Certified Sustainability Fundamentals™ (CSF™) Certification

Prove Your Competence in Sustainability Fundamentals

Sustainability is now a critical business priority, and organizations need professionals who understand its core principles. The Certified Sustainability Fundamentals (CSF) certification validates your competence in sustainability by assessing your actual, on-the-job results against five core units of competence and over 60 performance criteria.

This globally recognized credential demonstrates that you can support sustainability initiatives, navigate key regulations, and contribute to long-term environmental, social, and economic impact.

Is the CSF Right for You?

The CSF certification is designed for professionals who:

• Need to demonstrate foundational competence in sustainability.
• Support or contribute to sustainability initiatives within their organization.
• Want to strengthen their professional qualifications with a recognized sustainability credential.
• Work in roles across business, government, education, healthcare, finance, and more.

Why Get CSF Certified?

• 1 in 3 Companies Prioritize Sustainability Skills | One in three companies now considers sustainability knowledge critical for career advancement (Source: LinkedIn Green Skills Report).
• 80% of Executives Recognize Sustainability as a Key Business Driver | Over 80% of global executives say sustainability is now a top priority for long-term success (Source: GPM Insights 2024).
• $12 Trillion in Sustainability Opportunities | Sustainability-driven business models could unlock $12 trillion in economic opportunities by 2030 (Source: World Business Council for Sustainable Development).

📌 Sustainability competence is in demand—CSF certification proves you have the skills to meet that demand.

Why Choose GPM^®?

With sustainability certifications on the rise, it is critical to choose one that is credible, competence-based, and globally recognized.

• Competence-Based, Not Just an Exam | This GPM certification requires candidates to demonstrate their skills and real-world sustainability results.
• ISO 17024 Certification Process | Our certification approach follows the gold standard for certification of persons, ensuring credibility and rigor.
• Structured Around Proven Sustainability Frameworks | This GPM certification is built on the GPM Sustainability Competence Standard and the P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Business Practice, which have been adopted by organizations worldwide.

Get Certified

Sustainability is shaping the future of business and society. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or contribute more effectively to sustainability initiatives, the CSF certification is the benchmark for demonstrating fundamental sustainability competence.

What is the Cost?

The assessment cost is $1,299 USD, and we offer a monthly payment plan. Check out the free preview on our learning portal! Click the button below!

📌 Validate your expertise. Lead the transition to a sustainable future.

Updated: March 13, 2025

Certified Sustainability Professional™ (CSP™) Certification

Prove Your Expertise. Lead Sustainability Strategy.

The Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) certification is a globally recognized credential that validates your expertise in sustainability leadership, strategy, and implementation. In a world where sustainability is no longer optional but essential, this certification proves your ability to drive business transformation, ensure regulatory compliance, and create long-term organizational value.

Sustainability is now a key driver of business success, and organizations need qualified professionals who can lead this transition. The demand for sustainability expertise has never been higher, and professionals with proven competence are commanding higher salaries and leadership opportunities.

Is the CSP Right for You?

The CSP certification is designed for professionals who:

• Have experience in sustainability and want to validate their expertise.
• Lead or contribute to sustainability initiatives within their organization.
• Integrate sustainability into business strategy, operations, and decision making.
• Work in roles such as corporate leadership, ESG compliance, and sustainability consulting.

This certification is applicable across industries, including finance, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, government, and more.

Why Get CSP Certified?

Sustainability professionals are seeing unprecedented salary growth as organizations invest heavily in sustainability leadership roles:

• $159,430 | The average total compensation for sustainability managers in the U.S. is $159,430, with salaries increasing 37% since 2022 (Source: GreenBiz State of the Sustainability Profession 2024).
• $244,649 | Sustainability directors in the U.S. now earn an average of $244,649, reflecting a 21% increase over the past two years (Source: GreenBiz State of the Sustainability Profession 2024).
• $471,933 | Sustainability vice presidents in the U.S. are earning $471,933 on average, a 50% increase since 2022 (Source: GreenBiz State of the Sustainability Profession 2024).

