ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course (Online)
Become a certified occupational health and safety management systems lead auditor. A 40-hour, live online, CQI and IRCA certified training course — the global benchmark for OH&S professionals.
Lead health & safety audits with confidence — to the global benchmark
3FOLD Training's CQI and IRCA certified ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course (PR357) is a 40-hour live online programme that gives you the knowledge and skills to plan, conduct, report and follow up first-, second- and third-party audits of occupational health and safety management systems — in accordance with ISO 45001:2018, ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021.
80% of the course is learning-by-doing — role-play, audit simulation, audit reports and checklists — delivered live via Zoom with breakout-room group activities, and supported by a comprehensive LMS with pre-course modules, video lessons, mock exams and practice tests.
Delegates who successfully complete this course (within the five years before applying to become a certificated auditor) satisfy the training requirement for initial certification as an IRCA OHSMS auditor.
Learning outcomes
Explain the purpose of OHSMS standards, audits, third-party certification and the business benefits of improved occupational health and safety performance.
Explain the role of an auditor to plan, conduct, report and follow up an occupational health and safety management system audit.
Plan, conduct, report and follow up an audit of an OHSMS to establish conformity with ISO 45001, in accordance with ISO 19011.
Practical, job-ready auditing skills
By the end of the course you'll be able to run a full occupational health and safety management system audit with confidence — these are the competencies you'll build and practise.
Where this qualification can take you
ISO 45001 is globally recognised and widely adopted for occupational health and safety management, with regular audits as a core requirement. A CQI/IRCA lead auditor qualification positions you for first-, second- and third-party auditing, consulting and HSE management roles.
Internal OHSMS Auditor
Audit your own organisation's health and safety management system and prepare it for certification.
OHSMS Lead Auditor
Lead audit teams and conduct first-, second- and third-party audits, including for certification bodies.
HSE Manager / Consultant
Advise organisations on ISO 45001 implementation, or lead health, safety and wellbeing programmes.
Course content — five structured lessons
Each lesson blends instruction with hands-on exercises, simulations and discussion, building a complete audit from planning to follow-up.
Foundations of ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Auditing
The standard's structure and key requirements, organisational context, hazard identification & risk assessment — plus auditing OH&S policies and objectives and preparing an audit checklist.
Audit Management & Auditor Competence
Audit management principles, auditor competence and behaviour, evaluating hazard identification and risk assessment, and a simulated audit of top management.
Non-Conformance Reporting & Audit Planning
NCRs, corrective actions and audit reports — then conduct a Stage 1 audit and transition into Stage 2 planning.
Conducting Stage 2 Audits & Role-Play Simulations
Practical role-play: opening meetings and Stage 2 audit execution against ISO 45001:2018, with NCR reporting and corrective-action follow-up.
Closing Meetings & Corrective Action Review
Closing meetings, corrective action review, communication and reporting skills — finishing with a full course recap and Q&A.
Practical, live and interactive
The course runs live online via Zoom and combines instruction with discussion, practical exercises and cooperative learning — focused on real audit scenarios across first-, second- and third-party OHSMS audits.
How you're assessed
Continuous evaluation through individual and group activities across the course, plus a final examination set by CQI/IRCA, sat online within 30 days of the course.
An officially certified CQI and IRCA course
This is not a generic health and safety auditing workshop. 3FOLD Training is a CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner, and this programme is an officially CQI and IRCA certified course — so your training and certificate are recognised worldwide.
- Course reference: PR357: OHSMS ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor
- CQI IRCA Course Approval No: 1885
- Delivered by 3FOLD Training — a CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner
Click the certificate to view it full size.
A CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner you can trust
Officially Approved
An audited CQI IRCA Approved Training Partner delivering certified lead auditor courses across ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.
Expert Tutors
Led by practising, experienced environmental lead auditors who bring real-world audit judgement to every session.
Up to Date
Course materials fully aligned with CQI/IRCA course specifications and the current online exam format.
Full Support
End-to-end guidance — from a free prior-knowledge module to exam registration and a fast certificate turnaround.
Real Practice
A complete case-study company and simulated audit give you genuine experience, not just theory.
