This International Standard specifies requirements for competence, consistency and impartiality in the auditing and certification of energy management systems (EnMS) for bodies providing these services. In order to ensure the effectiveness of EnMS auditing, this International Standard addresses the auditing process, competence requirements for personnel involved in the certification process for energy management systems, the duration of audits and multi-site sampling.

This International Standard is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO/IEC 17021:2011. The requirements of ISO/IEC 17021:2011 also apply to this International Standard.