How to Study the IEMA Foundation Certificate

Have you taken on more environmental responsibilities in your job and need to develop your knowledge and skills? The IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management is the ideal course to upskill yourself and develop a career in sustainability. It covers the entire sustainability agenda so that you can reduce your company's impact on the local and global environment.

Because this course is so heavily sought after, we have made sure there are many ways you can study for this globally-recognised qualification. We have broken down all the essential elements of each of them so you can choose which one is right for you and your learning journey.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Training Course

Deciding the right study method for you is usually determined by your circumstances. The most common factors to consider are:

• Your availability – How flexible are you? Do you have a deadline to complete the qualification?
• Budget - Are you funding the course or is your employer?
• Your preferred learning styles - Perhaps you're trying online learning for the first time and want to find out if it is for you?

Each method is tailored so you can choose the way to learn that is right for you.

IEMA Foundation Certificate Online Course

Online learning is also referred to as e-learning or home study. Studying the IEMA Foundation Certificate online offers you a very flexible method of study which has become such an essential factor for everyone's busy lives. If you are familiar with studying online, you know the essential features of saving time, money and energy.

Format

You need access to a digital device such as a laptop/PC, tablet or smartphone and internet access. Be prepared to devote a minimum of around 40 hours of online study to complete this course. Your online course will be hosted on our Learning Management System (LMS) which is a learning website which is where you access your course and additional resources.

If you have many commitments to juggle from work and family, a huge benefit to studying online is flexibility. You decide on the time and place of study. You can access the course whenever you want and study from the comfort and ease of your home. The Online IEMA Foundation course price will always be less than a classroom course in addition to the transport and time savings.

Visit our blog to discover how difficult the IEMA Foundation Certificate is.

Price

Choosing to study via our Astutis Online Learning platform is by far the most cost-effective and budget-friendly option. Thanks to our acclaimed Digital Learning team, we have ensured that learners have an innovative, comprehensive, and effective learning experience for a fraction of the price of classroom training without sacrificing any quality. At the 2023 NEBOSH Graduation, our online NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma learners gave us feedback on the online learning method and how they found the experience.

Environmental Impact

Studying your IEMA Foundation Certificate online is more environmentally friendly. You are reducing your carbon footprint with less use of energy and paper resources. You are playing your part in reducing your impact on the environment.

IEMA Foundation Certificate Classroom Course

For the IEMA Foundation Certificate, classroom study is also referred to as traditional learning or face to face. It means you choose a venue and a date of a course provider’s public course that suits your schedule. The IEMA website lists all the providers for the IEMA Foundation classroom and online learning providers. The vast majority are based in the UK and the United Arab Emirates. Astutis offers regular courses across the UK.

Format

Typically, a classroom course can host up to 20 students, but 8 to 14 learners is an optimum number for effective interaction and group work. It is a five-day course followed by a one-hour multiple-choice test to complete within 28 days of the last day of the course.

The IEMA Foundation Certificate classroom course is led by a tutor who must be a full member of IEMA with plenty of environmental experience. A good tutor will use their industry background in managing environmental and sustainability issues to illustrate the ideas and concepts covered in the course.

This will depend on the course provider. Typically, the tutor will present the topic, and then students participate in the discussion and different interactive activities in groups to develop knowledge, understanding and skills. You should have plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn in typical workplace scenarios. You can also benefit from sharing experiences with people in similar roles and exchanging ideas.

Price

At the other end of the spectrum, the classroom training method is typically the most expensive option available. The course costs cover the venue, lunch, refreshments and, of course, our expert tutors to guide you through the course. Customers should also be aware of the hidden costs they will have to pay. Expenses such as travel costs (petrol, tickets, etc.) and overnight accommodation can begin to tally up, and when purchasing for a large number of employees, this effect compounds even further.

Environmental Impact

It is also worth noting that classroom training has the largest impact on the environment. We offer the option, but it should be acknowledged that classroom training requires the use of transport for employees that can contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions.

IEMA Foundation Certificate Virtual Classroom Course

Format

A halfway house for costs exists between online training and the classroom. Virtual training bridges the gap and allows learners to study online while being guided by a tutor through the course material.  

Price

This method removes many of the previously mentioned costs and hidden costs of classroom training but maintains much of the rigorous structure inherent in the classroom training model.

Environmental Impact

Similarly, this method also eliminates any need for travel and therefore the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with classroom training.

If you are torn between classroom, online or virtual learning for your IEMA Foundation Certificate, you need to weigh up your drivers for taking the course. Consider the importance of the features outlined and what is best for your learning experience.

Before making a decision on the learning method and the course provider, ask for a demo of the online course and review the testimonials of both classroom and online learning methods.

For a full rundown of the IEMA Foundation Certificate, take a look at our blog.

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