How to Gain ISEP (Formerly IEMA) Associate Membership (AISEP)

Are you looking to embark on a fulfilling journey in environmental management and sustainability? Obtaining ISEP Associate Membership (AISEP) could serve as your gateway to a world of career opportunities.

In recent years, the global focus on environmental issues and sustainability has reached unprecedented heights. This heightened awareness has led to a surge in demand for skilled professionals who can effectively address and manage the challenges that come with creating a sustainable future.

Fulfil Your Environmental Ambitions

As the world continues to prioritise environmental protection, ISEP associate membership is an excellent way for ambitious individuals to explore rewarding careers in this ever-expanding field.

By becoming a member, you’ll be well-equipped to contribute to the global sustainability movement while paving the way for a successful career in this increasingly important sector.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the steps to becoming an ISEP Associate Member and detail the benefits of joining this prestigious organisation.

What is ISEP Associate Membership?

ISEP Associate membership is your entry route to forging a career in a fast-growing sector.

As an Associate member, you will have the opportunity to use the AISEP professional suffix after your name, showcasing your credentials for all to see.

Not only that, you’ll be recognised for the environmental and sustainability knowledge you’ve accumulated through your work, while also gaining access to a wealth of resources and networking opportunities.

Who should consider Associate ISEP membership?

Associate ISEP membership is designed for professionals who wish to make their mark in environmental and sustainability roles. It’s perfect if you want to forge a career and have a greater impact on the world.

This is the starting point for environment and sustainability professionals. With your continued application, you can continue the journey to achieve Practitioner membership and beyond.

What are the benefits of being an AISEP member?

Becoming an Associate Member gives you recognition, resources, and a professional network to help you thrive in your sustainability career. Here is a breakdown of what you get:

Professional Recognition

• Use the exclusive digital badge and post-nominal suffix to showcase your expertise on professional profiles and social channels.

• Demonstrate your skills and competencies through the Sustainability Skills Map.

• Track and evidence your development by logging CPD activity in the member portal.

Events & Networking

• Complimentary access to ISEP Connect, the flagship annual environment and sustainability conference.

• Free entry to UK and global regional networks, plus ISEP Futures events.

• Member discounts for a range of industry events via ISEP partners.

• Opportunities to volunteer with UK and international steering groups.

Learning & Webinars

• Unlimited access to member-only webinars, including the practical How To series.

• Explore a library of 1,000+ on-demand recordings covering the latest insights and case studies.

Resources & Toolkits

• Download more than 60 guidance documents and toolkits across Policy and Practice areas.

• Receive regular membership updates straight to your inbox with the latest sustainability developments.

Transform Magazine

• Six print issues of Transform magazine delivered to your door each year.

• Access to digital editions, guest editor features, and partner-led webinars.

Compliance Support

• Free access to Navigate-Environment Lite, keeping you informed on evolving legislation and guidance.

• 30% discount on the full Navigate-Environment compliance platform.

Policy Engagement

• Join specialist policy networks in areas such as Climate Change, Biodiversity, Circular Economy, and more.

• Contribute to ISEP reports, statements, and consultation responses.

• Take part in roundtable discussions with senior policymakers and parliamentarians.

News & Media

• Stay ahead with sustainability news, blogs, and analysis direct from ISEP.

• Get exclusive access to the ISEP podcast.

• Contribute your voice to the ISEP Blog community.

How can you achieve Associate membership with ISEP?

There are two available routes to getting your AISEP ‘badge’: the certified course route or the direct study route.

1) The Certified Course Route (An AISEP Qualification)

The most trodden path is the certified course route, which requires completing an ISEP-accredited course (or an AISEP qualification), specifically the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management.

Take the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management Qualification

The ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management qualification is designed for individuals starting in, or transitioning to, an environment or sustainability-focused career.

You will get a free one-year membership by passing the foundation course.

The course covers topics such as:

• Implications of global trends for the environment, society, the economy and organisations
• Sustainable business/governance principles and their relationship with organisations, products and services
• Environmental principles and their relationship with organisations, products and services
• Major policy and legislation and their implications for organisations, products and services
• Tools, techniques, systems and practices used to improve sustainability performance
• Innovation and other leading practices in developing sustainable products and services and providing sustainable solutions
• How to collect, analyse, and evaluate data
• Research and planning to provide sustainable solutions
• Engaging stakeholders, effective communication and capturing feedback
• Tools and techniques to identify opportunities and risks
• Improving performance
• Change and transformation to improve sustainability

How to take the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management

Your environmental foundation qualification can be taken in a classroom, virtually (live online), or e-learning, studying at your own pace.

Most learners decide to take the virtual training as it provides the flexibility to study from home or in their own organisations while having access to an expert tutor and a peer group to network and share with.

Click here to book your course or find out more

Cost of the Foundation course study Route

The average price of the qualification is £995+VAT, but prices can vary depending on the ISEP training provider you take the training with.

Most providers include your ISEP membership fee in the course cost, though some will charge the fee on top of the course. In this case, the fee should be around £245.50

Your annual renewal fee thereafter will be around £154.50 (at the time of writing).

2) The Direct Study Route

If you possess the necessary knowledge, you can proceed directly to registering for the exam with ISEP.

ISEP offers a schedule of monthly exams for you to select from, and you have the option to choose between an environmental or sustainability version.

The online multiple-choice exam lasts one hour.

If you have completed the ISEP Foundation Certificate within the past three years, you may qualify for fast-tracking your application.

During the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to indicate your eligibility for fast-tracking and provide a valid copy of your course certificate dated within the past three years.

The Examination

The online examination is a one-hour multiple-choice affair. It will assess whether you are equipped with the knowledge required of an Associate member.

For more info on the expected knowledge levels, download the Associate membership standard to see an outline of the learning outcomes and content required at this level.

There are two versions of the examination you can choose from when you apply:

• The environment version is assessed on the environment-related learning outcomes in the standard.
• The sustainability version is assessed based on environmental and socio-economic-related learning outcomes.

You can choose the version you prefer when you apply.

Preparing for Your AISEP Examination

There are various resources and support provided by ISEP, such as:

• The Associate membership standard outlines the learning outcomes, assessment criteria and prescribed content for each competency.
• Practice questions give you an idea of what to expect from the online exams. There is an Environmental version and a sustainability version.

By completing these steps successfully, you will get your associate membership status and join a community of professionals driving positive change for business and society.

Direct Route Cost

To apply through the direct route, you will need to pay an application fee of £308 (at the time of writing), which will cover your initial application and your first year as a member.

The annual subscription renewal fee thereafter is £187.50 (at the time of writing).

How to Apply Through the Direct STUDY Route

To apply for the direct route, you will need to register online and select the month in which you’d like to sit the examination element.

Associate membership renewal:

To renew your membership when it’s due, log into your MyISEP account, pay your membership fee and verify your continued commitment to continued professional development.

That’s it; once done, your access to ISEP membership benefits will continue.

Associate ISEP Membership Application

To complete your application for the direct route, you will need to complete the form on ISEP’s website – Click here for ISEP’s application form.

Pathways Before and After Associate Membership

Not sure if the associate membership is right for you? 

If you’re a bit further down the road on your Environmental journey, you might want to consider Practitioner membership. 

There are a number of Memberships that you can apply for depending on your experience and role. See the below table for an overview of each: