standards
AA1000 Individual Certification
AccountAbility helps individuals and organizations develop the knowledge and skills to implement effective stakeholder engagement, sustainability management, reporting, and assurance.
The Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (CSAP) qualification, initially developed in 2007 by AccountAbility and the International Register of Certificated Auditors, is the first internationally-recognized professional qualification in the field of sustainability assurance.
Benefits
How we can help
The qualification is intended for those who work in sustainability departments, ESG, internal audit, and consultancy services, as well as external assurance providers who undertake sustainability assurance engagements.
Enable practitioners to develop, validate, and communicate their competence systemically.
Optimize how organizations identify credible assurance expertise.
Improve stakeholder trust in the expertise and credibility of sustainability assurance professionals employed by the organization.
CSAP Routes
Overview
Individuals can achieve the Associate Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (ACSAP) qualification by following an online AA1000 training conducted by AccountAbility-licensed training providers. All three modules (A, B, and C) must be completed to get the ACSAP qualification. Please note that all AA1000 training is currently conducted virtually through our licensed training providers. You can find the list of the training providers and their contact details here. Some training providers offer live online training webinars, while others provide asynchronous learning options. With asynchronous learning, trainees can complete the training at their own pace, whenever it is convenient for them. Please contact the training provider(s) directly to inquire about the course method, logistics, and fees.
Who Can Benefit
This ‘Training Route’ option is best for those providers/individuals with minimal experience in AA1000AS v3 assurance, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Any assurance team members with years-long experience in AA1000AS v3 who have also been robustly involved in AA1000AS v3 engagements can apply directly for PCSAP or LCSAP qualification through the ‘Experienced Route.'
Important Information
With experience gained, each Associate CSAP (ACSAP) can regrade to elevate their level to Practicing CSAP (PCSAP) and then to Lead CSAP (LCSAP) based on the Criteria for CSAP Program. Please note that to apply for the PCSAP or LCSAP qualification, individuals need to demonstrate relevant work experience in AA1000SES and conduct or lead assurance engagements.
Individuals already experienced in sustainability assurance, stakeholder engagement, and AA1000AS v3 assurance (who have not necessarily participated in the AA1000 Training), but who can demonstrate the ability to operate effectively at the grade of practitioner for which they are applying, can use the ‘Experienced Route.’ Please refer to the ‘Sustainability Assurance Competency Framework’ on pages 8-11 in the Criteria for CSAP Program document.
Guidance
Additional Information
Please note there is currently no Experienced Route available for Associate CSAP (ACSAP) or Sustainability Practitioner (SP) levels.
Please reserve 2-4 months for the Experienced Route, as the applications are assessed by external technical evaluators.
Please note that a minimum of five AA1000AS engagements is required for PCSAP qualification.
Do not apply for PCSAP or LCSAP level unless you fulfil the criteria. The application fee is non-refundable.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is crucial in a rapidly-evolving landscape. It allows professionals to stay relevant, adapt to new technologies and methodologies, and enhance their skills and knowledge. In fields like sustainability assurance, where standards and practices are constantly changing, ongoing learning is essential to ensure practitioners can effectively meet the needs of their clients and stakeholders. AccountAbility reminds all current and future CSAPs about the importance of continuing professional development and the annual renewal process of the qualification. To stay listed on AccountAbility’s website, and as an active CSAP, the following is required yearly:
- Submittance of the Continuing Professional Development (CDP) hours starting from 2025
- Payment of the annual renewal fee
Every Level of CSAP must renew their certification every year. The purpose of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is to ensure delivery of best practices at all times, and, as such, to ensure the credibility of the CSAP program.
The concept of CPD, and the value it contributes, is now recognized and accepted throughout all professional fields. Commencing in 2025, practitioners need to send their CPD and practitioner experience log-sheets from the previous year to AccountAbility. This must be completed before the end of the year.
As part of the renewal of certification process, we require you to demonstrate that you have further developed your expertise and gained further practical experience in order to ensure you employ current best practice and your knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and procedures is current in order to ensure compliance.
We will assess the information you provide against the renewal requirements listed and make a certification renewal decision. If you are successful, your details will be updated on the AccountAbility Register and you will be sent a renewed certificate. If you are unable to demonstrate sufficient, relevant CPD, or fail to meet the renewal requirements for any other reason, the assessment may result in your certification not being renewed if remedial action is not taken.
The following fees will be due annually in order to retain your name on the AccountAbility web register for the corresponding level:
Sustainability Practitioner: £94
Associate Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner: £124
Practicing Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner:£179
Lead Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner: £194
Other: Regrade (When applying for a higher level) Fees: £146
It is each individual's responsibility to keep contact details updated so they can be invoiced by AccountAbility. Please contact AccountAbility Standards to update your information.
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