The Sustainability Excellence Credentials were developed by ISSP through global collaboration by sustainability practitioners, for sustainability practitioners. Designed with rigorous international standards in mind, these credentials provide third-party verification of competency in the profession.

Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA). Originally designed by ISSP, the SEA credential demonstrates an understanding of core sustainability concepts and best practices. 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.

Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP). The SEP demonstrates advanced knowledge and extensive experience in the sustainability field. This credential is intended to recognize leaders and experts who are at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable world. In order to earn an SEP credential, candidates must previously have earned their SEA and demonstrated professional mastery in key fields, including stakeholder engagement, core sustainability concepts, and implementation of sustainable strategies.

Note: SEA and SEP exams may be taken online at your home or place of work, as well as at testing centers.

THe 6 domains of knowledge described in the Job Task Analysis (JTA))

 
 
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“How to make sustainability more than just a buzzword on someone’s résumé? With the proliferation of training offerings by various providers, the primary certification in sustainability and experience verification is a must. A professional designation like SEP recognizes the commitment and confirms that a certified professional offers more adds-on value than a non-certified one.”
— Alexander Belyakov, PhD, SEP, Consultant to UN agencies and sustainability educator
 

ISSP Credential History

In 2016, we launched the ISSP credentials to define and recognize competency in the field of sustainability. In 2017, GBCI and ISSP partnered to enhance, scale and promote the credentials in order to drive positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes in organizations and communities at a global scale. GBCI formally acquired the credentials in 2019 and is responsible for administering and delivering the credentials. ISSP delivers professional development to support exam preparation, credential maintenance, and professional development. Today, GBCI and ISSP continue to partner together to provide best-in-class educational resources and empower a growing network of sustainability professionals.

On December 1, 2020, GBCI gave the ISSP credentials a new name and look, however, the credentials continue to represent a mastery of the six domains of sustainability professional excellence that remain the core of the program. The ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) is renamed the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and the ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP) is renamed the Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP), both established by the ISSP, join LEED AP and other credentialing frameworks operated by GBCI.

Sustainability professionals town hall Event report

Sustainability professionals town hall Event report