Tourism Sustainability Management
Sustainability management system standard for accommodation establishments including hotels, resorts, and other accommodation providers, covering environmental, social, and economic performance.
ISO 21401 is the sustainability management system standard for accommodation establishments, providing requirements for hotels, resorts, hostels, and other providers to manage their environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance. It covers the full scope of accommodation operations.
The standard addresses energy and water management, waste reduction, biodiversity protection, social responsibility, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable procurement — providing accommodation providers with a comprehensive framework for responsible operations.
ACI-certified auditors evaluate tourism sustainability management systems, assess the credibility of sustainability performance claims, and review the effectiveness of environmental and social management programmes in accommodation establishments.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 21401.
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 21401
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.