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ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management

The drive towards a sustainable business has opened up a whole new world of opportunity and the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management, formerly known as the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management, is your way in. Develop the essential management skills to help your business and community become more sustainable. 

Did you know? At Astutis, our course prices include everything: from the training itself, the first sitting of assessments, your certification and should you need it a free assessment resit. We provide an all-inclusive training package with no hidden costs, just real value!

When you study the ISEP Foundation Certificate with Astutis you also receive ISEP associate membership (AISEP), providing post-nominal letters and networking opportunities with sustainability specialists. If you already possess a membership, you will receive a 12 month extension to it instead.

ISEP, formerly known as IEMA, rebranded. Learn more about the rebrand and how it affects you here.

Duration

5 days or 40 Hours

Entry Requirements

We believe in making learning accessible to everyone. With no entry requirements, this course is designed for individuals at any level.

Learning options:

4
  • Online  Icon

    Online Learning

    Flexible, accessible, self-paced digital learning.


    • Complete the course around your schedule
    • Anytime access on any device
    • Test your own progress
    • Exams included

  • Virtual  Icon

    Virtual Learning

    Live, interactive online training with a tutor.


    • A classroom experience from home or work
    • Printed and digital notes
    • Free access to online materials
    • Exams included

  • Classroom  Icon

    Classroom Learning

    In-person, tutor-led learning in a classroom setting.


    • Study with fellow professionals
    • Lunch and refreshments included
    • Physical course notes and workbooks
    • Exams included

  • On-Site Icon

    On-Site Learning

    Train together in a collaborative, face-to-face or virtual classroom setting with off-the-shelf or customised courses


    • Perfect balance of flexibility and cost effectiveness
    • Choose from Classroom or Virtual learning
    • Designated Account Manager
    • Exclusive corporate rates

ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management Explained

Interested in the details? Download the course overview.

Download Course Pack

ISEP, formerly known as IEMA, is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course will give you a foundation of environmental and sustainability knowledge to build on and leads directly to ISEP Associate Membership.

The ISEP Foundation Certificate is for anyone looking to make an impact in an environment or sustainability role. It focuses on environmental management so it's perfect if you're starting out, responsible for collecting and collating environmental or sustainability data through to providing routine checks on legislative or pollution prevention measures.

Designed by Experts for Experts

Take a peek inside the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management Online course.

Units

  • Element 1

    Core Environmental Principles

  • Element 2

    Sustainability and mega-trends

  • Element 3

    Policy and legislation

  • Element 4

    Environmental Management Systems

  • Element 5

    Performance evaluation

  • Element 6

    Additional management and assessment tools

  • Element 7

    Communication and the management of change

Assessments

  • Online multiple-choice test

Course Length

  • Classroom/Virtual: 5 days plus online exam

    Online: approx 40 hours (6 months access provided)

Virtual Learning
Classroom Learning
Virtual
12/01/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
02/02/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
16/02/2026
£1045.00
Cardiff: Holiday Inn, CF10 1XD
16/02/2026
£1450.00
Virtual
09/03/2026
£1045.00
London: Broadway House, Westminster, SW1H 9NQ
09/03/2026
£1450.00
Bristol: Engineers House, Clifton, BS8 3NB
20/04/2026
£1450.00
Virtual
20/04/2026
£1045.00
Warrington: High Legh Golf Club, Knutsford, WA16 0WA
27/04/2026
£1450.00
Wakefield: Holiday Inn, Pontefract, WF5 9BE
11/05/2026
£1450.00
Virtual
11/05/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
22/06/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
13/07/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
17/08/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
21/09/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
19/10/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
09/11/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
07/12/2026
£1045.00
Virtual
11/01/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
08/02/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
08/03/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
19/04/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
10/05/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
14/06/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
12/07/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
09/08/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
13/09/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
18/10/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
15/11/2027
£1045.00
Virtual
06/12/2027
£1045.00
No prior experience or knowledge is required.
Element 1
Core Environmental Principles 1.1 The main natural cycles 1.2 Ecosystem services 1.3 Biodiversity and ecological stability 1.4 The impact of human intervention on natural cycles and ecological systems 1.5 Pollution sources, pathways and receptors 1.6 Climate
Element 2
Sustainability and mega-trends 2.1 Mega-trends 2.2 Sustainable development and sustainability 2.3 Principles of sustainability business and corporate governance Element
Element 3
Policy and legislation Element 3: Policy and Legislation 3.1 The key principles of environmental policy 3.2 Key environmental policy instruments 3.3 Background to environmental legislation 3.4 Examples of criminal law 3.5 Stakeholders and the role of regulators Element 4: Environmental Management Systems.
Element 4
Environmental Management Systems 4.1 Introduction to environmental management systems 4.2 Key elements of ISO 14001
Element 5
Performance evaluation  5.1 Data management 5.2 Monitoring performance 5.3 Environmental inspections and audits 
Element 6
Additional management and assessment tools Additional Management and Assessment Tools 
Element 7
Communication and the management of change 7.1 Communication 7.2 Corporate reporting 7.3 Green claims 7.4 Management of change.

ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability & Environmental Management Syllabus Guide

ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability & Environmental Management Course Guide

ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability & Environmental Management Fact Sheet

The ISEP Foundation Certificate is assessed with a 1-hour, open-book online multiple choice test.

Assessments run on a weekly basis, and you will be given a 6 week window of submission. You will be provided login details from ISEP and can login anytime during this window to complete the test, however this must be completed in one sitting. Results are shown immediately after completion.

