How to become a Certified OSSE External Auditor

All candidates who participate in the 35-hour course and successfully pass the written assessment by achieving a grade of at least 80% will receive a certificate of attendance. Candidates may choose to do the course for information only. 

For candidates pursuing their certification as an external auditor for the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, they will be required to have additional pre-requisites and complete additional requirements, including a student audit.

Requirements to be a MSABC certified external auditor

Following successful completion of the Certified OSSE External Auditor course, the candidate has six (6) months to conduct a student audit (an audit at any employer site with a decent OHS Management System based on the OSSE audit tool) and provide evidence of one of the following qualification criteria:

The following equivalent health and safety designation (as approved by the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC board of directors):

Pre-requisites and process

  • Minimum education of a one-year certificate program in OHS from a recognized institution.
  • Minimum of three years’ full-time employment in the OHS field.
  • Strong knowledge of the BC OHS legislation and guidance.
  • Successful completion of an oral and written skills testing process (may be verified during interview, external auditor training or student audit).
  • Successful completion of a selection interview.
  • Three positive references.

All Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC external auditors are expected to possess some knowledge of the Food Processing and Manufacturing industry. Candidates’ industry experience will be assessed by Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC.

Industry experience is essential to help auditors:

  • Be aware of industry-specific hazards to their own safety while they are conducting the audit.
  • Determine whether activities they observe are acceptable practices.
  • Recognize situations involving imminent or potential danger to workers.
  • Have a high level of credibility in interviews with workers.
Apply to become a Certified OSSE External Auditor