📌 Sustainability professionals with validated expertise are in high demand. CSP certification gives you a competitive edge in this fast-growing field.

Why Choose GPM^®?

With the rise of sustainability certifications, it is essential to choose one that is credible, competence-based, and globally recognized.

• First to certify in Sustainability-Based Project Management – GPM pioneered this space in 2011.
• Adheres to ISO 17024 Certification Processes – Competence-based assessment, not just an exam.
• Structured Around the GPM Sustainability Competence Standard – A proven approach for real-world impact.
• Recognized by Global Organizations, Governments, and Fortune 500 Companies – A certification with global credibility.

Get Certified

Sustainability leadership is now a business imperative. Whether you're looking to advance your career, increase your earning potential, or position yourself as a strategic sustainability leader, the CSP certification is the benchmark for recognized expertise.

What is the Cost?

The assessment cost is $1,499 USD, and we offer a monthly payment plan. Check out the free preview on our learning portal! Click the button below!

📌 Validate your expertise. Lead the transition to a sustainable future.

Updated: March 13, 2025

How to Choose a Credible Sustainability Certification – And Why GPM^® Stands Above the Rest

With sustainability certifications flooding the market, it’s crucial to separate meaningful credentials from marketing gimmicks. Not all certifications are created equal, and choosing the right one can make the difference between recognition of real expertise and just another badge.

Industry expert Stacy Goff, in his article Comparing PM Certifications: Which is Best for You? identified three essential dimensions for evaluating certifications: prerequisites, breadth of coverage, and rigor of assessment.  When it comes to sustainabilty, there isn't an organization in the world with an approach that can equal what we have established as a world-class certification body.

1. Strong Prerequisites: Certifications That Are Earned, Not Bought

Goff emphasized that strong prerequisites are the foundation of a credible certification to ensure it is open to those with real experience.

Why GPM?
GPM sets a high bar, demanding real-world experience and demonstrated capability through evidence-based assessments. Our process goes beyond exams to verify that professionals have applied sustainability principles in their work.

• Evidence-based assessments requiring real project and sustainability experience
• Structured evidence submissions that demonstrate competence
• No “certifications for life” – ongoing competence is required for certification renewal

2. Comprehensive Coverage: Beyond Theory to Real-World Impact

Goff also noted that certifications should cover more than methodologies and knowledge—they should evaluate competence, behavior, and impact.

Why GPM?
GPM’s certifications are built on our globally recognized sustainability standards, ensuring professionals don’t just know about sustainability—they know how to implement it effectively. We provide a complete sustainability ecosystem with clear implementation guidance:

• The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard (What to Know): Defines the core competencies for sustainability and sustainable project professionals
• The GPM P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management and The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Business Practice (What to Do): Structured frameworks for embedding sustainability into projects and business operations
• Sustainable Project Management™: The GPM Practice Guide (How to Do It): Step-by-step guidance for applying sustainable practices in real projects

Sustainability is more than a concept. It’s a discipline. We help you master it.

3. Unparalleled Rigor of Assessment: Performance-Based Competence Assessment

Goff made it clear: rigorous assessment is needed to separates meaningful certifications from marketing gimmicks.

Why GPM?
GPM’s assessment process, aligned with ISO 17024, sets the global standard for competence-based sustainability certifications. Our assessments require real-world evidence of competence and are conducted by experienced professionals with deep expertise in both sustainability and project management.

• ISO 17024-aligned processes – the global gold standard for certification of persons
• Competency-based assessments – you must demonstrate real expertise, not just knowledge
• Expert assessors – our assessors are experienced sustainability practitioners and project managers, not generalists
• Global leadership – the head of GPM’s assessor pool sits on the ISO committee that governs ISO 17024, meaning we help shape the standards, not just follow them

4. Credibility and Industry Recognition: A Certification That Opens Doors

Finally, a certification is only as valuable as its reputation. Is it recognized and respected by employers, governments, and global organizations?

