GRI Academy takes lead in ESRS upskilling
Published date: 03 February 2025
New Professional Certification Program on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards
The GRI Academy, the world’s number one training provider on sustainability reporting, has launched a new program for all reporters to get prepared to confidently navigate the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
The ESRS Professional Certification Program is a learning pathway that covers the different aspects of the reporting journey with the new European Standards. On completion of the program, learners will gain the status of being a ‘GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional’.
The ESRS were developed by EFRAG in collaboration with GRI, which has ensured a high degree of alignment with the GRI Standards on impact reporting – including on definitions, metrics and disclosures.
The Certification Program consists of six courses, followed by a final exam:
- Introduction to the CSRD and reporting with the ESRS
- Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting
- Double Materiality Assessment under the ESRS
- How to collect and report information under the ESRS
- Preparing for External Assurance for ESRS reporting
- Digital Reporting under the CSRD
Featuring interactive, narrated content with practical case studies and knowledge checks to track progress, the courses are available to learners around the world through the GRI Academy online platform and can be completed at one's own pace. Learners can choose between purchasing the full certification program or the courses individually.
GRI’s Certified Training Partners (CTPs), the network of training organizations around the world delivering licensed courses in more than 50 countries, will soon be offering courses from the ESRS Professional Certification Program through in-person learning. This involves an engaging, trainer-led experience in the local language, and opportunities to gain new perspectives through knowledge sharing with fellow participants. Learners should check with their local training partner to learn about the courses they will offer.
The ESRS certification is valid for one year, after which it can be renewed by achieving a minimum of four Continuing Education Units (CEUs), awarded upon successful completion of GRI Academy training courses designed to support continuous professional development.
As one of the main co-constructors of the ESRS, GRI is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality training to support reporters in gaining the key skills they need to prepare for reporting with the new EU Standards. Being a Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional will allow them to elevate the quality and credibility of their reports and stand out as experts in their field.
Paul Broekhof, GRI Head of EducationThe GRI Academy is currently offering an early-bird special: using the code GRI_ESRS_2025, the exam will be free of charge for all those who purchase the ESRS Certification Program before the end of February. Visit the GRI Academy webpage for more information about the GRI training courses and certification programs.