Professional Certification Program
Training for sustainability professionals
Learn about the GRI Standards and their use in sustainability reporting by joining our Professional Certification Program, available in English.
With two flexible learning routes to choose from - online self-paced (Route A) or blended (Route B) - the program provides a unique opportunity to gain expertise and global recognition in sustainability reporting with the GRI Standards.
The Professional Certification Program is comprised of four courses:
1. Introduction to sustainability reporting and the GRI Standards 2021 update
2. Reporting with GRI Standards 2021 update
3. Reporting on Human Rights with GRI Standards 2021 update
4. Integrating the SDGs into sustainability reporting
and a final certification exam.
By successfully completing the courses and the exam, you will obtain a status of 'GRI Certified Sustainability Professional', which is valid for two years. Your certification can be renewed by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), awarded when you complete additional training courses.
Who is the GRI Certification for?
If sustainability is your main profession, be it in a corporate or consulting environment, and if you are supporting sustainability reporting within your organization as part of your role in operations, finance, communications or other functions, consider becoming a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional.
The GRI certification can help you:
- Enhance your knowledge and skills needed to use the GRI Standards
- Get professional recognition by a trusted source
- Improve the quality of your sustainability reporting
- Upskill and gain a competitive edge in your career
- Strengthen your sustainability reporting credentials
Choose your learning path
Online and self-paced learning (Route A)
Four courses that cover the fundamentals of GRI reporting and the final exam are easily accessible 24/7 through the GRI Academy – GRI's own learning platform. You choose how, when and where to start learning.
The online courses offer interactive and narrated learning with intermediate checkpoints to monitor progress and help you stay on track.
Sign up for Route A in English
Blended learning (Route B)
If you prefer a more personal learning experience with guidance from a trainer and the use of local and context-specific materials, you can opt to obtain the certification with the "GRI Standards Certified Training Course", delivered by one of our trusted Certified Training Partners (CTPs) in 48 countries. This learning path will help you broaden your perspectives through knowledge-sharing with fellow participants as well as build your own network.
Sign up for Route B in English
Follow up with the courses on ‘Reporting on Human Rights with GRI Standards 2021 Update' and 'Integrating the SDGs into sustainability reporting’ through one of our training partners or the GRI Academy, and complete your certification with a final online exam.
Visit this page to find a Training Partner in your country.
More information
Our FAQ document answers the most common questions asked by participants.
You can also check our flyer for a more detailed overview of the program and what it offers.
Two exam policies are available: one for the Professional Certification Exam based on the Universal Standards 2016; and one for the Professional Certification Exam based on the Universal Standards 2021. You can also consult the exam instructions, applicable to both exams.
Learn more about the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and how to maintain the certification status in our CEUs requirements document.
View a full list of GRI Certified Sustainability Professionals.
My experience in the Program was entirely positive. I felt as though the teachers understood deeply both the theory and practical application of the Standards, which helped me better grasp how to apply them in my role; this aspect also makes it great for someone who is being exposed to sustainability standards for the first time. I work at an organization where we are in our infancy in terms of sustainability reporting, and the Program empowered me to be a well-positioned internal advocate for both the GRI Standards specifically and sustainability reporting more generally.
Marissa Garcia, Social Compliance & Sustainability Manager, PopSockets LLC