Why GPM?
GPM certifications are trusted and recognized by governments, Fortune 500 companies, universities, and NGOs worldwide. We’ve set the global standard for sustainable project management since 2011.

• Internationally recognized and adopted by leading global organizations
• Trusted by governments and Fortune 500 companies for their sustainability initiatives
• Endorsed and taught by major universities and professional institutions worldwide

5. Transparency and Commitment to Sustainability

If a certification provider can’t demonstrate their own sustainability commitments, why should you trust them?

Why GPM?
At GPM, we practice what we preach. Our commitment to sustainability is transparent and measurable.

• We are carbon neutral and report our emissions in line with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
• We publish a bi-annual Communication on Progress (COP) Sustainability Report, available on the UN Global Compact website
• Our policies and procedures align with the highest standards of professional integrity and sustainability reporting

No vague claims. No hidden processes. Just clear, transparent results.

Why GPM Is the New Gold Standard in Competence-Based SustainabilityCertification

Goff’s framework for evaluating certifications – prerequisites, breadth of coverage, and rigor of assessment – remains the gold standard for judging a certification’s value. But the leader has changed. GPM now sets the standard that others fail to meet.

GPM is the only certification provider that:

• Excels in all three dimensions of certification excellence
• Aligns with ISO 17024 for competence-based assessment
• Offers a complete sustainability ecosystem with clear implementation guidance:
  • The GPM Sustainability Competence Standard (What to Know)
  • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management and The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Business Practice (What to Do)
  • Sustainable Project Management: The GPM Practice Guide (How to Do It)
• Is globally recognized and trusted by industry leaders

In Short:

Others may sell badges. GPM certifies competence.

• The first organization to certify individuals in sustainability-based project management (since 2011)
• The only provider whose assessments align with ISO 17024 and are conducted by experienced sustainability experts
• The only program offering a complete competence ecosystem that guides professionals from learning to application
• The only certification provider that practices sustainability with transparency—not just preaches it

Choose GPM. Get Certified. Lead the Change.

Don’t settle for marketing gimmicks. Choose the certification that sets the standard. Choose GPM. And if you're just getting started, we also have an exam-based certification for you!

GPM-b™ | CSPMs™ | CSPMx™ | CSP™ | CSF™

Updated: March 13, 2025

Certified Sustainable Project Manager (Expert)™ – CSPMx™ | Formerly GPM-m

Certify Your Expertise in Sustainable Project Management™

Project success is evolving. According to PMI’s Maximizing Project Success report, traditional metrics like scope, schedule, and budget are no longer sufficient—organizations now measure success by long-term value, stakeholder satisfaction, and sustainability outcomes​.

GPM’s Insights into Sustainable Project Management 2024 report reinforces this shift, showing that 73% of project professionals consider sustainability to be critical, yet 68% of organizations have not aligned their project management practices with their sustainability goals​.

The Certified Sustainable Project Manager (Expert) – CSPMx certification validates your competence in integrating sustainability into project management. It proves your ability to lead highly complex projects and drive measurable impact.

Is the CSPMx Right for You?

The CSPMx certification is designed for experienced professionals who:

• Lead or oversee highly complex, sustainability-driven projects.
• Influence sustainability strategy and decision-making at an organizational level.
• Demonstrate competence in integrating sustainability into project frameworks.

This certification applies across all industries, including infrastructure, construction, energy, technology, finance, and international development.

📌 With sustainability now a key measure of project success, CSPMx™ sets you apart as a leader in this evolving field.

Why Get CSPMx Certified?

