Become a GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional
About Us
Master the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
Program Description
Step into expertise of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) with the GRI ESRS Professional Certification Program — a structured, trainer-led curriculum developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Delivered by the University of Sarajevo — a GRI Global Certified Training Partner (CTP) — this intensive program provides a step-by-step pathway through the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements.
Participants will develop in-depth expertise in:
- European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
- Stakeholder engagement and double materiality
- External assurance and digital reporting
By the end, you’ll be equipped in both the technical knowledge and practical tools to produce high-quality, CSRD-compliant disclosures and strengthen your role as a sustainability reporting leader.
Target Audience
Ideal for:
- Sustainability and ESG professionals
- CSRD compliance and reporting leads
- Corporate disclosure and legal teams
- ESG consultants and advisors
- Auditors and assurance providers
- Public sector officials and academics
Course Agenda (5-Day Intensive Format)
| Day | Course Title |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Introduction to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS |
| Day 2 | Stakeholder Engagement and Double Materiality Assessment |
| Day 3 | Collecting and Reporting Material Information |
| Day 4 | Preparing for External Assurance & Digital Reporting under the CSRD |
| Day 5 | Exam Preparation, Practice Q&A, Certification Exam Logistics |
Interactive, certified trainer-led sessions are offered in a bilingual format (English and local language), with two flexible delivery options — live remote training or face-to-face workshops — and include printed materials, digital resources, and personalised support.
Skills You Will Gain
- Strong understanding of CSRD obligations and ESRS structure
- Application of stakeholder engagement and double materiality principles
- Practical experience in data collection, gap analysis, and reporting workflows
- Familiarity with external assurance preparation and XBRL/digital tagging
- Confidence to lead or support CSRD-aligned reporting projects
- Full readiness for the GRI ESRS Certification Exam
Certification Exam Overview
The GRI Professional Certification Exam is administered online directly by the GRI Academy:
- 40 questions (multiple-choice, true/false, sentence completion)
- Duration: 1 hour | Passing score: 75%
- Up to 3 retakes permitted (7-day cooling-off period)
- Proctoring software required; no external resources allowed
Certification Award
Participants who complete the program and pass the exam earn the designation:
- GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional
Certified professionals are listed in the official GRI Directory GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, maintained by GRI, confirming their recognised expertise in ESRS implementation and CSRD-compliant sustainability reporting.
How This Certification Can Advance Your Career
The GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional credential is more than a certificate, it validates your technical proficiency and strategic understanding of EU-aligned reporting while supporting both upskilling and reskilling goals:
- Ensure organisational compliance with CSRD/ESRS requirements
- Lead double materiality assessments and stakeholder engagement
- Strengthen transparency and build trust with investors and stakeholders
- Qualify for roles in compliance, ESG assurance, policy advisory, and consultancy
- Increase employability with a globally recognised credential
- Join the GRI Certification Directory and a global community of reporting professionals
This credential positions you as a trusted advisor capable of guiding organisations through the technical, regulatory, and strategic dimensions of CSRD-aligned reporting.
Alignment with the SDGs
This course expands your knowledge of the following SDGs and supports global goals by promoting transparent, high-quality sustainability reporting:
- SDG 12.6 – Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and report on sustainability information
- SDG 13.3 – Build capacity for climate action and awareness
- SDG 17.16/17.17 – Strengthen global frameworks for measuring progress on sustainable development
Why Enroll?
- Master the ESRS from start to finish with hands-on instruction
- Earn certification from a co-creator of the ESRS framework
- Deliver high-quality, assurance-ready sustainability reports
- Future-proof your ESG career in the EU and beyond
- Join a global network through the GRI Certification Directory