Globally Recognised
An internationally respected qualification that opens doors to first-, second- and third-party auditing roles worldwide.
Who should attend
This course suits anyone involved in occupational health and safety management who wants to become a certified OHSMS lead auditor or strengthen their auditing capability, including:
- HSE / safety professionals, officers and managers
- Management system and ISO 45001 implementers and consultants
- Internal auditors moving towards third-party / certification auditing
- Professionals pursuing IRCA OHSMS auditor certification
What our learners say
"I am proud to share that I have successfully achieved my second Lead Auditor certification — this time in OHSMS — following my previous QMS Lead Auditor qualification. Both certifications are accredited by IRCA, and I truly credit this achievement to the outstanding training and mentorship provided by 3FOLD. The professionalism, structured approach, and practical guidance from the trainer made complex standards easy to understand and apply. The training was not only focused on passing the exam, but on building real auditing competence and confidence. Because of this excellent experience, I am scheduled to take my third Lead Auditor certification in EMS — and without hesitation, I will continue my training journey with 3FOLD. Highly recommended for anyone serious about becoming a competent and certified Lead Auditor."
"I am writing to express my satisfaction with the ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor (IRCA Approved) course provided by 3FOLD. Having recently completed the course and passed the examination, I found the training to be comprehensive, well-structured, and highly effective in preparing me for the role of a lead auditor. The instructors demonstrated deep subject matter expertise and presented the material in a clear and engaging manner. The practical exercises and case studies were particularly valuable, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing key concepts. The course content was up-to-date and directly relevant to the requirements of ISO 45001:2018 and IRCA guidelines. Overall, I am very pleased with the quality of the training and the support received from 3FOLD. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in occupational health and safety management systems auditing."
"It's very good institute, they have their own app for studying where we get every thing for study. Experienced Trainer they have for great guidance, always help till your exam clearance till the end. They provide proper guidance for exam and in first attempt any one pass but must be present in class. It's excellent professional institute you can join for course."
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of a CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor?
What are the benefits of taking the ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor certification?
Who should attend this OHSMS Lead Auditor training program?
How long does the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor online course take to complete?
Is there an exam for the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor course?
What is the format and duration of the exam?
What is the passing score for the exam?
Can I use reference materials during the exam?
How and where can I register for the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor exam?
What is the cost of the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS examination?
How long does it take to receive the exam results and the certification?
Can I retake the exam if I don't pass it on the first attempt?
What is the validity of the OHSMS Lead Auditor Certificate?
What career opportunities are available for CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditors?
Are there any study materials or resources recommended for preparing for the exam?
Is the Lead Auditor exam available in languages other than English?
Are there any opportunities for practical auditing experience as part of the course?
Can individuals from non-technical backgrounds or non-OHSMS roles benefit from the course?
Flexible formats, one course
Choose the rhythm that fits your work. Every format covers the same 40 hours and the same five lessons.
- Day 1 — Course introduction & ISO 45001:2018 overview; auditing principles
- Day 2 — Auditing hazard identification, risk assessment & audit management
- Day 3 — Nonconformance reporting, corrective action & audit reporting
- Day 4 — Opening meeting, Stage 2 audit role play & NCR handling
- Day 5 — Closing meeting, corrective action review, follow-up & revision
- Sessions 1–3 — ISO 45001:2018 overview & auditing principles
- Sessions 4–5 — Hazard identification, risk assessment & audit management
- Sessions 6–8 — NC reporting, corrective action & audit reporting
- Sessions 9–11 — Opening meeting, Stage 2 role play & NCR handling
- Sessions 12–13 — Closing meeting, follow-up & course revision
Upcoming live online sessions
Choose your preferred batch and reserve your place. All sessions are delivered live online via Zoom; times shown in Gulf Standard Time (GST). After you register, a member of the 3FOLD team will contact you within 24 hours with your Zoom joining instructions and LMS access — please ensure your email address is correct.
13 evenings
5 Sundays
Can't see a date that suits you? Message us on WhatsApp for the latest calendar and group-booking options.
Ready to become an ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor?
Reserve your place on the next live cohort, or talk to an advisor about dates and group bookings.
