Courses Available Online, Virtually and Classroom
Fully Certified NEBOSH, IOSH, IEMA Accredited
7-Day Customer Service
Jim Anderson CMIOSH, MIIRSM, AIEMA

How to Study the IEMA Foundation Certificate

August 2024

 

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.

Click the button below to view our Ways to Study guide!

 

 

Related Blogs

  • NEBOSH General Certificate Further Study | What Comes Next? Image
    Jason Mordecai

    NEBOSH General Certificate Further Study | What Comes Next?

    Find out all the health and safety qualifications and courses available to you upon completion of the NEBOSH General Certificate course for those looking to become experts or specialise in a specific industry.
    09.07.25
  • HSE Asbestos Statistics Summary and Expert Analysis Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    HSE Asbestos Statistics Summary and Expert Analysis

    Read our expert analysis of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos statistics latest update as we look at the trends over time, key takeaways and why numbers of deaths are falling.
    08.07.25
  • UK Fatal Injury Statistics Summary & Key Takeaways | Safety Expert Explains Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    UK Fatal Injury Statistics Summary & Key Takeaways | Safety Expert Explains

    Find out why the latest Health and Safety Executive fatal injury statistics update has revealed some worrying trends, with increasing fatalities in construction and agriculture, self-employed workers at risk, and public deaths rapidly rising.
    02.07.25
  • What Is Occupational Health and Safety? Everything You Need to Know Image
    Andrew Froude B.Eng (Hons), CMIOSH, MIIRSM, OSHCR

    What Is Occupational Health and Safety? Everything You Need to Know

    Find out what occupational health and safety (OHS) means as summarise it's essential elements including how OHS professionals are trained, why it's important and it's storied history.
    30.06.25
  • Glossary for Decarbonisation Phrases & Terminology: Breaking Down the Jargon Image
    Kathryn Jenkins PIEMA, MSc, BSc (Hons), LLB (Hons)

    Glossary for Decarbonisation Phrases & Terminology: Breaking Down the Jargon

    Read through our full glossary of decarbonisation and sustainability terms, so you can cut through the industry jargon and understand key environmental topics.
    25.06.25
  • How to Write a Workplace Fire Risk Assessment | Template Included Image
    Brenig Moore DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, CEnvH

    How to Write a Workplace Fire Risk Assessment | Template Included

    Find out all you need to know about creating fire risk assessments for workplaces, with expert recommendations on third-party costs, the five steps needed and in-company training options.
    24.06.25
Section Curve
Case Studies

Real Life Stories

Find out how learners look back on their training with Astutis. Our case studies give our learners, both individual and corporate, a platform to share their Astutis experience. Discover how training with Astutis has helped past learners and delegates make the world a safer place, one course at a time.
More Image
Bottom Curve
What People Say

Hear What Our Learners Have To Say

We're always there for our customers. 98% of our learners rated their overall experience as good or outstanding. We will always pride ourselves on our customer service. But don’t take our word for it, here is what our customers have to say
  • "Cusomer service at the highest standard, friendly courses, helped me with passing at 1st time even taking in considerastion the fact I am not a native English speaker :)"

    Marta
    10.07.2025
  • "Very intuitivee and well organised"

    Marta
    10.07.2025
  • "Fantastic course I fully recommended"

    Hristo
    07.07.2025
  • "Fully recomended"

    Hristo
    07.07.2025
  • "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Astutis team for their outstanding support throughout my NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma journey. This was my first ever course with Astutis as distant learner, and naturally, I had a lot of doubts at the beginning. However, the structured course material, the expertise of your instructors, and the timely assistance I received made a significant difference. I am pleased to share that I passed all three units on my first attempt, which reflects the quality of your training and the accuracy of your 85% first-time pass rate claim. The diploma has strengthened my understanding of health and safety and given me the confidence to apply this knowledge in my professional role. I truly appreciate the professionalism, dedication, and learner-focused approach your team demonstrated at every stage. I would highly recommend Astutis to anyone considering the NEBOSH Diploma or any other health and safety course. I am grateful for the positive learning experience you provided."

    Tauseef
    29.06.2025
  • "The NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma course offered by Astutis is exceptionally well-structured and comprehensive. The course materials are detailed, clearly presented, and supported by practical examples that help in understanding complex health and safety concepts. One of the most valuable aspects of the course is the Astutis online learning platform, which provides easy access to all study resources and allows interaction with other learners. The opportunity to engage with peers enhances the overall learning experience. Additionally, the inclusion of YouTube video content alongside the course materials made it easier to grasp key concepts and apply them effectively. This well-rounded approach played a significant role in helping me pass all three units on my first attempt."

    Tauseef
    29.06.2025
  • "Thoroughly professional course, with engaging and articulate delivery. I would highly recommend Astutis for training."

    Barry Sherwell
    29.06.2025
  • "Thoroughly professional, with engaging and articulate delivery. I would highly recommend."

    Barry Sherwell
    29.06.2025
  • "Great training, from highly competent and motivated tutors who delivered a very engaging course."

    Toby
    25.06.2025
  • "Great training, from highly competent and motivated tutors who delivered a very engaging course."

    Toby
    25.06.2025