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SEP Exam Application

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How do I apply for the Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) exam?

You should only apply for the SEP exam if you meet the eligibility requirements including holding a valid SEA credential.

First, review the SEP Application form, which includes a description of the materials required to apply. SEP applicants must provide three completed SEP Reference Forms, a current CV, and educational transcripts if they have less than 5 years of professional experience in the sustainability field.

Then, login to your GBCI credentials account and visit the Credentials Overview page. Click the registration link for the SEP exam, which includes payment of both the SEP application and exam fees. As long as you hold a valid SEA credential, you will be able to complete your registration.

After you register, complete and submit the SEP Application Form, including uploading the required materials. You will be unable to schedule your SEP exam until GBCI reviews and approves your SEP application.

How long will it take GBCI staff to review my exam application submission?

You will receive an email notification with a status update regarding your SEP application within 10 business days of GBCI’s receipt of both the completed application materials and registration fee.

Once my application for the exam is approved, how long do I have to take the exam?

Once your application is approved, you will have one year from your application approval date to schedule and sit for your SEP exam.

What happens if my exam application is rejected?

GBCI staff will reach out to SEP candidates with any questions about the application materials or if something is missing from the application. If a candidate is unable to respond to those questions or provide missing materials in a manner satisfactory to the reviewer, the application will be rejected and the candidate will be encouraged to re-apply when they meet the eligibility requirements for the SEP exam.
SEP candidates pay both an SEP application fee and an SEP exam fee when registering. If an SEP application is rejected, candidates will be refunded the SEP exam fee. The SEP application fee is nonrefundable.

What happens if my exam application approval expires?

The exam approval is valid for one year from the application approval date. This means that the exam must be scheduled and taken within one year. If you apply for the exam and are deemed eligible, but do not schedule a date to sit for the exam within one year, the exam application eligibility expires and you will need to reapply and pay all applicable fees.
Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made if you no longer wish to take the exam.

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