Successful completion also entitles you to Associate Membership of ISEP (AISEP), and your first year membership is included in the course costs.

If you're studying the ISEP Foundation Certificate Online Course, learners are required to book their assessment by contacting our online learning team.

For more information on the online assessment, visit our Exam Hub:

Read more  

The ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management, formerly known as IEMA Foundation Certificate, is a professional qualification that provides you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in the environmental field. You will gain a thorough understanding of environmental management principles, as well as practical experience of how these principles are applied in real-world situations. You will also develop an appreciation for how your role fits into the wider context of business, society and the environment.

This course will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills that can be used in many different areas of environmental management.

You will learn about topics including:

  • Environmental Principles
  • Policy and legislation
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Sustainability and mega-trends
Discover more in our 'What is the ISEP/IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management' blog here.

The ISEP Foundation Certificate, is a level 3 qualification, equivalent to an A-Level. The course serves as an ideal entry point for those looking to enter the environmental sector, equipping learners with essential environmental knowledge to thrive within this industry.

The ISEP Foundation Certificate, formerly known as IEMA Foundation Certificate, acts as a great starting point for a career in the rapidly growing environmental sector. It offers the essential knowledge and skills needed to address key sustainability issues and enable you to enhance your career opportunities and make a positive impact within your organisation.

The course is flexible and accessible to anyone, due to the array of learning methods on offer. Online learning allows you to study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. The course is also available via Virtual and Classroom study.

Associate membership of ISEP (AISEP), formerly known as AIEMA, is provided to learners on successful completion of the ISEP Foundation Certificate. This membership offers many benefits, including opportunities to network with fellow environmental professionals, access to valuable resources such as industry publications and news, helping you boost your reputation as an expert in environmental management.
The ISEP Foundation Certificate is assessed by a one hour multiple-choice online test. There are 30 questions, and you will need to answer 21 correctly (70%) to pass.

Did you know? At Astutis our course prices include everything: including the assessments, and should you need it a free assessment resit! There are no hidden costs, just real value.

For more information about the ISEP Foundation Certificate exam, please visit our Exam Hub.
IEMA rebranded to ISEP, the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. The purpose of the rebrand is to better reflect ISEP's broader focus across the sustainability sector.

Post-nominals will shift to AISEP, PISEP and MISEP, while course titles will be updated to match the new brand, with no changes to content.

Certificates issued after 8 January 2025 will carry the ISEP branding and earlier certificates remain valid. We'll continue to share updates as they're confirmed. For the latest updates, you can read more here.
Workplace Training

ISEP Foundation Certificate for Your Workforce

Develop your people for a better organisation.

By applying the knowledge and skills gained from the ISEP Foundation Certificate qualification, you will be able to contribute to maintaining a sustainable workplace. 

Our training has been tried and tested by 100,000 health and safety professionals. We offer a range of learning options, including virtual classroom, online and on-site classroom courses delivered at premises of your choice on a day of your choice.

Benefits Of Staff Training At Your Organisation

Cost and time saving benefits for larger number of staff.
Your own dedicated account manager to organise all aspects of your training.
Relevant training for your staff can be tailored to company requests.
Choice and convenience of training delivery options to suit your staff.

Whats The Best Way For My Staff To Learn?

Dependent on staff availability, location, budget and your company needs, choose from the options:

IOSH MS Online - Our interactive and multimedia rich courses for staff to fit in around their commitments

Online - Our interactive and multimedia rich courses for staff to fit in around their commitments

Classroom - Expert tutor-led delivery, hosted in a professional training environment across 6-sites within the UK. Alternatively Classroom training can be delivered On-Site at your premises for multiple learners.

Virtual - The Virtual Learning Academy is the most modern approach to delivering live-online training without the need to travel

Workplace Training
CONSULTATION SERVICE

Helping You To Train Your Staff

Independent and practical consultancy support provided by our Chartered Health and Safety, and Environmental practitioners.

Book Now

For instant access to your online course, or to guarantee your seat on our virtual or classroom course, book now!
Contact Us

Here to Help

Need some more information? Get in contact with a member of our team now!

Contact Us

Still have questions? Our team of dedicated course advisors are on hand to answer all your questions. Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly, or alternatively start a Live Chat.

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.
  • "Excellent support received from all team. Thank you very much"

    Umer
    26.11.2025
  • "Great learning experience"

    Umer
    26.11.2025
  • "Great resources for the course, great communication from Astutis regarding resits etc. I enjoyed the webinars."

    19.11.2025
  • "The course was fantastic - the course content along with the resources and webinars provided by Astutis gave me really great support throughout."

    19.11.2025
  • "Very well delivered course. The trainer was very knowledgeable and created a very relaxed but informative training session. The course handouts were of very good quality."

    Richard
    18.11.2025
  • "The course delivered exactly what it was supposed to. The trainer was very approachable and created a relaxed and informative learning environment."

    Richard
    18.11.2025
  • "trainer was very knowledgable answered questions with ease"

    Gary
    18.11.2025
  • "i was very impressed with instructors knowledge."

    Gary
    18.11.2025
  • "Great on line platform - easy to understand and good pace. The end test - you really had to think about - it’s tested knowledge - great option for learning CDM"

    Neil
    12.11.2025
  • "Great on line platform and great pace for learning"

    Neil
    12.11.2025
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