CQI & IRCA Certified ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor Course
ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). At The Gulf Safety & Industrial Training Institute, we deliver the CQI & IRCA certified ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor course, a professional-level programme that equips participants to plan, conduct, report, and follow up audits of occupational health and safety management systems. CQI and IRCA are globally recognised certification bodies, and this qualification is widely respected by employers and certification bodies worldwide.
The course goes well beyond theory. Through case studies, role-play audit exercises, and group work, you learn to apply the requirements of ISO 45001 in real audit situations, interpret evidence objectively, and write clear, defensible findings. This is the qualification that allows safety professionals to step into lead auditor and management-system roles with confidence.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for HSE managers, management representatives, internal auditors, consultants, and safety professionals who are responsible for, or want to lead, audits of occupational health and safety management systems. It also suits those preparing to help their organisation achieve or maintain ISO 45001 certification.
Course Overview
A basic understanding of health and safety management principles and the structure of management-system standards is helpful, though our trainers ensure that all participants are brought up to the level needed to succeed.
What You Will Learn
The programme covers: the purpose and structure of ISO 45001:2018 and the high-level structure of management-system standards; the principles, processes, and techniques of auditing; how to plan and prepare for a management-system audit; conducting opening meetings, gathering objective evidence, and interviewing; identifying and grading nonconformities; preparing audit findings and reports; and conducting follow-up activities. The course closely follows recognised auditing guidelines.
Exam & Certification
The course concludes with a formal written examination. Participants who pass the exam and meet the continuous-assessment criteria receive a CQI & IRCA certified Lead Auditor certificate. This certificate is a recognised requirement for those seeking to register as auditors and is highly valued in the OHS and quality professions.
Benefits & Career Opportunities
Holding a CQI & IRCA Lead Auditor certificate positions you for roles such as Lead Auditor, Management Systems Auditor, HSE Manager, and Compliance Specialist. It is particularly valuable for professionals working with organisations pursuing ISO 45001 certification, and it is in strong demand across the Gulf’s industrial, construction, and energy sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CQI & IRCA mean? CQI is the Chartered Quality Institute and IRCA is the International Register of Certificated Auditors, the body that certifies the course and recognises qualified auditors. Is there an exam? Yes, the course ends with a formal written exam, and assessment also considers your participation. Do I need prior auditing experience? No, but a basic grasp of management-system principles helps. Is the certificate recognised internationally? Yes, it is recognised worldwide. To enrol or learn more about the next session, contact The Gulf SITI.