Study Unit

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

Have an integrated knowledge and understanding of, as well as an ability to correctly evaluate and apply the key terminologies, concepts, principles, requirements and processes for management system audits in general and environmental management systems (EMS) in particular relate to:
•  Internal EMS audits as provided for in ISO 19011; and
•  Third party certification audits as provided for in ISO 17021 Parts 1 & 2 as well as 17022.
Have an understanding of how the key terminologies, concepts, principles, requirements and processes relate to other fields or practices such as:
•  An EMS based on ISO 14001;
•  Environmental management;
•  Environmental law;
•  Environmental science;
•  Environmental engineering;
•  The SA SQAM system, as well as

•  International quality assurance organisations and guidelines.
Have an understanding of conflicting knowledge and positions within the field of environmental management system auditing that are based on international best practice vs. sub-standard environmental auditing practices. 

Demonstrated ability to:
•  Have an integrated knowledge and understanding of, 
•  correctly evaluate and apply the 
o  Key terminologies, concepts, principles, requirements and processes for management system audits in general and environmental management systems (EMS) in particular relate to:
•  Plan, prepare for and conduct:
o  Internal EMS audits as provided for in ISO 19011; and
o  Third party certification audits as provided for in ISO 17021 Parts 1 & 2 as well as 17022.
o  How to use the key terminologies, concepts, principles, requirements and processes relate to other fields or practices.
•  Understand conflicting knowledge and positions within the field of environmental management system auditing that are based on international best practice vs. sub-standard environmental auditing practices. 

Correctly select, evaluate and apply a range of different but appropriate:
•  Requirements that may be used as the most appropriate requirements against which non-conformities may be formulated;
•  ISO requirements guidelines and that may be applied differently for internal and third party certification audits.
•  Audit methods such as document review, interviews, observations etc. that best contribute to achieve the audit conclusion; and
•  Collect eligible audit evidence to confirm conformity, or non-conformity to requirements.
Generate appropriate work documents.
Be aware of how to calculate audit time.
Manage audits in terms of the applicable audit processes and requirements.
Plan and manage the audit process and fellow auditors and other role players in the audit. 

Demonstrated ability to ccorrectly select, evaluate and apply a range of different but appropriate:
o  Requirements that may be used as the most appropriate requirements against which non-conformities may be formulated;
o  ISO requirements guidelines and that may be applied differently for internal and third party certification audits.
o  Audit methods such as document review, interviews, observations etc. that best contribute to achieve the audit conclusion; and
o  Collect eligible audit evidence to confirm conformity, or non-conformity to requirements. 

The ability to:
•  Identify eligible audit criteria against which conformity or non-conformity may be identified and assessed;
•  Analyse different types of evidence to make an objective judgment whether conformity or non-conformity to requirements do indeed exist;
•  Critically reflect on the audit evidence to formulate an audit conclusion and addresses the audit objective.

Demonstrated ability to
•  Identify eligible audit criteria against which conformity or non-conformity may be identified and assessed;
•  Analyse different types of evidence to make an objective judgment whether conformity or non-conformity to requirements do indeed exist;
•  Critically reflect on the audit evidence to formulate an audit conclusion and addresses the audit objective.

Understand the ethical challenges posed to environmental auditors and adhere to the defined auditor Code of Conduct.

Demonstrate the ability to understand the ethical challenges posed to environmental auditors and adhere to the defined auditor Code of Conduct.

Access the correct information by using a range of information collection methodologies such as:
•  Document review;
•  Interviews;
•  Observations, etc.
Understand the need to select the correct sampling procedure to access the correct information so as to reliably formulate and audit conclusion that addresses the audit objective;
Formulate succinct audit findings that clearly demonstrate confirmed conformance or identified and verified non-conformity.
Summarise the audit findings into a succinct audit conclusion that addresses the audit objective.

Demonstrate the ability to:
Access the correct information by using a range of information collection methodologies such as:
•  Document review;
•  Interviews;
•  Observations, etc.
Understand the need to select the correct sampling procedure to access the correct information so as to reliably formulate and audit conclusion that addresses the audit objective;
Formulate succinct audit findings that clearly demonstrate confirmed conformance or identified and verified non-conformity.
Summarise the audit findings into a succinct audit conclusion that addresses the audit objective. 

Develop and present accurate and coherent written and verbal information related to audit outcomes as well as to generate an audit report.

Demonstrate the ability to effectively record and present diverse information generated as part of practical exercises in a written and verbal format and to generate an audit report.

7. Understand how the learning material offered in this course relate to unfamiliar and variable contexts, and to recognise that problem-solving is context- and system bound and cannot occur in isolation;

8.  The ability to act as group member and/or a group leader to successfully complete the practical exercises and taking co-responsibility for learning progress and outcome realisation of the group; and

9.  The ability to monitor own learning progress, and apply relevant learning strategies and resources to successfully realise all outcomes of this course.

7.  Demonstrated ability to indicate how the learning material offered in this course relate to unfamiliar and variable contexts, and to recognise that problem-solving is context- and system bound and cannot occur in isolation;

8.  Demonstrate the ability to actively participate in group work and contribute to successfully completing practical exercises; and

9.  Demonstrate the ability to achieve the learning objectives in an effective and expeditious manner.