ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management

This course delivers the official ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management, the recognised Level 3 qualification for anyone starting out in environment, sustainability or ESG. Previously known as the IEMA Foundation Certificate, it carries the same content and credibility under the new ISEP brand.

Designed by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, the course gives you the practical knowledge to collect and interpret environmental data, support compliance with environmental legislation, contribute to an environmental management system, and play an active role in your organisation's sustainability agenda.

On successful completion you also receive ISEP Associate Membership (AISEP), entitling you to use the post-nominal letters and access ISEP's professional network. If you already hold AISEP membership, you receive a 12-month extension instead.

Element 1: Core Environmental Principles

Element 2: Sustainability and Mega-trends

Element 3: Policy and Legislation

Element 4: Environmental Management Systems

Element 5: Performance Evaluation

Element 6: Additional Management and Assessment Tools

Element 7: Communication and the Management of Change

Who needs the ISEP Foundation Certificate?

This qualification is designed for anyone moving into or already working in an environment, sustainability, ESG, compliance or operations role. It is well suited to those collecting environmental data, supporting an ISO 14001 management system, checking pollution prevention measures, or wanting a credible first qualification to launch a sustainability career.

What level is the ISEP Foundation Certificate?

The ISEP Foundation Certificate is a Level 3 qualification, broadly equivalent to A-Level. It is the recognised entry-point qualification into the environmental and sustainability profession and is a natural stepping stone to the ISEP Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management.

How long does the ISEP Foundation Certificate take?

The online course is approximately 40 hours of study, with 6 months of access from enrolment so you can study at your own pace. The classroom and virtual classroom versions are delivered over 5 consecutive days, plus the online exam.

Can I take the ISEP Foundation Certificate online?

Yes, this course is fully available online with on-demand, self-paced learning. It is also offered through virtual classroom (live, tutor-led over 5 days), in-person classroom and on-site corporate formats.

What does the ISEP Foundation Certificate cover?

The course covers:

Core environmental principles — natural cycles, ecosystem services, biodiversity, pollution sources and climate

Sustainability mega-trends, sustainable development and corporate governance

Environmental policy, key legislation and the role of regulators

Environmental management systems and the key elements of ISO 14001

Performance evaluation — data management, monitoring, inspections and audits

Additional management and assessment tools used in practice

Communication, corporate reporting, green claims and managing change

How is the ISEP Foundation Certificate assessed?

Assessment is a 1-hour open-book online multiple-choice test of 30 questions. You need to answer 21 correctly (70%) to pass. The assessment runs on a weekly basis and you are given a 6-week window in which to sit it. Results are shown immediately on completion. The test must be completed in one sitting. Online learners book the assessment by contacting the Astutis online learning team.

Is the ISEP Foundation Certificate recognised internationally?

Yes, ISEP (formerly IEMA) is the professional body for environment and sustainability practitioners and its qualifications are recognised internationally. The Foundation Certificate is widely accepted as the standard entry-level environmental qualification by employers across every sector.

What is the IEMA to ISEP rebrand?

IEMA rebranded to ISEP — the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals — to better reflect its broader focus across the sustainability sector. Course content is unchanged. Post-nominals are now AISEP, PISEP and MISEP. Certificates issued after 8 January 2025 carry the ISEP branding and earlier IEMA certificates remain fully valid.

You will receive an official ISEP certificate plus AISEP Associate Membership after successful completion.