Sustainability is now a defining factor of project success:

• PMI^® recognizes sustainability as a key driver of project success. According to PMI, projects that integrate sustainability principles have a higher perceived success rate​.
• Project delays and risks are increasing. GPM^® research found that 53% of projects worldwide have been affected by extreme weather events linked to climate change, reinforcing the need for resilience-focused project management​.
• It is competence-based. CSPMx requires you to demonstrate mastery through real-world application.
• ISO 17024 compliant process. Our approach follows the gold standard for certification of persons, ensuring credibility and rigor.
• Structured around proven sustainability frameworks. CSPMx is based on the GPM Sustainability Competence Standard and the P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management, which have been adopted by organizations worldwide.

📌 CSPMx proves that you have the expertise to lead in an era where sustainability is critical to project success.

Why Choose GPM^®?

With sustainability becoming a defining factor in project success, it is essential to choose a certification that is credible, competence-based, and globally recognized. GPM has been a leader in sustainable project management since 2011, setting the standard for integrating sustainability into professional project management practice.

What Does it Cost?

The assessment cost is $1,499 USD, and a monthly payment plan is available. Check out the free preview on our learning portal! Click the button below!

📌 Prove your mastery. Lead the future of sustainable project management.

Updated: March 13, 2025

Certified Sustainable Project Manager (Specialist)™ – CSPMs™ | Formerly GPM-s

Certify Your Expertise in Sustainable Project Management™

Project management is evolving, and sustainability is now a key measure of success. PMI’s Maximizing Project Success report highlights that traditional metrics like scope, schedule, and budget are no longer enough—organizations are now measuring projects by their long-term value, stakeholder impact, and sustainability outcomes​.

GPM’s Insights into Sustainable Project Management 2024 report further supports this, showing that 73% of project professionals consider sustainability critical, yet 68% of organizations still lack alignment between their project management practices and their sustainability goals​.

The Certified Sustainable Project Manager (Specialist) – CSPMs certification validates your ability to lead moderately complex projects and shows that you can apply sustainability principles to ensure that your projects contribute to environmental, social, and economic goals.

Is the CSPMs Right for You?

The CSPMs certification is designed for project professionals who:

• Lead or oversee moderately complex, sustainability-driven projects.
• Need to demonstrate their competence integrating sustainability into project management.
• Influence sustainability approaches at the program or portfolio level.

This certification applies across all industries, including construction, infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance.

📌 With sustainability becoming central to project success, CSPMs proves you have the skills to meet this challenge.

Why Get CSPMs Certified?

Sustainability is now a defining factor of project success:

• PMI^® recognizes sustainability as a key project success factor. Projects that integrate sustainability demonstrate a higher perceived success rate​.
• 53% of projects have been disrupted by climate-related events. GPM research found that extreme weather events have significantly impacted project timelines, reinforcing the need for sustainability and resilience in project management​.
• Competency-based, not an exam. CSPMs certification requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in applying sustainability in moderately complex projects.
• ISO 17024 compliant process. Our certification approach follows the gold standard for certification of persons, ensuring credibility and rigor.
• Structured around proven sustainability frameworks. CSPMs is built on the GPM Sustainability Competence Standard and the P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management, which have been adopted by organizations worldwide.

📌 CSPMs ensures that you can apply sustainability principles in project management—helping organizations meet the new success criteria.

Why Choose GPM^®?

As sustainability reshapes how organizations define project success, professionals need a competency-based, globally recognized certification. GPM has been a leader in sustainable project management since 2011, setting the standard for integrating sustainability into professional practice.

What is the Cost?

The assessment cost is $1,299 USD, and a monthly payment plan is available. Check out the free preview on our learning portal! Click the button below!

📌 Demonstrate your competence at driving real sustainability impact. 

Updated: March 13, 2025

GPM-b™ | Certified Green Project Manager – Basic™

The Green Standard in Professional Certification

In today’s world, every project has a sustainability impact—and organizations need project managers who understand how to balance business objectives with environmental and social responsibility. The Certified Green Project Manager – Basic is the leading knowledge-based certification for sustainable project management, equipping professionals with a globally recognized credential that validates their understanding of sustainability principles from inception to closure.

