There are two designations for environmental auditors:

EP(CEA)

Environmental Professional - Compliance Auditor 

This specialization was developed in accordance with national and international standards, with a special emphasis on the auditing activities included in CSA Z773 and ISO 19011.
 

EP(EMSLA)

Environmental Professional - Envrionmental Management Systems Lead Auditor

Applicants for this designation may choose one or both of the following fields of specialization:

• Environmental Management Systems (EMS): This field of specialization is intended for auditors who are involved in auditing organizations against the ISO 14001 standard. These professionals demonstrate their competence as a contributing member of an EMS audit team, and are capable of either leading an EMS audit team or conducting audits alone.
   
• Sustainable Forestry Management (SFM): This field of specialization is intended for auditors who are involved in auditing organizations against an applicable SFM standard (FSC, SFI, CSA-Z809, etc.).  These individuals demonstrate their competence as contributing members of an SFM audit team, are capable of either leading an SFM audit team or conducting audits alone.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the basic EP eligibility requirements, EP(CEA) or EP(EMSLA) applicants must also complete a minimum of 35 hours of formal training. This formal training may be provided by the applicants own organization, or by an external organization.

Formal training should cover:

• Environmental management systems and standards that are used to perform audits, such as ISO 14001
• Environmental science and technology
• Technical and environmental aspects of various types of business activities and facility operations
• Relevant environmental laws and regulations, and associated documentation for these
• Different types of environmental audits, audit procedures, audit processes, and techniques, as well as other guidelines for auditing, including ISO 19011

Select the Environmental Auditor title and specialization(s) that you are applying for, and then fill out the information regarding your employment and educational history.  You must also provide detail on your professional practice and auditor training. Click here to download the submission form for your professional practice. After you have entered this information, you will be required to pay the application fee and agree to the EP Code of Ethics.

Email or fax your training certificate(s) directly to ECO Canada.

Once our EP Registrar confirms your eligibility, you must schedule and write an online exam within three (3) months of being approved. The Auditor Exam Guide will outline the required knowledge and resources for your exam.

An auditing professional will review your application. This reviewer will be assessing your education, experience and professional practice to ensure that they meet the certification requirements.

Our EP Registrar will review your application to ensure that all components are complete and that you meet or exceed the National Occupational Standards.The Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) will then review your application and provide final approval.

Once your application has been approved by the Board, you must pay your annual membership fee. To maintain your designation, each year you must:

• Pay your membership fee
• Ensure your contact and employment information is up-to-date, and
• Upload or enter your professional development activities.

Fees

You are required to pay a one-time application fee and membership fees annually.

Please note that application fees are non-refundable even in the event of an unsuccessful application for certification.

Please note that we will apply a late payment charge of $100 for late payment of annual membership fees.

Review the Auditor Applicant Guide to learn more about the requirements, application process, and fees.

OK! I would like to start my EP - Auditor application.

In addition to all EP benefits which include, 

• discounts with our travel, insurance and professional development partners
• networking opportunities 
• exclusive industry news and updates 

an EP(CEA) and an EP(EMSLA) can qualify for further benefits through membership with the Auditing Association of Canada (AAC). For a complete listing of all member benefits and services available from the AAC, please visit the Auditing Association of Canada's website.