Lead CSAP Practitioners (LCSAP) are practitioners who are directly involved in the assurance process (internally or externally), leading teams and taking responsibility for the formulation of public statements.

Lead Sustainability Assurance Practitioners have well-established practical experience of sustainability assurance using the AA1000AS (2008). This experience must include leading sustainability assurance assignments, either internally within an organization, or as part of external assurance assignments.

Experience in stakeholder engagement as part of assurance assignments is essential, as is the lead role in forming assurance judgments and the preparation of external or internal assurance statements.

Lead Practitioners are currently active in the provision of sustainability assurance and have been so for several years or have led a significant number of sustainability assurance assignments.

Practicing CSAP Practitioners (CSAP) are practitioners who are directly involved in the assurance process (internally or externally) as a team member.

Sustainability Assurance Practitioners have practical experience in sustainability assurance using the AA1000 Series of Standards. This experience includes active participation in sustainability assurance engagements, whether internally within an organization or as an external assurance provider.

Experience in stakeholder engagement is required, although not necessarily as part of formal assurance assignments. It will include relevant formal training and qualifications, although not necessarily specific to sustainability assurance. Practitioners are active sustainability assurance practitioner with demonstrable experience over a number of assignments with different clients or, for internal practitioners, over several assurance cycles covering
a range of sustainability issues.

Associate Practitioners (ACSAP) are professionals who are not directly involved in the assurance process or for trainee assurance practitioners (internal or external). Associate Sustainability Assurance Practitioners have an understanding of the field of sustainability assurance.

Associates have gained this knowledge by attending relevant training. Their knowledge can include, but does not require, practical assurance experience, or direct experience in stakeholder engagement.

This grade is most relevant to those beginning their career in sustainability assurance, and those involved in related topics, such as report preparation or general management, who wish to demonstrate their knowledge of the field.

Sustainability Practitioners understand the purpose and requirements of the AA1000 Series of Standards, and the related AA1000 concepts, terminology, and expectations.

They are proficient in the application and reporting of each AccountAbility Principle.

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