More than just a certification, GPM-b represents a global movement toward better, more responsible project management. It is offered through GPM's global network of Accredited Training Partners, self-study options, and as part of the Project Management Institute’s certification offerings.

By studying for and earning the GPM-b, you will:
✔ Gain a strong foundation in sustainable project management principles.
✔ Validate your knowledge of sustainability-focused project management methodologies.
✔ Demonstrate your commitment to responsible and ethical project leadership.

Why Choose GPM-b?

• Globally Recognized Certification | The GPM-b is used by professionals worldwide.
• Offered by PMI | The GPM-b is part of the Project Management Institute’s certification offerings, further enhancing its credibility and reach.
• ISO 17024 Aligned | The GPM Certification Board ensures that the GPM-b certification process conforms to the ISO 17024 standard for certification of persons, ensuring quality, fairness, and credibility.
• Flexible Learning Options | Choose between training partner-led courses, self-study, or PMI pathways.

Who Should Obtain the GPM-b?

Anyone working in or with projects who wants to:

• Integrate sustainability principles into their project management practices.
• Earn a recognized credential in sustainable project management.
• Enhance their qualifications and career prospects in a rapidly evolving field.

How to Prepare for the GPM-b Exam

There are two ways to prepare:

1. Instructor-Led Training — Take a course from a GPM Accredited Training Provider to learn the practical application of GPM tools and methods while preparing for the exam.
2. Self-Study — Study independently using The GPM^® P5™ Standard for Sustainability in Project Management (a free download) and Sustainable Project Management: The GPM Practice Guide (version 2 or 3, available in digital, Kindle, or paperback formats).

📌 Practice exams are available for GPM Ambassadors.

Is there a way to recognize prior learning?

Yes. We have an RPL option! If you hold a qualifying degree or certification, you are eligible for RPL and can take the short-form exam. Qualifying items are:

• Master’s degree in Project or Program Management from an accredited college or university
• Master’s degree in Sustainability or Sustainable Development with a concentration in Project or Program Management from an accredited college or university
• Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Project or Program Management from an accredited college or university
• Master’s degree in Engineering with a concentration in Project or Program Management from an accredited college or university
• AACEI CCP
• APM PMQ, ChPP. RegPM, MPLSC
• AIPM CPPM, CPSPM, or RegPM
• IPMA Level D, C, B, or A
• PRINCE2, MSP, or MoP Practitioner
• PMI PMP or PgMP

Other credentials may qualify with the advance, written approval of GPM’s Director of Certification. For questions or approvals, please email our certification board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GPM-b Exam Structure

The exam is available in two formats.

Format 1 – Short-Form Exam (for RPL Candidates)

For candidates who meet our RPL requirements (see eligibility criteria above):

• 75 multiple-choice questions | 90-minute exam
• 60 questions on sustainability methods, sourced from:
  • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management
  • Sustainable Project Management, The GPM Practice Guide (3rd edition) (Chapters 1-4)
• 15 questions on delivery methods, sourced from:
  • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management
  • Sustainable Project Management, The GPM Reference Guide (3rd edition) (Chapters 5-12)
• Passing score: Minimum 70% in both categories

Format 2 – Standard Exam (for Non-RPL Candidates)

For candidates who do not meet RPL requirements.

• 150 multiple-choice questions | 3-hour exam
• 75 questions on sustainability methods, sourced from:
  • • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management
    • Sustainable Project Management, The GPM Practice Guide (3rd edition) (Chapters 1-4)
• 75 questions on delivery methods, sourced from:
  • The GPM P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Managemen
  • Sustainable Project Management, The GPM Reference Guide (3rd edition) (Chapters 5-12)
• Passing score: Minimum 70% in both categories

📌 Certification is valid for five (5) years upon passing the exam.

Earn a credential that sets you apart. Become a Certified Green Project Manager – Basic today!

Find a Training Partner for you or your team!  | Take the course from PMI!  |  Take the course online from us!

The GPM Certification Board, the governing body for this credential, conforms to the ISO 17024 standard. For more information, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.