Credentials

Sustainability

Excellence credentials


Developed with rigorous international standards, the Sustainability Excellence credentials provide third-party verification of competency in the profession to a rapidly growing community.

Earn industry recognition

Business leaders are looking for credibility when it comes to sustainability hires. In a space exploding with applicants, set yourself apart with demonstrated familiarity with the core issues, trends, concepts, and frameworks of sustainability.


In addition to preparing candidates to sit for the Sustainability Excellence credentialing exams, the SEA and SEP study materials offer an in-depth description of the sustainability field. They are often used as professional reference guides in both academic and field settings.


Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) Credential

Originally created by ISSP, the SEA credential demonstrates an understanding of core sustainability concepts and best practices. The SEA is designed for those who are new to the sustainability field, including students, recent graduates or professionals interested in incorporating sustainability concepts into their work. The SEA is a prerequisite for the SEP.

Learn more

Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) Credential
The SEP demonstrates advanced knowledge and experience in the sustainability field. Candidates must earn the SEA first and demonstrate professional mastery in key fields, including stakeholder engagement, and implementation of sustainable strategies. The SEP is intended to recognize experts who are at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable world.

Learn more

How to earn the SEA or SEP credential

As developer of the credential, ISSP provides education to support exam preparation, credential maintenance, and professional development. Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) acquired the credential in 2019 and is responsible for administering and delivering the certificates.


You can register for the exams on the GBCI website, and we encourage reviewing the SEA Candidate Handbook alongside the study materials.


1

STUDY AND PREPARE

Purchase prep materials and create a study schedule for yourself. Each study bundle includes the Study Guide, Sustainability Terms Flash Cards, and Exam Practice Questions.



See study bundles

2

REGISTER FOR EXAM

Read the Candidate Handbook. Then, create or log into a GBCI site account and visit the credentials page to register for the exam. The exam can be taken online from home or in a testing center.

Register for exam

3

SHARE AND MAINTAIN

After passing the exam, you’ll earn a professional credential to share with your network and prospective employers. It's valid for two years and requires ongoing professional development.



Maintain my credential

Master foundational sustainability concepts

Move your career forward in sustainability. The SEA study materials will give you familiarity with the core issues, trends, concepts and frameworks of sustainability. The SEA Exam Study Bundle includes:




SEA Study Guide

Sustainability Terms Flashcards

SEA Exam Practice Questions

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Discounts for individual and organizational members

ISSP members receive significant discounts on the SEA and SEP study materials and the exam. Just login to the store with your member credentials to see member pricing.

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Study independently with the Sustainability Core Competencies courses

Created in alignment with the SEA Study Guide, these on-demand courses are designed for individuals who may be new to the sustainability field but who plan to incorporate sustainability concepts directly into their work. It could also be for individuals who want to demonstrate knowledge of sustainability via the SEA credential or those with expertise in a sector of sustainability that desire a broader industry understanding. Courses can be purchased individually dependent on a learner's needs.


Below are a few of the courses to get you started. You can view all courses here.


FAQs on credentialing

  • Where do I find the study materials for the SEA/SEP credentials?

    You can find the study materials for the SEA and SEP credentials here

  • When will I receive my SEA or SEP study materials?

    The study materials are all provided via email with a digital download and are emailed to you immediately upon purchase. 


    If you purchased the materials and did not receive an email, please check your junk and/or spam folders. 


    If you are still unable to locate the email, please submit a support ticket, and we'll reply within 3 business days. 

  • Where do I register for the SEA or SEP exam?

    ISSP is the education provider for the SEA and SEP credentials. However, the exam and registration process are managed by our partner, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). 


    You can learn more about both the SEA and SEP credentials, including registration for the exam here. We encourage you to download the SEA Candidate Handbook which contains detailed information on the exam and renewal process. 


    If you have any questions about this process, you can reach out to GBCI directly via email at sustainabilityexcellence@gbci.org.

  • What is needed to maintain the SEA or SEP credential?

    Each credential has its own renewal requirements managed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Learn more about renewal requirements or credential maintenance


    For any additional questions, please reach out to GBCI directly via email at sustainabilityexcellence@gbci.org.

  • Where do I take the SEA or SEP exam?

    The exam can be scheduled to be taken at a proctoring location near you or from your home. This process is managed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). 


    Learn more about scheduling the exams


    For any additional questions, please reach out to GBCI directly via email at sustainabilityexcellence@gbci.org.

  • Are the SEA and SEP programs designed for professionals working outside of the United States?

    The SEA and SEP credentials are international, and there are credential holders all around the world.

  • How long does it take to prepare for the SEA and SEP exams?

    The amount of time needed to prepare for an ISSP exam is dependent on each individual and their familiarity with the exam content. ISSP recommends that candidates give themselves at least a month to prepare using the ISSP study materials.

  • How do I find other SEA/SEP credential holders in my area?

    You can search for other credential holders on GBCI’s public directory.

  • What is exam maintenance and how might it affect my journey?

    Exam maintenance is a key component of the life cycle of an exam. It allows GBCI the opportunity to review statistical data collected over a specified period and determine which questions need to be updated or replaced to ensure the exam continues to have accurate content, a high level of integrity, and fairness. The process is seamless for candidates and should not disrupt any existing study or scheduling arrangements.


    You can learn more here

Prepare for your Sustainability Excellence

exams with confidence

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