QualCert ISO 45001 Safety Auditor Program
The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course is a globally recognized qualification designed for professionals responsible for auditing, implementing, and managing occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems. The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course provides in-depth knowledge of ISO 45001:2018 standards, equipping learners with the skills needed to conduct first-party, second-party, and third-party audits in compliance with international auditing requirements, including ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems) and ISO/IEC 17021-1 (Requirements for Certification Bodies Conducting Audits).
The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course covers OHSMS principles, risk management, legal compliance, audit techniques, and reporting methodologies. Participants will gain expertise in planning, conducting, and managing audits, identifying non-conformities, and recommending corrective actions to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance. It emphasizes a process-based approach to auditing, helping organizations improve health and safety performance, reduce workplace hazards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course is Ideal for health and safety professionals, auditors, consultants, managers, and individuals seeking IRCA-certified auditor qualifications, this course includes interactive case studies, role-playing exercises, and real-world audit scenarios. Learners will develop competencies in risk-based thinking, hazard identification, root cause analysis, and effective communication during audits.
Program Framework
The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course offers 30 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 180 hours, including 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC17001-1 | Introduction to ISO 45001:2018 and OHSMS Principles | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| QC17001-2 | Understanding Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in OH&S | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| QC17001-3 | Planning and Preparing for ISO 45001 Internal Audits | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| QC17001-4 | Conducting ISO 45001:2018 Audits (On-Site and Remote) | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| QC17001-5 | Non-Conformities, Reporting, and Corrective Actions | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| QC17001-6 | Audit Reporting, Nonconformities, and Root Cause Analysis | 5 | 20 | 30 |
Eligibility Criteria
To enrol in this course, candidates must meet the following entry requirements:
- Minimum Age Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Educational Background
- A high school diploma or equivalent qualification is recommended.
- Language Proficiency
- A good understanding of English is required, as the course materials, assessments, and audit exercises are conducted in English.
- Work Experience (Preferred but Not Mandatory)
- At least one year of experience in an occupational health and safety (OHS) role, auditing, or compliance is preferred.
Core Achievements
1. Introduction to ISO 45001:2018 and OHSMS Principles
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the structure, scope, and key requirements of ISO 45001:2018.
- Understand the principles and benefits of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).
- Describe the roles of leadership and worker participation in OHSMS.
- Recognize the impact of OHSMS on organizational safety culture and risk management.
2. Understanding Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in OH&S
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify relevant occupational health and safety laws and regulations.
- Explain the legal obligations of organizations under OH&S frameworks.
- Understand how compliance affects the design and implementation of OHSMS.
- Apply knowledge of regulatory requirements to audit planning and execution.
3. Planning and Preparing for ISO 45001 Internal Audits
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop detailed audit plans and schedules specific to ISO 45001 audits.
- Prepare audit checklists aligned with ISO 45001 requirements.
- Coordinate with stakeholders and communicate audit objectives effectively.
- Identify high-risk areas and prioritize audit activities accordingly.
4. Conducting ISO 45001:2018 Audits (On-Site and Remote)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Execute audit activities using appropriate techniques for both on-site and remote audits.
- Collect and verify objective evidence related to OH&S performance and compliance.
- Conduct interviews, site inspections, and document reviews effectively.
- Manage audit teams and maintain professionalism throughout the audit process.
5. Non-Conformities, Reporting, and Corrective Actions
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify and classify non-conformities based on audit evidence.
- Report findings clearly and objectively to relevant stakeholders.
- Facilitate the development of effective corrective action plans.
- Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of corrective measures.
6. Audit Reporting, Nonconformities, and Root Cause Analysis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Compile comprehensive audit reports that detail findings and recommendations.
- Apply root cause analysis techniques to understand underlying issues.
- Communicate audit results to management and drive continuous improvement.
- Support organizational learning and preventive action through audit feedback.
Learner Suitability
The QualCert ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Lead Auditor Course is designed for professionals responsible for auditing, implementing, and maintaining OHSMS in organizations. This course is ideal for:
- Health and Safety Managers and Officers – Those responsible for workplace safety, risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with ISO 45001:2018 standards.
- Internal and External Auditors – Professionals conducting first-party (internal), second-party (supplier), and third-party (certification) audits of occupational health and safety management systems.
- Compliance and Risk Management Professionals – Individuals overseeing regulatory compliance, hazard identification, and risk mitigation in workplace environments.
- Consultants and Lead Implementers – Experts providing guidance and consultancy to organizations seeking ISO 45001:2018 certification and improved safety performance.
- HR and Operations Managers – Leaders involved in policy-making, employee safety training, and ensuring workplace safety culture aligns with international standards.
- ISO 45001 Certification Candidates – Professionals preparing for IRCA (International Register of Certificated Auditors) certification or aiming to become recognized Lead Auditors.
- Individuals Seeking Career Advancement – Those pursuing roles in health and safety auditing, compliance, or consultancy within industries such as manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, healthcare, logistics, and public services.
This course is suitable for both new and experienced auditors, equipping them with the skills to lead audits, identify risks, improve compliance, and contribute to safer workplaces globally.
Assessment and Verification
Assessment Framework :
This qualification consists of 6 mandatory assignments designed to assess the learner’s understanding and practical application of the required skills and knowledge. The key elements of the assessment framework include:
- Comprehensive Assignment Structure:
The assignments are designed to cover a range of topics within the qualification, ensuring that learners demonstrate their competence across all essential areas. - Pass Requirement:
Learners must successfully complete all 6 assignments to meet the requirements for certification. Each assignment must meet the specified criteria and demonstrate sufficient understanding and application of the subject matter. - Assessment Process:
Each assignment is reviewed and marked by a qualified assessor, with feedback provided to support learner development. - Final Completion Criteria:
The successful completion of all assignments is necessary for certification. Only learners who meet the required standards across all assignments will be awarded the qualification.
Quality Assurance & Verification:
QualCert applies a rigorous, multi-layered quality assurance system to ensure the reliability, consistency, and integrity of all assessments and results.
1. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
Conducted by the approved training centre:
- Assignment Evaluation:
Centre-approved Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) review the assignments to ensure they meet the assessment criteria and learning outcomes. - Standardisation:
Regular standardisation sessions are held to maintain consistency in assessment and marking practices across all centre staff. - Feedback & Support:
IQAs ensure that learners receive constructive feedback to aid their progress and improve future submissions.
2. External Quality Assurance (EQA)
Conducted by QualCert:
- Independent Verification:
QualCert’s External Quality Assurers (EQAs) verify the completed assignments and assess the quality and fairness of the marking process. - Centre Audits:
EQAs audit the centre’s compliance with QualCert’s quality assurance standards, reviewing assessment practices, learner records, and overall delivery. - Final Certification:
After satisfying the EQA’s verification process, QualCert will officially issue the certification to the learner.
QualCert delivers all qualifications exclusively through its network of officially approved training centres.
For registration or further information, please contact your nearest approved training centre.