The Environmental Auditors Register
The Environmental Auditors Register has been in operation for over ten years and is internationally recognised. The register currently has over 1,650 auditors listed in over 50 countries worldwide.
The register provides an efficient and effective means of demonstrating to interested parties that you or your staff are adequately qualified, trained and experienced to perform the range of tasks required of them.
The IEMA also offers a free of charge referral service. On request, the database can be searched to find appropriately qualified registrants to undertake specific environmental auditing/EMS related projects. To request a referral contact a member of the technical team on (+44) 01522 540069 or e-mail technical@iema.net. Please note that referrals are not undertaken for permanent work.
- Introduction
- Why apply?
- How do I apply?
- Application Process
- What are the costs of registration?
- Information for existing Auditors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The IEMA Register of Environmental Auditors is open to both internal and external auditors working within the areas of environmental auditing and environmental management systems (EMS) auditing. You can apply to one of the general environmental auditor levels:
Associate Environmental Auditor
Registered Associate Environmental Auditors are typically active 'trainee' environmental auditors who are expected to have, as a minimum, a basic knowledge of environmental auditing.
Environmental Auditor
Registered Environmental Auditors are expected to have a good appreciation of a range of environmental issues and environmental auditing techniques and to be competent environmental auditors in the areas in which they operate. However, their experience may be confined to a limited number of environmental audit types and sectors. Registered Environmental Auditors will typically be regular and active members of environmental audit teams.
Principal Environmental Auditor
Registered Principal Environmental Auditors are expected to have a wealth of environmental auditing expertise and will typically lead/manage environmental audit teams and liaise with senior management on a regular basis. They are expected to be able to take considerably greater responsibilities than registered Environmental Auditors and to have an excellent appreciation of the wide range of issues pertaining to environmental auditing.
You can also apply to one of the EMS auditor levels.
EMS Auditor
EMS Auditors are expected to have a good appreciation of the EMS audit process and be qualified to be a member of an audit team to undertake specific duties that they have expertise in.
Lead EMS Auditor
Lead EMS Auditors are expected to have a thorough appreciation of all aspects of the EMS audit process and be qualified to lead an audit team.
top| Level | Training | Experience | Background experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Environmental Auditor(auditor in training) |
|
Experience may be required if insufficient points elsewhere | No requirement |
| Environmental Auditor |
|
|
|
| Principal Environmental Auditor |
|
|
|
Why apply?
The Register is an internationally recognised environmental auditor accreditation scheme, dedicated to raising the professional competence in the environmental auditing field. By becoming an IEMA Registered Auditor you will:
- demonstrate a high degree of independence and competency in the environment auditing field
- demonstrate environmental credibility with regulatory authorities and the public
- Opt into the auditor referral service which provides employment opportunities for consultancies or independent auditors
- receive all the benefits of IEMA individual members including access to regional events, and free or discounted Institute publications including 'the environmentalist' magazine, 'Practitioner' journals, the 'Perspectives' series, and the EA Yearbook
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to download the Auditor Application Pack (comprising Guidelines and The Environmental Auditor Application Form) below or request a copy from the Technical team technical@iema.net. Then, you need to complete The Application Form in full and return to Technical Team, IEMA, St. Nicholas House, 70 Newport, Lincoln, LN1 3DP.
Auditor Register Application Pack 2007.pdf
(224.82 KB)
Auditor Register Application Pack 2007.doc
(382.5 KB)
We advise you not to send a fee with your application, as you will be advised of the correct fee on confirmation of level we recommend that you apply for.
topApplication Process
On receiving your application the IEMA will undertake an initial assessment free of charge. This is to make sure that the application is being made at the correct level and that we have all the information we require to assess your application.
If you are applying to one of the general environmental auditor levels on the register, this is initially assessed by the IEMA using a points system. Points are awarded based on academic qualifications, membership of professional bodies, training and experience. For each registration level a different points threshold must be reached, and you have to demonstrate skills in environmental auditing appropriate to the level for which you apply.
All applicants to the scheme are required to pass a rigorous assessment process involving a combination of references, external verification checks (see below), and for the higher levels, successful completion of an oral examination (also, see below).
topExternal Verification Checks
For each application received the IEMA contacts the verification sources provided in the application to check that the work was undertaken, for the correct length of time and was of an acceptable standard. The IEMA is not interested in the findings of the audit or any confidential information.
topOral Examination
The final stage of the Principal Environmental Auditor application process is to undertake an oral examination with two Principal Environmental Auditor Examiners. The examination is face to face and lasts approximately 45 mins.
EMS Auditor Levels
Registration to any of the EMS Auditor levels is based on criteria laid down in ISO 19011. EMS Auditors will typically be experienced audit practitioners from industry (internal) and consultancies/certification bodies (external auditors) involved in auditing EMSs based on recognised international standards.
topCode of Practice
IEMA Environmental Auditors are required to sign and agree to abide by the Code of Practice which defines your responsibilities with respect to the IEMA. Subsequent complaints against registrants are dealt with by a Disciplinary Committee and instances of malpractice or breach of this Code will result in the removal of individuals from the register.
topWhat are the costs of registration?
The initial application fee will cover the administrative costs of undertaking the assessment of your application. The costs of applying for Environmental Auditor Registration will depend on whether you are already a member of the IEMA. Below is a guide for UK applicants only. International applicants should contact the Technical team technical@iema.net for further information on fees.
If you are not a member, the following fees apply. If you are a member, the membership fee does not apply:
| Auditor Level | Membership Fee - UK only (for fees outside the UK, contact Professional Standards) | Auditor Application Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Environmental Auditor | £94 | £48.18 (inc. VAT) | £142.18 |
| Environmental Auditor | £94 | £171.55 (inc. VAT) | £265.55 |
| Principal Environmental Auditor | £94 | £306.98 (inc. VAT) | £400.68 |
| EMS Auditor | £94 | £52.88(inc. VAT) | £146.88 |
| Lead EMS Auditor | £94 | £83.43 (inc. VAT) | £177.43 |
- All auditor levels are subject to VAT at 17.5%.
- There is no VAT on Membership fees.
Payment Options:
- By Post / Cheque
Please make cheques payable to the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. Please note this must be in pounds sterling from a UK clearing bank. The IEMA does not currently accept the Euro. Do not send cash by post.
- By Credit Card
Information for Existing Auditors
If you are an existing IEMA Auditor, you are required to complete Continuing Professional development (CPD) log sheets on an annual basis. These will be reviewed by IEMA Technical staff, and you will be advised if an upgrade application is possible. Auditors are required to submit CPD log sheets to maintain their registration. Blank CPD log sheets are available to download below:
IEMA CPD Pack Feb 2006.pdf
(220.26 KB)
IEMA CPD Pack Feb 06.doc
(945 KB)
Please complete the form below if you would like to update your details held on the IEMA database. The IEMA database is used for referral searches. Auditors are advised to update their details annually to ensure that the correct work is referred.
Register Entry Form July 2003.doc
(82 KB)
Register Entry Form July 2003.pdf
(18.19 KB)
What do I do if I would like to upgrade?
If you are already on the IEMA Auditor register and would like to apply to upgrade please contact the Technical Team technical@iema.net
topFrequently Asked Questions
top How long will my application take to process?
The length of time varies depending on circumstances. We assess your application within a week of receiving it, we might then request additional information or clarification from you before seeking references to verify the information on your application form. On average it takes about four months to process an application.
top Will any documentation I send remain confidential?
All documents will remain confidential. They will only be passed to the examiners who have signed a strict letter of confidentiality.
If you need a direct response from the IEMA, please email your question to the Institute technical@iema.net and include your full contact details.
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