3. Auditor Competencies
All Auditors must exhibit the proper competencies to conduct EICC audits. While all Auditors must
display certain competencies, Lead Auditors must hold additional competencies to ensure they can
properly lead audits. Additionally, there are differences between competencies needed for EHS, Labor
& Ethics and Forced Labor Auditors.
As mentioned earlier, Auditors can be approved for all disciplines, namely Labor & Ethics, Forced Labor
and EHS. In order to qualify, an Auditor must meet the requirements for each designation, including
participating in the required number of EHS, Labor & Ethics and Forced labor audits. All new applicants
and reclassifying Auditors may use relevant types of audits to support their applications, i.e., ISO 14001
and OHSAS 18001, EICC VAP/CMA /AMA; SA8000. For renewal of qualifications, only EICC VAP, CMA and
AMA audits are acceptable.
The EICC may, at any time, send an EICC employee or appointed agent to shadow an auditor. The
information obtained in this shadow audit will be used for training purposes and to continuously improve
the quality and credibility of the EICC Audit program.
By Jan. 1, 2020, all auditors must have an additional third-party certification (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS
18001, SA 8000, IRCA certification, etc.) in order to perform EICC audits.
General Competencies for all Auditors
Knowledge of general auditing principles that qualify the Auditor to conduct audits in an
accurate and systematic manner
Ability to understand reference documents that enable the Auditor to apply audit criteria
Knowledge and/or experience that empowers the Auditor to comprehend an organization’s
operational and industry context
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and other requirements relevant to the auditee’s
situation
Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, with personnel at all levels of an
organization, including workers, the APM and EICC staff
Ability to determine the conformance of a system designed to meet the EICC requirements
Ability to generate accurate, appropriate and responsible Audit findings and conclusions
Experience upholding the principles of proper ethical conduct, fair presentation and due
professional care
Competencies Required for All Labor, Ethics and Forced Labor Auditors
Knowledge of internationally accepted human rights norms, laws and regulations relating to
labor and ethics issues
Knowledge of relevant industry codes of practice, legal requirements, guidelines and standards
relating to labor and ethics
Knowledge of relevant international, national and local judicial systems and legislative
frameworks
Knowledge of relevant social responsibility and labor culture, trade unions, NGOs (Non-
Governmental Organizations) and other interested parties within the country or area of
operation
Competencies Required for All EHS Auditors
Knowledge of internationally accepted Environmental, Health and Safety practices
Knowledge of relevant industry codes of practice, legal requirements, guidelines and standards
relating to EHS
Knowledge of relevant international, national and local judicial systems and legislative
frameworks
Knowledge of relevant EHS culture, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and other
interested parties within the country or area of operation