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ISO 14001 Environmental ManagementProfessionalI14001-LA

Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

Demonstrates the competence to plan, lead and report audits of environmental management systems against ISO 14001:2015 using ISO 19011 audit guidance.

Exam
2 h
Questions
60
Pass mark
70%
Valid for
3 years

About this certification

Holders apply the principles and guidance of ISO 19011 to manage audit programmes and lead audits of environmental management systems. They understand stage 1 and stage 2 audit concepts, evaluate the determination of significant aspects, compliance evaluation and operational controls on site, and report evidence-based findings and conclusions.

Who it is for: Environmental auditors, environmental managers and sustainability professionals.

Syllabus

What you'll be assessed on — 6 modules. The percentage is each module's share of the exam.
  1. 01Audit Principles and Types15% of the exam
    • Explain the audit principles described in ISO 19011
    • Distinguish between first-, second- and third-party audits
  2. 02Audit Programme Management15% of the exam
    • Design an audit programme considering environmental risk and significance
    • Explain stage 1 and stage 2 certification audit concepts as guidance knowledge
  3. 03Planning the EMS Audit15% of the exam
    • Design an audit plan covering sites, activities and shifts
    • Apply document review of aspects registers and compliance evaluations
  4. 04Conducting the EMS Audit25% of the exam
    • Apply site observation, interview and sampling to verify operational control
    • Evaluate the determination of significant aspects and compliance obligations
    • Evaluate emergency preparedness and response arrangements
  5. 05Findings and Reporting20% of the exam
    • Write nonconformity statements citing requirement, evidence and finding
    • Design an audit report with evidence-based conclusions
  6. 06Follow-Up and Auditor Conduct10% of the exam
    • Evaluate corrective actions and their effectiveness
    • Apply ethical conduct, impartiality and confidentiality

Competencies assessed

  • Audit Leadership — Plans and leads EMS audits.
  • Environmental Evaluation — Evaluates aspects, compliance and operational controls.
  • Audit Reporting — Reports clear, evidence-based findings.

Exam blueprint

Closed-book, timed examination with single-choice, multiple-response and scenario-based questions.
Questions per module60 questions · 2 h · pass 70%
  • Audit Principles and Types9
  • Audit Programme Management9
  • Planning the EMS Audit9
  • Conducting the EMS Audit15
  • Findings and Reporting12
  • Follow-Up and Auditor Conduct6
Question types
Scenario-based 20% · Single choice 60% · Multiple response 20%
Delivery
Online (remote proctored), Test centre, On-site (corporate)
Retakes
Up to three attempts within any 12-month period. A 14-day waiting period applies after a first unsuccessful attempt and 30 days after a second. Each retake requires a new booking and fee. Retakes draw a different randomised form from the question bank.

Provisional cut score — psychometric validation is required before live delivery. Blueprint v1.0.

Your path to certification

  1. 1

    Register

    Create a free account and start the programme.

  2. 2

    Practice

    Online practice test, 8 questions.

  3. 3

    Training

    Optional

    Online course or classroom — or skip it.

  4. 4

    Certification

    Independent exam and certification decision.

  • Practice test8 questions · 20 min · 70% to pass · free with the programme
  • ISO 14001 Lead Auditor — online course28 h self-paced€699

Training is optional and does not by itself confer certification. Find a training partner

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required

  • Minimum 3 years' professional experience, including at least 2 years in environmental management
  • Documented participation in management system audits (internal or external)
  • Agreement to abide by the AQSCERT Code of Professional Conduct

Recommended

  • I14001-F or equivalent knowledge

More information

Certification process
  1. 1. Application — Create an account and apply for this certification.
  2. 2. Eligibility review — AQSCERT checks the formal eligibility requirements.
  3. 3. Assessment — Sit the 2 h examination online or at a test centre.
  4. 4. Independent decision — A decision maker not involved in your training or assessment reviews all evidence.
  5. 5. Issuance — A digitally signed certificate with QR verification, valid for 3 years.
  6. 6. Recertification — Before expiry, evidence 60 hours of CPD or re-sit the examination.
  7. Certificates may be suspended, withdrawn or revoked in line with the Certification Scheme. Status is always shown on the public verification page.
Scheme & accreditation
Certification scheme
Environment, Energy & Safety Certification Scheme
Scheme code
AQS-SCH-27
Scheme version
v1.0 (effective 1 Jan 2026)

Accreditation: AQSCERT is accredited by DA, an IAF MLA signatory, to ISO/IEC 17024. Our programmes are developed by leading experts from industry.

Ready to start I14001-LA?

Practise online, add optional training, then sit the independent exam.

Related ISO 14001 Environmental Management certifications

  • Foundation

    I14001-F

    Certified ISO 14001 Foundation

    Validates foundational knowledge of environmental management systems based on ISO 14001:2015, including environmental aspects, compliance obligations and the life cycle perspective.

    Exam duration
    1 h
    Questions
    40 questions

    Exam fee from

    €225

Certified ISO 14001 Lead Auditor (I14001-LA) · AQSCERT