Environmental Management System
The LICQual ISO 14001:2015 EMS Foundation Course is a comprehensive training that introduces learners to the principles and practices of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) based on the ISO 14001:2015 standard. This course provides learners with an in-depth understanding of how EMS functions within organizations, focusing on auditing processes, compliance requirements, and effective environmental performance management.
Learners gain knowledge of the ISO 14001:2015 standard structure, key clauses, and the essential steps required to carry out EMS audits. The course covers audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up, emphasizing risk-based thinking, continual improvement, and lifecycle approaches to environmental management.
The training also explores documentation, operational control, and management review processes, allowing learners to understand how organizations maintain compliance and enhance sustainability practices. Through practical guidance and examples, learners develop the ability to assess environmental management systems critically, identify non-conformities, and recommend improvements aligned with international standards.
The EMS Foundation Course equips learners with the foundational expertise to pursue advanced ISO 14001 auditing roles, supporting organizations in achieving environmental compliance and sustainable operational practices.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual ISO 14001:2015 EMS Foundation Course
Total Units
6
Total Credits
40
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2201332
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual ISO 14001:2015 EMS Foundation Course applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201332-1 |
Introduction to ISO 14001:2015 and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) |
8 |
24 |
|
LICQ2201332-2 |
EMS Requirements and ISO 14001 Clauses |
8 |
24 |
|
LICQ2201332-3 |
Principles of EMS Auditing |
6 |
18 |
|
LICQ2201332-4 |
Audit Planning and Preparation |
6 |
18 |
|
LICQ2201332-5 |
Conducting EMS Audits |
6 |
18 |
|
LICQ2201332-6 |
Audit Reporting, Follow-up, and Continual Improvement |
6 |
18 |
By the end of this course, Applicants will be able to:
Introduction to ISO 14001:2015 and Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- Explain the purpose and scope of the ISO 14001:2015 standard.
- Describe core principles and concepts of Environmental Management Systems.
- Identify the benefits of implementing an EMS within organizations.
- Analyze the role of environmental policies and objectives in EMS.
- Recognize compliance obligations related to environmental management.
- Summarize the connection between EMS and organizational sustainability practices.
Requirements and ISO 14001 Clauses
- Interpret the key clauses of ISO 14001:2015 and their requirements.
- Evaluate organizational context and identify relevant stakeholders.
- Examine leadership, planning, and operational requirements of EMS.
- Analyze support and resource requirements for effective EMS implementation.
- Assess performance evaluation methods and continual improvement processes.
- Explain how EMS objectives align with organizational strategic goals.
Principles of EMS Auditing
- Define auditing principles in the context of ISO 14001:2015 EMS.
- Differentiate between internal, second-party, and external audits.
- Describe the stages of the audit process, including planning and reporting.
- Apply professional ethics and responsibilities of a lead auditor.
- Analyze audit objectives, scope, and criteria for EMS compliance.
- Identify common challenges and best practices in EMS auditing.
Audit Planning and Preparation
- Develop detailed audit plans and checklists for EMS audits.
- Prioritize audit activities using risk-based approaches.
- Collect and review documentation relevant to the EMS.
- Prepare for site inspections and operational observations.
- Plan interviews with personnel to gather audit evidence.
- Evaluate potential audit risks and mitigation strategies.
Conducting EMS Audits
- Perform on-site audits effectively and systematically.
- Collect, document, and evaluate audit evidence accurately.
- Conduct interviews and observe operations to identify compliance gaps.
- Recognize and document non-conformities in accordance with ISO 14001:2015.
- Communicate findings clearly to management and stakeholders.
- Recommend corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
Audit Reporting, Follow-up, and Continual Improvement
- Structure comprehensive EMS audit reports.
- Document findings, observations, and audit conclusions clearly.
- Present audit results effectively to relevant personnel.
- Plan and monitor follow-up actions to ensure corrective measures are implemented.
- Link audit outcomes to organizational EMS performance and sustainability goals.
- Promote continual improvement through audit feedback and lessons learned.
This course is ideal for:
- Environmental managers and officers responsible for ISO 14001 EMS compliance.
- Quality, health, and safety professionals integrating environmental management into existing systems.
- Internal auditors aiming to understand ISO 14001:2015 auditing principles.
- Compliance officers involved in regulatory and environmental standards monitoring.
- Sustainability and corporate responsibility coordinators overseeing environmental initiatives.
- Consultants supporting organizations in EMS implementation and audits.
- Operations and production managers seeking to improve environmental performance.
- Technical staff involved in environmental reporting and management documentation.
- Project managers overseeing initiatives with environmental impact considerations.
- Risk management professionals aligning organizational processes with EMS standards.
- Any professional aiming to gain international recognition in environmental management and auditing.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
