ISSP Sustainability Professional Certifications UPDATE: November 20, 2017 Certification Overview ISSP-SA Exam ISSP-CSP Exam Credential Maintenance Education Partners Program Next Steps Get Involved! Maureen Hart, ISSP Executive Director
Why certification is needed 1. Bring cohesion and definition to the emerging field of sustainability 2. Provide practitioners in the field evidence of competency, furthering their credibility, influence and career advancement opportunities 3. Provide organizations hiring employees and consultants assurance of a standard level of competency 4. Provide clear guidance and direction to educators & trainers
What are we certifying? Sustainability Practitioner: A professional who spends more than 25% of his/her work time planning, implementing, managing and reporting sustainability efforts for organizations and communities. This includes internal practitioners who may hold a title like sustainability director as well as the external consultants who help organizations implement sustainable practices. A true sustainability professional can go into ANY organization (public or private) to assess sustainability risks and opportunities.
ISSP Professional Certification Process Progress to Date 2015 Beta Launch 2016 First Cohort Certified 2014 Board Commits 2013 Body of Knowledge 2010 Competency Study Listen to the recording of the June 2015 Certification Update Webinar for more details on the history and background of the process
ISSP Sustainability Professional Credentials ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) Code of Ethics Declaration Pass ISSP-SA Certification Exam (Topic 1 in Job Task Analysis) For new/aspiring professionals and those in allied fields such as purchasing, operations, marketing, and human resources ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional Meet ISSP-SA requirement Pass ISSP-CSP Certification Exam (Topics 2-6 in JTA) Work experience and Educational qualifications For professionals with five or more years sustainability experience Both levels require on-going professional development to maintain
ISSP-SAs 324
ISSP-CSPs 59
ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) Exam Registration Available on continuous basis register whenever you are ready Testing Process 75 multiple choice questions on JTA Area 1 Test Center based (>900 worldwide) Online Remote Proctoring requires external webcam Cost ISSP Members - $175 Partner Organizations- $250 (register with organizational email) Non member - $350 Study Materials available Flashcards $30/$50 (member/nonmember) Study Guide $75/$150 (member/nonmember)
Eligibility ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP) Must have already passed the ISSP-SA exam Must submit application outlining years of experience & references Cost Members - $250 Partner Organizations - $350 (register with organizational email) Non member - $450 Testing Process 100 multiple choice questions on JTA Areas 2-6 Test Center based (>900 worldwide) Online Remote Proctoring requires external webcam Study Guide available - $75/$150 (member/nonmember)
Credential Maintenance Overview ISSP credentials are valid for two years Credential holders required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to renew credentials Earning CEUs CEUs can be earned from sustainability work, professional development (i.e. courses or training), attending conferences, authoring publications, and more ISSP developing online CEU reporting system Learn more by downloading the Credential Maintenance Guidebook from the ISSP website
ISSP Education Partner Program Purpose Identify organizations providing quality sustainability education Work with them to continually improve offerings to align with: Needs of existing and aspiring sustainability practitioners for ongoing professional development including exam prep and CEUs for maintaining the ISSP credentials Needs of organizations for qualified sustainability expertise Eligibility History of high quality sustainability-related educational offerings, instructors, and course developers Accreditation by a recognized accrediting body More details: Benefits, costs, application process see the ISSP Education Partner Program Policy on our website
ISSP Certification Partners and Supporters
Get Involved! Declare Your Organizational Support Get involved in Certification Committees: Credential Maintenance Committee Study Guide Task Force Certification Test Development Educational Partner Program For these and other volunteer opportunities sign up on the Volunteer page of the ISSP website (must be a member to volunteer) JOIN US!
More Questions? Check out ISSP Certification webpage https:///sustainability-professional-certification Download the free Candidate Handbook https:///sites/default/files/issp%20certification%20candi date%20handbook%2003-27-2017.pdf Read the answers to Frequently Asked Questions https:///certification-faq Still have questions? Send an email to Certification@sustainabilityprofessionals.org