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 new 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.
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 must be purchased separately. If you are interested in purchasing the Diploma exam, you can find further information here.
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.
