Overview
This intensive ISO 46001 Lead Auditor course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to perform first-, second-, and third-party audits of ISO 46001:2019 Water Efficiency Management Systems (WEMS). Participants will learn how to evaluate the implementation of sustainable water management strategies in organizations, assess compliance with ISO 46001, and conduct audits in line with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1 standards.
Whether you're aiming to become a certified lead auditor or implement effective water-saving systems, this course prepares you for real-world auditing in both private and public sectors.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and requirements of ISO 46001:2019
- Interpret and apply the standard in the context of auditing water efficiency management systems
- Plan, conduct, report, and follow up on audits based on ISO 19011 guidelines
- Evaluate an organization’s ability to control and improve water usage efficiency
- Demonstrate knowledge of audit principles, techniques, and risk-based thinking
- Prepare for certification as a Lead Auditor for ISO 46001:2019
Objectives
- Build a clear working understanding of ISO 46001 Lead Auditor.
- Apply relevant principles, requirements and good practice in realistic organisational contexts.
- Prepare participants to contribute confidently to implementation, assurance or professional practice.
Learning outcomes
Participants who complete the course will:
- Gain in-depth understanding of water efficiency concepts and ISO 46001 clauses
- Develop auditing competence as per ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1
- Be capable of conducting a full ISO 46001 audit independently or in a team
- Understand how to assess compliance and identify opportunities for improvement
- Earn a Cognicert-accredited ISO 46001 Lead Auditor certificate (upon passing the final exam and assessment)
Reference standard
- ISO 46001:2019 – Water Efficiency Management Systems
- ISO 19011:2018 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems (for integrated system context)
- Global water challenges and sustainability context
- Overview of ISO 46001 and its benefits
- Key concepts: water usage, water balance, water performance indicators
- ISO 46001 structure and clause-by-clause breakdown
- Principles and types of audits
- Understanding ISO 19011 and auditor responsibilities
- Risk-based thinking in auditing
- Reviewing ISO 46001 clauses: planning, operation, performance evaluation
- Developing an audit program
- Preparing audit checklists
- Conducting opening meetings and interviews
- Gathering objective evidence and managing audit teams
- Case study: conducting a water balance audit
- Writing nonconformity statements
- Preparing audit reports
- Conducting closing meetings
- Follow-up and corrective action verification
- Final exam and role-play simulation audit
Target audience
This course is ideal for:
- Environmental and sustainability managers
- Internal auditors and compliance officers
- Consultants and quality professionals
- Facility managers responsible for water management
- Auditors seeking ISO 46001 certification
- Regulatory and governmental officers overseeing water usage
Benefits
- Stronger practical capability and professional confidence
- A structured approach that can be transferred to the workplace
- Assessment and a verifiable Cognicert certificate where the course requirements are met
Course content
The programme covers essential concepts, requirements, implementation considerations, evidence-based evaluation, common challenges and practical improvement planning.
Training methodologies
- Interactive lectures with practical case studies
- Group exercises and discussions
- Simulated audit role-plays and workshops
- Real-world scenarios on water usage and efficiency
- Continuous assessment through quizzes, presentations, and final exam
- Delivered in-person or virtually by qualified lead auditors and environmental experts