Event Sustainability Management
Event sustainability management systems standard helping organisations managing events establish and improve sustainability performance covering social, economic, and environmental impacts.
ISO 20121 is the event sustainability management system standard, helping event organisers and their supply chains systematically improve sustainability performance across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The 2024 revision updates sustainability requirements to reflect current practices and introduces stronger requirements for supply chain engagement.
The standard gained global recognition through its application at the London 2012 Olympics and has since been applied to sports events, concerts, conferences, festivals, and corporate events worldwide. It addresses the full event lifecycle from planning through delivery to legacy.
ACI-certified auditors evaluate event sustainability management systems, assess sustainable procurement practices, and review the credibility of sustainability performance claims.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 20121.
Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.
Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.
Available Grades for ISO 20121
All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.
Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.
For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.
Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.
Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.
Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.
The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.
Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.