IMS (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018) Lead Auditor Training Syllabus
Updated on June 19, 2025

IMS (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018) Lead Auditor Training Syllabus #

✅ Digital Training Module Kit #

This training module kit serves as a comprehensive digital learning companion for participants enrolled in the  IMS Lead Auditor (Integrated Management Systems) Training Syllabus course. It supports progressive, module-based learning aligned with international standards and the ISO 19011:2018 guidance.


🛡 RTP PROGRAM: Rules for Participants #

Before you begin, please review the RTP program requirements to ensure a smooth training experience:
🔗 Rules for Participants


🔖 Exemplar Global Certification Opportunity #

Graduates of this certified course will receive a Digital Badge from Exemplar Global, opening doors for recognition across the GHG verification and sustainability sectors.
👉 Learn more: Opportunities with Your Graduate of the Certified Course Digital Badge

Registration of participants for Exemplar Global

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IMS (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018) Lead Auditor Training Syllabus #


Training Overview #

The objective of this module is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the accreditation, certification, auditing, and reporting/documentation processes in the context of Integrated Management Systems (IMS), encompassing Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental (ISO 14001), and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001) standards. Participants will gain essential knowledge of ISO 17021, ISO 17065, and ISO 19011 to effectively lead IMS audits. The module also introduces potential career pathways as auditors for certification bodies, either as full-time professionals or freelance consultants.

The module includes a clause-by-clause understanding of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 requirements, highlighting the expected outcomes and benefits of certification for organizations implementing an IMS.

Objective of IMS Lead Auditor Training #

The course aims to equip participants with foundational and advanced knowledge of Integrated Management Systems, including the structures, principles, and key requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Participants will learn how to plan, conduct, and report on IMS audits in alignment with ISO 19011 guidelines. The training enhances participants’ leadership, communication, and team coordination skills in the context of auditing. Participants will develop the capability to verify compliance across quality, environmental, and OH&S standards and identify opportunities for continual improvement within an integrated management framework.

Downloadable Material #

Training Notes #

  1. Training Notes – Module 1 and Module 2
  2. Training Notes – Refer to Presentation Slides for Module 3
  3. Training Notes – Module 5
  4. Training Notes – Module 6 – Legal Management
  5. Training Notes – Module 6 – Auditing Guidelines
  6. Training Notes – Module 7
  7. Training Notes – Module 8

Presentation Slides #

  1. Presentation Slides – Introduction, Module 1
  2. Presentation Slides – Module 2
  3. Presentation Slides – Module 3, 4, 5
  4. Presentation Slides – Module 6 (OSH Legal)
  5. Presentation Slides – Module 6 & Module 7
  6. Presentation Slides – Module 8

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Module 1: Introduction: Integrated Management System and Understanding of IMS #

Learning Outcome #

  • EDefine the concept of a management system and explain key terms and definitions related to Integrated Management Systems (IMS).
  • Describe the purpose, structure, and benefits of implementing an IMS, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
  • Understand the certification process and the establishment of an IMS within an organization.
  • Explain the High-Level Structure (HLS) of ISO Management System Standards and its role in integrating multiple systems into a unified framework.

Topic to be discussed #

  • What is a management system?
  • Terms and Definitions
  • Integrated Management System
  • Benefits of IMS (Integrated Management System)
  • Understanding Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification
  • Certification Process
  • Establishment of Integrated Management System
  • The High-Level Structure (HLS) of ISO Management System Standards

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Module 2: Auditor Governance and Impartiality in Certification Bodies #

Learning Outcome #

  • Interpret and explain the clause-by-clause requirements of ISO 45001:2018, including Clauses 4 to 10 and their corresponding Annex references.
  • Demonstrate understanding of key elements such as organizational context, leadership, planning, support, operations, performance evaluation, and continual improvement in the OH&S management system.
  • Apply ISO 45001:2018 requirements to assess and improve occupational health and safety performance in an organizational context

Topic to be discussed #

  • Management of Impartiality
  • Ensuring Role Clarity and Competence in ISO Audit Practice
  • Auditor Competence – Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes for Effective IMS Auditing
  • Audit Models for ISO Certification: Team-Based vs Site-Based Structures

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Supporting information #

Activity #

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Module 3: Overview of the ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Standard Requirements #

Learning Outcome #

  • Describe how Clauses 4 to 10 of ISO 45001 interrelate to support OH&S improvement.
  • Apply risk planning and operational control strategies in line with ISO 45001.
  • Demonstrate how leadership, support, and performance evaluation contribute to a resilient OH&S management system.

Topic to be discussed #

  • Module 3: Introduction to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Standards
  • Introduction to ISO Management System Standards
  • Introduction to ISO 9001:2015
  • Introduction to ISO 45001:2018
  • Intended Outcomes of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001

Supporting Information

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Module 4: Overview of the ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Standard Requirements #

  • Uninterchangeable Terms
  • Clause 4 – Context of the organization
  • Clause 5 – Leadership
  • Clause 6 – Planning
  • Clause 7 – Support
  • Clause 8 – Operation
  • Clause 9 – Performance evaluation Clause 10 – Improvement

Module 5: Understanding Integrated Management Systems #

  • Integrated Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001) – The IMS Structure
  • Intended Outcomes of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001
  • The PDCA of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001
  • Synergy in auditing ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001

Module 6: OH&S Risk Management and Legal Compliance #

Learning Outcome #

  • Apply risk assessment methodologies and hazard identification techniques to manage OH&S risks effectively.
  • Implement appropriate risk control measures in accordance with OH&S management principles.
  • Demonstrate understanding of key legal requirements under OSHA, including workplace compliance, permits, roles, and classification of incidents

Topic to be discussed #

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Module 6: Auditing Principles and ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines #

Learning Outcome #

  • Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for effective OH&S auditing based on ISO 19011:2018 guidelines.
  • Plan, implement, and manage an OH&S audit programme, including audit scheduling and resource coordination.
  • Apply auditing principles and techniques to conduct, monitor, and review audits in line with ISO 19011 best practices.

Topic to be discussed #

Group Activity:

Determining Scope and Context for IMS Certification

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Module 7: Audit Execution (Onsite Assessment) #

Learning Outcome #

  • Prepare and initiate onsite OH&S audits effectively, ensuring readiness of audit tools and team coordination.
  • Conduct audit activities using structured observation, interviews, and document review techniques.
  • Apply the Turtle Diagram to assess process performance and verify compliance with OH&S requirements.

Topic to be discussed #

Activity #

Turtle Diagram application in Auditing

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Module 8: Post-Audit Activities and Auditor Competency #

Learning Outcome #

  • Prepare and complete audit reports that are clear, accurate, and aligned with audit objectives.
  • Perform follow-up activities to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions and continual improvement.
  • Evaluate auditor performance based on competency criteria and identify opportunities for development and improvement.

Topic to be discussed #

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Module 9: Audit Practice and Certification Simulation #

Topic to be discussed #

  • Mock Audit Exercise (Simulated Audit Scenario)
  • Team Role Play: Lead Auditor, Auditor, Auditee
  • Debriefing and Feedback
  • Certification Assessment and Review

Activity #

Auditing Excercise

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