IEMA Qualification and Membership Changes

IEMA has announced changes to its Foundation Certificate and Associate Certificate qualifications and membership structure following a consultation with current members. Along with a fresh new rebranding, IEMA has introduced new points of entry and easier upgrades to assist members as they gain more experience.

IEMA Foundation Certificate

As of 1 January 2017, completion of the IEMA Foundation Certificate will automatically entitle you to Associate Membership of IEMA (AIEMA). Associate Membership is the entry point for those building a career in the environment and sustainability and is a way to get recognition for the knowledge you’ve gained through your work. You can read more about Associate Membership of IEMA on their website.

Anyone who has completed this qualification between June 2013 and 31 December 2016 will also be entitled to Associate Membership of IEMA without having to take any further assessments. 

The updated IEMA Foundation Certificate will now be taught over 5 days, instead of 4, and will consist of an online exam at the end of the course. 

IEMA Associate Certificate

The IEMA Associate Certificate has been replaced by a newly developed IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management which will be available from 1 July 2017 and will link directly to the new IEMA Practitioner Membership (PIEMA). This new membership is designed to be the benchmark for working sustainability professionals driving change at an operational level and will enable you to build your influence as an expert and practitioner. Take a look at our blog to disocver the route to IEMA Practitioner Membership.

Those that successfully complete the current IEMA Associate Certificate before 31 December 2016, will benefit from automatic progression to new Practitioner Membership rather than Associate membership.

Between 1 January 2017 and 1 July 2017, completion of the Associate Certificate will still lead to Associate Membership but will also entitle you to fast track to Practitioner Membership through completion and submission of an assessment of competence. 

For more information on the new IEMA qualification and membership structure head over to our IEMA FAQ page by clicking below.