Outline of the course: 

Over the course of the 5 sessions, attendees will learn how to successfully deliver the Accredited SDG Impact Standards Training materials to businesses and investors. The Accreditation Programme will cover the following: 

• Background to the Standards and Assurance Scheme 

• The business case for sustainability 

• Impact measurement and management fundamentals 

• Using impact data to support decision-making 

The training will also include: 

• Key case studies 

• Workshops and interactive discussions  

• Preparation and support to prepare candidate for their assessments  

Outline of the assessment process: 

Following the 25 hours of training (20 hours of delivery), there are three phases of assessments for participants seeking Accredited Practitioner (Training) Status. The assessments are: 

1. A formative online assessment that provides a risk-free opportunity to test knowledge and identify areas for development to prepare for the summative assessment. 

2. A summative assessment that assesses knowledge against three key areas of background and assurance, impact measurement and management, and applying the standards.  

3. A live presentation assessment that assesses knowledge, delivery-skills, and the ability to respond to questions. This phase lasts a maximum of 90 minutes, with a maximum of 60 minutes of delivery of key issues and a maximum of 30 minutes of detailed questions from the assessor. 

The assessment must be taken within 12 months after completing the accreditation programme. Candidates will be able to benefit from access to regular continuous professional development (CPD) sessions for up to a year after completing the accreditation programme and will be invited to continue attending these if they successfully complete their assessment. 

The SDG Impact Standards Accreditation Programme is delivered online.

Following the live elements of the programme, there will be assessments for participants seeking the Training and/or Assessment status.

Individuals can opt to complete both assessments and achieve dual recognition as an SVI Accredited SDG Impact Standard Practitioner (Training and Assessment).

SDG Impact Standard Accredited Practitioner (Training)

There are 3-phases of assessment, they are:

1.       Complete formative online assessments on key technical issues – these are risk-free opportunities to test knowledge and understanding.

2.     Complete a summative online assessment meeting minimum requirements in each section.

3.     Complete a live 60-minute presentation with an additional 30 minutes of Q&A on the Standards delivered online.

The first opportunity to complete the summative assessments (online assessment and presentation) will be in January 2026. This will provide attendees with sufficient time to prepare for the assessments and attend ongoing continuous professional development sessions to further their knowledge.

Assessments must be completed by January 2027 during one of the dedicated quarterly assessment rounds, organised by SVI. Candidates will be able to benefit from access to monthly continuous professional development (CPD) sessions for up to a year after completing the course and will be invited to continue attending these if they successfully complete their Trainer Assessment.

SDG Impact Standard Accredited Practitioner (Assessment)

Assessments involve the compilation of assurance documentations using case materials to demonstrate that the applicant trainees fully meet the knowledge and competency requirements for assurance assessors as specified by the SDG Impact Standards Assurance Scheme.

Training Fee 

Participants will be charged a one-off training fee to attend the training course and undertake the assessment process. 

One-off training fee pricing structure (all prices GBP): 

• High-Income Countries: £1000 

• Medium-Income Countries: £750 

• Low-Income Countries: £500 

Annual License Fee 

On the successful completion of the assessment process, participants will be charged an annual licensing fee in order to become an Accredited Practitioner (Training) for the SDG Impact Standards. The annual licensing fee will contribute towards administrative costs, updating of training materials, building a repository of relevant examples and case studies, supporting continuing professional development and the ongoing development of the community of practice. 

Annual licensing fee pricing structure (all prices GBP): 

• High-Income Countries: £1,000 per annum 

• Medium-Income Countries: £600 per annum 

• Low-Income Countries: £300 per annum 

PRE-REQUISITES 

To attend the SDG Impact Standards Accreditation Programme, you must meet the following criteria: 

Essential 

• At least 2 years of experience of delivering training on IMM or sustainability for private sector organisations  

• Fluent in the language in which the Accreditation Programme is being delivered  

• Have read the SDG Impact Standards including Guidance and familiarized themselves with the Self-Assessment Tool and UNDP Private Finance for SDGs Website. 

• Relevant business/investment and/or change management expertise, preferably as a practitioner  

• At least 3 years of experience working with private sector organizations in one of the following areas:  

• Designing and/or implementing IMM frameworks, and/or  

• Sustainability accounting and/or assurance  

• Designing/ preparing sustainability strategy/ business plans  

• Defining governance frameworks or as part of a board, steering group or equivalent with a sustainability lens  

Desirable 

• Other sustainability and/or related training accreditations (e.g., SVI Accreditation, Level 1 or above on the Social Value Professional Pathway)  

• Experience working in sustainability areas (IMM, strategy, governance, etc.) across different private sector organisations (corporate, medium enterprises, SMEs, across different investors categories)