International Society of Sustainability Professionals Launches Sustainability Professional Certification Program
Hartford, CT (PRWEB) November 01, 2016 -- The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) announced today the opening of registration for the ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) credential exam. This launch is the result of a multi-year, open, transparent development process involving hundreds of sustainability professionals and partner organizations who have contributed to the content and administrative processes of the ISSP Sustainability Professional Certification program.
ISSP Certification provides definition and standardization of the competencies that employers and seekers of experienced sustainability professionals can expect. Those who earn an ISSP credential gain enhanced credibility for their knowledge, skills, and abilities, having attained a global benchmark for sustainability professionals.
“The number of businesses worldwide that are adopting sustainability practices has grown exponentially in the past decade, creating a need for more professionals with the expertise to guide them," said Maureen Hart, ISSP's Executive Director. “This in turn has created a need to qualify the necessary skills, knowledge, and capabilities required of effective sustainability professionals.”
Since beta testing of the certification program began last summer, more than 240 people worldwide have earned ISSP Certification. Through their participation in the beta certification program, these pioneers have helped to validate the exam and test the processes used to apply for, score, and award the ISSP Sustainability Professional credentials.
In order to register for the ISSP-SA exam, candidates should visit the Apply for Exam page on ISSP’s website. Exams can be scheduled at one of more than 900 testing centers in 120 countries, or taken via an online proctoring system. A Study Guide and flashcards designed to help candidates prepare for the ISSP-SA exam will be available for purchase from ISSP in late November. In addition, several ISSP Education Partners offer test preparation courses for the ISSP-SA exam.
The Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) credential is the first of two levels of ISSP Certification, designed for individuals who are relatively new to the field of sustainability but have sufficient education and training to pass a test on core knowledge and understanding of key sustainability concepts. The Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP) credential is for more experienced sustainability practitioners who demonstrate a combination of sustainability-related work experience and formal education. Obtaining the ISSP-CSP requires a passing grade on both the ISSP-SA and ISSP-CSP tests. Registration for ISSP-CSP certification testing will open in the Spring of 2017. Both certifications require ongoing maintenance in the form of CEU’s (Continuing Education Credits) that will be verified every two years.
ISSP has followed the internationally recognized ISO 17024 standard in development of the Sustainability Professional Certification program. ISO 17024 sets out globally recognized criteria for creating a certification program for individuals. Adhering to the ISO 17024 standard ensures that the ISSP Certification provides a global benchmark for sustainability professionals and industry-recognized credentials that can be carried across national borders.
About ISSP
The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is the world's leading professional association for sustainability professionals. ISSP is a member-driven association committed to moving the profession of sustainability forward by leading the design and delivery of sustainability professional certification, and by building strong networks and communities of practice. Webinars, online courses, a sustainability educational certificate, sustainability professional’s body of knowledge, special reports, resource directories and salary surveys are just a sampling of the rich content offered to members. Formed in 2007, ISSP boasts almost 1000 members from every region of the world.
Ray Berardinelli, International Society of Sustainability Professionals, http://www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org, 503-425-9095, [email protected]
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