What you will learn
The Diploma syllabus, developed by the ACCA Qualification team, is structured into four key sections: Sustainability, regulatory frameworks and ethics, Sustainable strategic planning, decision-making and measurement, Sustainability Reporting and Sustainability Assurance. Through this syllabus, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability frameworks and ethical considerations; strategic planning, decision-making and how to measure performance; sustainability reporting for investors and the interaction with the financial statements; and finally how to plan and conduct a sustainability assurance engagement.
About this learning pack
This pack provides access to the core learning for the Diploma via four certificates, each aligned with the key sections of the Diploma syllabus. These certificates can be taken individually as standalone learning units or stacked together to form the foundation of learning for the Diploma.
Together with this learning, you are pre-paying for an entry for the diploma examination to be taken on 26th May 2026. Details of the exam registration can be found below.
This pack also includes two bonus courses to provide additional learning on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards and to provide support to those preparing to take the Diploma Exam.
If you are studying for the Diploma, we suggest you complete all four certificates in order, but you are welcome to study them in any order you choose or omit study if you think you have a full grasp of that syllabus area. The total learning experience across the four certificates and Exam Preparation course is 60 hours.
Please note that the Diploma exam is included in this bundle. You can find further information in the details in this bundle or here where we explain some more details on the diploma in general.
Details on the four certificates and bonus courses can be found below.
Certificate in Sustainability Frameworks and Ethics (CertSFE)
This Certificate provides a foundational understanding of sustainability concepts, frameworks, and ethical considerations. The Certificate covers:
- Sustainability overview
- Frameworks and global differences
- Roles and responsibilities in relation to sustainability matters
- Ethical behaviour for organisations
- Ethical behaviours for professionals
Certificate in Sustainability Strategy and Management (CertSSM)
This Certificate focuses on the strategic aspects of sustainability, including planning, governance, risk management, and decision-making. The Certificate covers:
- Strategic planning and alignment
- Governance, risk and control
- Decision-making and measurement
- The role of technology and information systems
Certificate in Sustainability Reporting (CertSR)
This Certificate covers the preparation, analysis, and assurance of sustainability reports, including the application of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The Certificate covers:
- Preparing sustainability reports
- IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
- Interactions between sustainability reporting frameworks
- Analysis of sustainability reports
- Sustainability and the financial statements
Certificate in Sustainability Assurance (CertSA)
This Certificate focuses on the principles, frameworks, and processes involved in sustainability assurance engagements. The Certificate covers:
- Frameworks for sustainability assurance
- Sustainability assurance: acceptance and planning stages
- Sustainability assurance: completion and reporting stages
- Current issues and developments in sustainability assurance
Preparing ESRS Financial Statements and Reports
This optional video course is not part of the four certificates, but is provided for those who are looking to gain an advanced understanding of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), going beyond the scope of the Diploma syllabus.
Professional Diploma in Sustainability – Exam Preparation
This course is tailored to support candidates preparing for the examination. Developed by the examining team responsible for the Professional Diploma in Sustainability qualification, this course aims to ensure you are well-prepared to succeed.
Key information about exam registration
As part of this bundle,you are purchasing a three-hour fifteen minute computer-based examination that can only be taken on 26 May 2026.
Registration is a two-step process:
1. First, you will need to complete payment for the exam session via this page. Payment must be made at the time of registration, and no refunds will be issued after purchase, except in accordance with the terms and conditions, which you can review before completing your purchase by selecting the button to the right. Please ensure your contact details in ACCA Learning are accurate before purchase, as all updates will be sent to the registered email address.
2. Next, you will need to register for the exam via the exam registration portal hosted by our examination provider, PearsonVUE. Please look out for an email from accads-noreply@useclarus.com within 6 business days of completing your purchase. You will be prompted to create a password for your account and then to book the exam. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the exam details and instructions.
Please note that to sit the exam on 26 May 2026, you will need to complete step 1 (purchase) by 16 April 2026 (by 4pm GMT) and step 2 (registration) by 23 April 2026. After 16 April no further purchases will be accepted and after 23 April no further registrations can be made.