Become a Recognized Environmental Auditor
Earn the EP® Auditor designation, validating your expertise, strengthening your professional credibility, and demonstrating your commitment to environmental standards across Canada.
Hear From Our Community
What the EP® Auditor Means in Practice
Environmental Professionals (EPs) are the next wave of change-makers in the shift to a sustainable Canadian economy.
Hear directly from certified EP® Auditors about how the designation has shaped their careers, opened doors across Canada’s environmental sector, and elevated the credibility of their work.
Designation Pathways
Choose Your Auditing Path
Two distinct designations for two distinct disciplines. Select the path that aligns with your area of practice.
Compliance
EP®(CEA)
Environmental Compliance Auditor
For professionals who work with national and international auditing standards and focus on compliance auditing, ensuring organizations meet regulatory and policy requirements.
CSA Z773
ISO 19011
Regulatory
Management Systems
EP®(EMSLA)
Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor
For professionals who audit organizations against ISO 14001 or sustainable forestry management standards such as FSC, SFI, or CSA Z809, with skills to lead or conduct audits.
ISO 14001
FSC
SFI
CSA Z809
Benefits
Why Earn the Designation
More than a credential, a professional network, financial benefits, and a platform for industry leadership.
National Auditor Network
Connect with certified auditors across Canada and expand your professional network through industry events and collaboration opportunities.
Industry Recognition
Become eligible for the ECO IMPACT Award for EP Auditors and gain recognition for your contributions to environmental auditing.
Insurance Benefits
60% off Errors & Omissions insurance, additional discounts on Commercial General Liability, and $100,000 AD&D coverage.
Events & Conferences
Attend the annual ECO IMPACT national conference and participate in events that bring together leaders in the environmental sector.
Mentorship & Leadership
Practice coaching skills by mentoring emerging auditors and contribute to strengthening the next generation of environmental professionals.
Thought Leadership
Share your expertise through the Environmental Expert Webinar Series and contribute ideas that help advance environmental auditing practices.
The Process
From Application to Designation
A structured, transparent pathway. No surprises, just clear steps between you and your designation.
Apply
Review requirements, pay $450 CAD (application + exam) & fill out your application online
1–2 hours
Validation
ECO Canada reviews and validates your application
10 business days
Exam
Closed-book exam
2.5 hours
Certification Fee
Pay $230 CAD your certification fee once approved
Upon approval
Designated
Receive your EP® Auditor designation and member status
You’re in!
Who Can Apply
EP® Auditor Eligibility
The EP® Auditor designation recognizes experienced environmental auditors with strong technical expertise. Here’s what you’ll need across three categories.
Professional Experience
Minimum 5 years
Of environmental auditing experience in a relevant field
Education & Training
Relevant degree or diploma
College diploma, university degree, or equivalent in a related field
Education fields
Engineering; natural science; environmental science/technology; law; business administration; accounting
35 hours of lead auditor training
Through a structured, instructor-led program
Professional Practice
Minimum 7 audits
At least 7 audits over the last 5 years (including 1 in the last year), with 4 audits in your specialization (Compliance, Environmental Management Systems, Sustainable Forestry Management)
Minimum 35 total audit days
20 of which must be in your area of specialization (Compliance, Environmental Management Systems, or Sustainable Forestry Management)
21 Conduct of Audit Days
Verified on-site auditing experience
Not sure which path fits?
Review the path cards above or contact ECO Canada directly, your experience may qualify for one or both designations.
Before You Apply
Application & Exam Guide
Everything you need to know about the certification process, from eligibility to final submission.
2.5h
Exam duration
75%
Minimum passing score
Closed Book Exam
No aids or referencesBook format, no references
Exam Schedule
Booked at your convenience
Exam details
- Closed-book format, all knowledge must be recalled without references or notes
- Approximately 2.5 hours in duration with no scheduled breaks
- Minimum passing score of 75% across all sections
- May include multiple components depending on the designation pathway
- Approvals processed monthly, plan your application timeline accordingly
Free Download
Application & Exam Guide PDF
A complete overview of the certification process, from eligibility requirements to final submission and exam preparation. Use it to plan your timeline and avoid surprises.
- Eligibility criteria and certification timelines
- Exam structure and preparation guidance
- Application requirements and documentation
- Step-by-step orientation to certification
After Designation
Maintaining Your EP® Auditor Status
Your designation is an ongoing commitment to professional development. Here’s what’s required to stay in good standing.
Annual Membership Fee
Members must pay the annual membership fee by the due date to maintain their designation and remain listed in the public member directory.
Due each April
Professional development
15 professional development credits per year are required to demonstrate continued engagement with current auditing standards and industry practices.
75 credits / 5 years
Professional Practice
Minimum of 10 audits consisting of 35 audit days must be logged over the 5-year certification period. At least 7 the submitted audits and 25 of the submitted audit days must be in the member’s area of specialization (Compliance, Environmental Management Systems, or Sustainable Forestry Management).
If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, a $100 CAD late fee will be applied. The member will also be listed as not in good standing in the public member directory until payment is received.
Ready to Apply
Your Designation Starts Here
Join the community of nationally recognized environmental auditing professionals. Applications reviewed within 10 business days.
Application fee: $450 + taxes · Annual renewal: $230 + taxes is due on April 1 each year