Become a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional

About Us

Master the World’s Most Widely Used Sustainability Reporting Framework

Program Description

Step into the world’s leading sustainability reporting framework with the GRI Professional Certification Program – the only globally recognized curriculum developed and administered by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Delivered by the University of Sarajevo — a GRI Global Certified Training Partner (CTP) — this five-day intensive program equips you with everything you need to succeed on the official GRI Professional Certification Exam.

Participants will develop deep understanding of:

The GRI Standards and impact materiality
Human rights disclosures and sector-specific reporting
The global reporting landscape

By the end, you’ll be equipped to lead sustainability reporting processes that are in line with international best practices.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for:

Sustainability, ESG, or CSR professionals
Consultants and reporting practitioners
Public and private sector disclosure officers
University educators and researchers
Anyone seeking global recognition in non-financial reporting

Course Agenda (5-Day Intensive Format)

Day	Course Title
Day 1	Reporting with the GRI Standards
Day 2	Reporting on Human Rights with the GRI Standards
Day 3	Navigating the GRI Sector Standards
Day 4	Transparency for Tomorrow: Decoding the Reporting Landscape
Day 5	Exam Preparation, Practice Q&A, Certification Exam Logistics

Interactive, 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

Mastery of GRI Standards (Universal, Topic, Sector)
Application of impact materiality in sustainability reporting
Integration of human rights disclosures in ESG reports
Understanding of sector-specific reporting practices
Ability to navigate the global reporting landscape
Preparedness for the GRI Certification Exam

Certification Exam Overview

The GRI Professional Certification Exam is administered online directly by the GRI Academy:

40 questions (multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank)
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

Upon successful completion of the program and exam, participants earn the designation:

GRI Certified Sustainability Professional

Certified individuals are listed in the official GRI Certification Directory GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, maintained by GRI, showcasing their global recognition, professional credibility, and leadership in sustainability reporting.

Career Impact

The GRI Certified Sustainability Professional credential is more than a certificate, it validates your expertise and accelerates your career by supporting both upskilling and reskilling goals:

Lead the preparation of GRI-aligned reports that meet global best practices
Strengthen your organisation’s ESG transparency and stakeholder trust
Ensure compliance with global disclosure frameworks including CSRD/ESRS
Qualify for new career opportunities in sustainability reporting, ESG assurance, consultancy, and compliance
Advance your expertise in double materiality, sector-specific reporting, and SDG integration
Join the official GRI Certification Directory and connect with a worldwide network of sustainability professionals

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 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions
SDG 17.19 – Strengthen global frameworks for measuring progress on sustainable development