course Consist of following core units.

Mandatory Units

  • Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and ISO 45001:2018
  • ISO 45001:2018 Requirements
  • Fundamentals of Auditing and ISO 19011 Guidelines
  • Audit Planning and Preparation
  • Conducting the Audit – On-site Activities
  • Audit Reporting and Follow-Up
  • Leading an Audit Team

Who Should Take This Course

The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is designed for professionals who are responsible for auditing, implementing, or managing occupational health and safety management systems. This course is ideal for:

1. Health and Safety Professionals

HSE officers, managers, and consultants who are involved in developing, implementing, or maintaining an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and want to deepen their understanding of ISO 45001:2018 and auditing processes.

2. Aspiring Lead Auditors

Individuals seeking to become certified Lead Auditors and conduct first-, second-, or third-party audits against ISO 45001:2018. This course fulfills the formal training requirement for IRCA certification.

3. Internal Auditors

Professionals currently conducting internal audits who wish to enhance their skills, gain international recognition, and transition into external auditing roles.

4. Compliance and Risk Management Officers

Personnel responsible for organizational compliance, risk identification, and mitigation will benefit from understanding how to evaluate and improve OHS performance through structured audits.

5. Quality, Environmental, and Integrated Management System Auditors

Auditors with experience in other management system standards (such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001) looking to expand their capabilities to include occupational health and safety audits.

6. Consultants and Trainers

Individuals providing consultancy or training services in occupational health and safety who want to ensure their knowledge is aligned with the latest ISO 45001:2018 requirements and auditing standards.

7. Senior Managers and Decision Makers

Executives and leaders who oversee health and safety functions or are responsible for compliance and continual improvement initiatives can gain valuable insights into audit expectations and system performance evaluation.


Whether you are aiming to become a certified Lead Auditor or improve your organization’s safety performance, this course provides the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of occupational health and safety auditing.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for this course are as follows:
Educational Requirements:
There are no formal academic qualifications required to enroll in the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course. However, a basic understanding of occupational health and safety principles, workplace processes, or management system concepts will be beneficial for learners.
Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The course is designed for working professionals in supervisory, managerial, compliance, or auditing roles across a wide range of industries.
Language Proficiency:
A strong command of English, both written and spoken, is essential for effective participation and successful completion of the course and examination. Non-native English speakers may be required to provide evidence of language proficiency depending on the training provider’s policy.
Professional Background:
This course is ideal for HSE managers, internal auditors, safety officers, consultants, and professionals responsible for implementing, maintaining, or auditing occupational health and safety management systems. While prior audit experience is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Participants should ideally have a role that impacts workplace health, safety, or regulatory compliance to fully benefit from the training.

The Qualification Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire journey from pre-registration to certification:

  1. Self-Assessment:
    Begin by evaluating your eligibility for the course. Ensure you meet the entry requirements, such as relevant qualifications or professional experience, as outlined for the program.
  2. Registration:
    Complete your registration by submitting the required documents, including a scanned copy of a valid ID, and pay the necessary registration fee. This is your first official step in the qualification process.
  3. Induction:
    An assessor will conduct an induction session to verify your eligibility and introduce you to the evidence requirements. During this stage:
    • If the assessor finds that you meet all the necessary criteria, you will proceed to the next step.
    • If you do not meet the entry requirements, your registration will be canceled, and your fee will be refunded.
  4. Evidence Submission:
    Based on the assessment criteria, you will need to submit evidence demonstrating your knowledge and competence. Consult with your assessor if you need clarification on the type and nature of the evidence required. This evidence could include assignments, projects, case studies, or professional experiences related to sustainability management.
  5. Feedback and Revision:
    The assessor will review your submitted evidence and provide feedback. Evidence that meets the required criteria will be marked as “criteria met.” If there are any gaps, the assessor will highlight them, and you will need to address those gaps by revising and resubmitting the evidence.
  6. Competence Evidence:
    Submit your final evidence demonstrating that you have successfully achieved all the learning outcomes. The assessor will mark your submission as “Criteria met” once everything is up to standard.
  7. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
    After your evidence is approved by the assessor, the Internal Quality Assurance Verifier (IQA) will review it to ensure that the assessment was carried out consistently and according to OTHM standards.
  8. External Verification:
    The IQA then presents your portfolio to CQI IRCA External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA) for final confirmation. The EQA may contact you directly to verify the authenticity of your evidence.
  9. Certification:
    Once all internal and external checks are completed to satisfaction, CQI IRCA will issue your official certificate, confirming that you have successfully achieved the qualification.

This comprehensive process ensures that learners demonstrate all necessary competencies and meet the high standards required for the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course.

FAQs

The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor Course is an internationally recognized training program that equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to conduct first-, second-, and third-party audits of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) based on the ISO 45001:2018 standard.

Benefits include global recognition as a certified Lead Auditor, enhanced career opportunities, in-depth understanding of ISO 45001:2018 requirements, and the ability to contribute to workplace safety, legal compliance, and risk management through effective auditing.

Yes, this course is certified by CQI IRCA (Chartered Quality Institute and International Register of Certificated Auditors), the world’s leading body for auditor training and certification.

Yes, the certification is internationally recognized and respected across industries, enhancing professional credibility and career opportunities worldwide.

Absolutely. Completing this course satisfies the formal training requirement for individuals applying for registration as an IRCA Certified OHSMS Auditor or Lead Auditor.

The training includes a mix of lectures, group discussions, practical exercises, role-playing audit scenarios, and case study analysis to ensure participants gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Depending on the training provider, the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor course may be available in classroom, virtual (live online), or blended formats. Check with your chosen provider for specific delivery options.

This course is ideal for HSE professionals, internal auditors, compliance officers, consultants, and anyone involved in the implementation, maintenance, or auditing of occupational health and safety systems. It’s also suitable for those seeking IRCA certification as a Lead Auditor.

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