Home Certification Schemes ISO 46001
Environmental & Energy ISO 46001 2019

Water Efficiency Management Systems

Specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a water efficiency management system for any organisation seeking to reduce water consumption.

water utilities agriculture manufacturing municipalities
About This Standard

ISO 46001 specifies requirements for water efficiency management systems, enabling organisations to systematically identify, monitor, and reduce water consumption. It mirrors the energy management approach of ISO 50001, applying it to water resources management.

The standard applies to any organisation regardless of type, size, or sector, from large industrial water users to commercial buildings, agricultural operations, and municipalities. It helps organisations establish baselines, identify significant water uses, and implement targeted efficiency measures.

ACI-certified auditors assess water efficiency management systems, evaluate water use data quality, and review the effectiveness of water reduction action plans and controls.

Examination Topic Areas
Water use review, baseline establishment, and benchmarking
Water performance indicators and target setting
Significant water use identification and root cause analysis
Water efficiency action plans and improvement objectives
Operational controls for significant water uses
Water data collection, monitoring, and metering
Legal and other requirements for water management
Continual improvement of water efficiency performance
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 46001.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO 46001
Edition 2019
Category Environmental & Energy
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO 46001

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO 46001?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.