The Certified Professional Greenhouse Gas Auditor (CPGGA) certification is an advanced, industry-recognized credential developed to prepare professionals for a specialized role in auditing, verifying, and ensuring the accuracy of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting. As climate change policies continue to evolve and global organizations are held to stricter environmental reporting and compliance requirements, the need for qualified GHG auditors has become more critical than ever. The CPGGA program provides in-depth training in emissions auditing standards, sector-specific GHG protocols, data assurance techniques, and regulatory compliance across both voluntary and mandatory carbon accounting frameworks.

Through this certification, participants gain the skills necessary to assess GHG inventories, verify carbon disclosures, and certify emissions reports in alignment with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14064, the GHG Protocol, and jurisdictional regulations (e.g., EU ETS, California ARB). The program blends theoretical understanding with practical applications, including carbon offset project audits, energy use verification, scope 1–3 emissions assessments, and sustainability assurance engagements. Whether supporting corporate ESG efforts, validating climate initiatives, or advising clients on carbon reporting, CPGGA-certified professionals are uniquely positioned to ensure integrity and transparency in global emissions management.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Professional Greenhouse Gas Auditor (CPGGA) program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Fundamentals of GHG Auditing: Gain a comprehensive foundation in GHG emissions quantification, reporting boundaries, and inventory development.
• Apply Standards for GHG Accounting and Verification: Utilize globally accepted frameworks including ISO 14064-3, the GHG Protocol, and regional compliance programs.
• Conduct Emissions Audits Across Scopes 1, 2, and 3: Perform detailed assessments of direct, indirect, and value chain emissions with a focus on accuracy and traceability.
• Evaluate and Verify Carbon Offset and Reduction Claims: Assess the validity of offset projects and renewable energy certificates, and determine alignment with verification standards.
• Audit GHG Management Systems and Technology Use: Review and validate data management systems, calculation tools, and digital platforms used in carbon accounting processes.
• Ensure Compliance with Regulatory and Voluntary Programs: Provide third-party assurance and guidance to help organizations meet local and international reporting obligations.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CPGGA, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIEM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Greenhouse Gas Auditing
• Module 2: GHG Accounting and Verification Standards (ISO 14064, GHG Protocol)
• Module 3: Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Auditing Techniques
• Module 4: Carbon Offsets, Projects, and Claim Validation
• Module 5: Data Systems and Digital Tools in GHG Auditing
• Module 6: Regulatory Compliance and Voluntary Program Assurance

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CPGGA certification is designed for professionals and organizations responsible for validating emissions disclosures, auditing carbon performance, and providing third-party assurance within regulated and voluntary markets. It is ideal for those who play an oversight or verification role in climate-related reporting.

• Environmental and Sustainability Auditors: Professionals involved in ESG, CSR, or environmental audits can expand their scope by gaining formal expertise in GHG verification and carbon auditing standards.
• GHG Verification Bodies and Consultants: Organizations offering third-party emissions auditing services or consulting on compliance can use CPGGA to certify staff for credibility and trust.
• Corporate Sustainability and ESG Managers: Those responsible for company-wide carbon reporting and sustainability disclosures can use the certification to strengthen internal assurance capabilities.
• Regulatory and Government Auditors: Public sector professionals overseeing emissions reporting compliance (e.g., carbon tax, ETS) can formalize auditing skills for accuracy, enforcement, and policy alignment.
• Climate Risk and Assurance Consultants: Advisors working with financial institutions, investors, or rating agencies can integrate verified emissions data into risk assessments and ESG scoring models.
• Energy and Environmental Engineers: Engineers assessing facility operations and energy efficiency projects can incorporate GHG auditing into broader environmental performance evaluations.
• Carbon Offset Project Developers and Verifiers: Professionals involved in validating offset claims, renewable energy certificates, and nature-based solutions will gain a strong framework for independent review.
• Third-Party Certification Bodies: Organizations conducting ISO 14064-3 audits or providing assurance for CDP, TCFD, or other sustainability frameworks will benefit from CPGGA-qualified auditors.
• Academics and Climate Researchers: Experts involved in emissions modeling or impact assessments can translate academic knowledge into applied auditing methodologies.
• Professionals Entering the Carbon Market Field: Individuals seeking to specialize in climate assurance, compliance, or verification roles will find CPGGA to be a powerful and credible entry point.

The CPGGA certification empowers professionals to safeguard the integrity of climate reporting and accelerate credible emissions reductions across sectors, supporting the global transition to transparent, accountable, and science-based climate action.