EMS Auditor 2008 - Quality Council of India

1 EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 0 NRBPT Criteria for EMS Auditor Registration EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 1 CONTENTS Section Subject Page introduction 2II Definitions 3 III Registration Requirements 4IV Application Process 8V Registration Fees 10VI Registration Card, Certificate and the Register 11 VII Appeals, Complaints.

2 Disputes and Disciplinary Proceedings 12 VIII Criteria for Re-Registration 13IX Code of Conduct for auditors 15 ANNEXURES A Guidance for Filling Application 16B auditors Pre-requisites 17C Fee Structure 18D Application Form 19E EMS Audit Log 23F Consultancy Audit Verification Log 25G Continuing Professional Development Log 26H EMS auditors skills and knowledge 27 EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 2 Section I: introduction auditing is one of the vital elements of any management System.

3 It gives an opportunity to the organization to evaluate its performance vis- -vis the systems standard and identify the areas for further improvement through the existing systems. Educational qualifications and experience are necessary for any person to become a competent Auditor . In addition to these a strict code of conduct helps in establishing respect for the certification. NRBPT is offering the scheme for Registration of EMS (ISO 14001:2004) auditors . This scheme has been prepared, based on international guidelines so as to bring uniformity with the global systems requirements. Local requirements have also been kept into consideration, while formulating the scheme. In some countries, the process for verifying the qualifications and experience of auditors to specified criteria and granting recognition by the Auditor registration body is called Registration or Certification or Accreditation . This document refers to such processes as Registration of auditors .

4 As part of the Registration Process, the applicant will be evaluated against requirements which reflect the key skills, knowledge and experience that define the competence of an Auditor and which EMS Auditor needs to acquire and demonstrate during Audits. NRBPT reserves all rights to amend its EMS Auditor certification criteria, procedures, fees etc. as appropriate. Applicants are requested to refer to the updated criteria before applying for NRBPT Auditor Registration. Registration under this scheme is available, without restriction, to all applicants, who satisfy the registration requirements. Although all information provided by applicants will be kept confidential, NRBPT reserves the right to utilize the information provided by the applicants for legal, research, for sharing with other IPC members or for any other purpose as may be deemed fit by NRBPT. We value your suggestions and feedback. Please contact NRBPT Office for latest information.

5 EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 3 Section II : D finitions Environmental Management System Part of an organization s management system used to develop and implement its environmental policy and manage its environmental aspects (ISO 14001:2004) Environmental Management System Audit Criteria Policies, practices, procedures or requirements, such as those covered by ISO 14001 and, if applicable, any additional EMS requirements against which the Auditor compares collected audit evidence about the organization s environmental management System (ISO 14011:1996). Complete EMS Audit An audit covering the entire audit process as described in ISO 19011:2002 and including all aspects of ISO 14001:2004 or an equivalent, alternative EMS standard.

6 Sponsor Persons of good character who, through acquaintance with the applicant on a professional basis, are able to attest to the applicant s personal attributes and experience. Desk-Top Review Evaluation by the Auditor of documentary evidence submitted by the applicant in support of the application. Verification Process of confirmation performed by or on behalf of the Auditor , using a range of methods, to determine the accuracy and correctness of evidence submitted in support of an application. Performance Level of attainment, measured against predetermined target or standard. EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 4 Section III : Registration Requirements The criteria described in this document are for: a) Provisional EMS Auditor b) EMS Auditor c) Senior EMS Auditor The Provisional EMS Auditor grade is awarded to applicants who have fulfilled the requirements of personal attributes, skills & knowledge, education & work experience and formal training.

7 The EMS Auditor grade is awarded to applicants, who have satisfied the criteria for provisional EMS Auditor and who perform all or part of EMS audit, either alone or as a member of a team. The Senior EMS Auditor grade is awarded to applicants who have satisfied the criteria for EMS Auditor registration and in addition have demonstrated competence required to effectively manage an audit team and co-ordinate all aspects of a complete EMS audit. Desirable personal attributes for EMS auditors are described in ISO 14012 Clause 7. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the personal attributes necessary for the effective and efficient performance of the audit. NRBPT reserves the right to accept or reject an application on the basis of the NRBPT Auditor Registration requirements. The following elements are taken into consideration for NRBPT Registration: A) Skills and Knowledge Applicants shall through education, training and/or work experience and auditing experience be able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in all of the following areas: I) environmental science and technology ii) technical and environmental aspects of facility operations iii) relevant requirements of environmental laws, regulations and related documents iv) environmental management systems and standards against which audits may be performed v) audit procedures, processes and techniques vi) Communication skills written and oral Please refer to Annexure H.

8 B) Education and Work Experience Applicants should have completed at least secondary education (twelve years schooling) or equivalent. Applicants are expected to have a relevant degree or diploma. Applicants who do not have a degree or diploma may be considered for registration, if they are able to demonstrate completion of work experience and other personal development activities that provide the communication, technical and analytical skills necessary to conduct and/or manage EMS audits. EMS Auditor REGISTRATION BAT3001/0508/Rev03 5 All applicants should have completed a minimum of four years of work experience in a technical, professional or managerial position involving the exercise of judgement and decision-making skills.

9 In addition to the four years of work experience applicants shall also demonstrate a satisfactory level of work experience gained within an environmental context relevant to their level of education. The four years of work experience in a technical, professional or managerial position may have been concurrent with the work experience within an environmental context. The following table outlines the minimum requirements for work experience, within an environmental context, relevant to an applicant s education. Environmental or other relevant degree / diploma (ref note i) Any other Degree, Diploma/ equivalent qualification Completion of secondary education (10+2) or equivalent Requirement for work experience within an environmental context (ref note ii) 3 years 5 years 7 years Notes: i) Examples of relevant degrees or diplomas include, but are not limited to, those in engineering, chemistry, biology and other equivalent technical disciplines, involving a minimum of two years full time study or equivalent part time qualification.

10 Ii) Work experience within an environmental context means work that contributes to the Auditor s skills and knowledge. iii) In all cases, documentary evidence of the educational level attained and work experience needs to be presented. C) Formal training Applicants should have successfully completed NRBPT approved EMS Auditor Training Course and passed the approved examination. Both the course and examination shall conform to the NRBPT criteria for the provision of EMS Auditor training courses. D) auditing Experience a) to be eligible for certification, all auditing experience should have been gained in the three year period immediately prior to application. b) Applicants for EMS Auditor grade shall have: i) performed in a satisfactory manner as a member of an audit team in at least five (5) complete EMS audits; total auditing experience shall not be less than twenty (20) days auditing on-site, and; ii) In at least two (2) audits, he should have audited all or majority of elements of EMS applicable to the organization or facility.