Questions & Answers

PECB certifications are valid for 3 years. To maintain the certification, the annual maintenance fee must be paid and CPD points (Continuing Professional Development) must be earned. PECB uses the CPD system to ensure that certified professionals continue to develop their competencies and stay up to date with changes in standards and practices. CPD points are managed via the individual PECB account, referred to as myPECB.

Yes. All PECB exams can be taken as online proctored exams or via Pearson VUE test centers. The on-line exam can be completed from home or from the office with a stable internet connection and a webcam. The online format follows the same requirements and security procedures as physical test centers, so the certification has the same validity. Online exams are conducted with a PECB invigilator (an online exam supervisor) and you are required to show ID to the invigilator, before exam start. Please see exam rules before beginning the exam.

Lead Implementer/Auditor courses and some foundation courses include one free retake exam. If a retake exam is not part of the course package, additional exam attempts can be purchased. Rescheduling is possible at no extra cost, and the exam time is selected via Pearson VUE. PECB recommends reviewing the feedback report in order to focus on the areas where there were challenges. 

We do not offer payment plans at this time. All course seats are paid for upon registration, ensuring quick access to materials and a smooth administrative process.

Yes. Certikon is a PECB Authorized Training Partner, which means that all courses comply with the official PECB requirements for content, quality, and exam format. The instructors are PECB-certified trainers with documented experience in implementing and auditing the standards. This ensures training that is both practical and professionally accurate. All PECB courses are accredited by European, American, and British accreditation bodies and recognised globally.

As a general rule, courses cannot be changed after payment and registration with PECB. However, this will depend on the specific situation and the nature of the course. You can upgrade from self-study to instructor-led training by paying the price difference. It is recommended to get in touch within 14 days of registration to ensure a smooth transition. Many choose to upgrade if they want more guidance, structure, or preparation leading up to the exam. We recommend that you reach out to us, so we can help you find the right course, course level and study modality.

Instructor-led training makes it possible to ask questions, receive direct feedback, and work with cases in dialogue with a certified PECB trainer and other professionals present at the course. This creates a more dynamic learning environment, where participants receive feedback on their reflections and can learn from the experiences of others. Many participants find that classroom training provides better preparation for the exam, because complex topics are reviewed together and placed in a practical context. A instructor-led training course also provides the opportunity to establish and grow your network.

You will gain access to PECB's official digital course materials as soon as your registration has been recorded and payment has been completed (we aim to provide access within 24 hours). However, this may take up to 1–2 days (depending on the time of registration, business days, etc.). However, every effort is made to provide access as quickly as possible. The materials are delivered via PECB's digital platform (www.pecb.com), where you can also track your progress and prepare for the exam. Access is personal and remains available throughout the entire course period, as well as after your exam. In order to be assigned course materials and exam, it is required that you are registered with an account on PECB's digital platform and have provided the specific email address under which you are registered.

Certikon offers classroom training in Danish or English depending on the course and instructor. PECB’s official materials and exams are available in several languages, including English, French, and Spanish for the vast majority of courses. If there are specific language preferences, assistance is provided in finding the solution that best suits individual needs.

With self-study courses, materials are provided allowing a completely personalized study plan. Self-study therefore offers full flexibility to learn at your own pace via PECB's digital platform. Access is granted to official materials, exercises, and quizzes that help with understanding the standard and preparing for the exam. Many choose self-study if they have a busy workday or prefer individual immersion. Everyone learns differently and has different conditions for how much time can be devoted to studying, whether it is an intensive course or spread over several weeks or months due to a very busy schedule. Certikon offers guidance and study support in the form of short webinars for registered participants who have chosen self-study.

Yes, all accredited PECB training courses award CPE credits that count toward maintaining your professional certifications. The number of credits depends on the course length—for example, a 4‑day Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor course typically provides 31 CPEs, while a 2‑day Foundation course provides around 14 CPEs. Credits are granted once you complete the course and pass the exam, and they are automatically added to your PECB account. These CPEs help demonstrate ongoing competence and are required for annual certification renewal. They are especially valuable for auditors, consultants, and compliance professionals who must document continuous learning. PECB's structured CPE system ensures your skills remain current and aligned with international standards.

A PECB Foundation course typically requires 12–16 hours of study, depending on your prior knowledge and how quickly you absorb new concepts. Most learners complete the 2‑day training and add a few hours for exam preparation. In comparison, a Lead Implementer course usually requires 35–45 hours, as it includes four days of intensive instruction plus additional time for reading, exercises, and exam readiness. Learners with no prior experience may need slightly more time, while experienced professionals often stay at the lower end of the range. Both courses are designed to be manageable alongside a normal work schedule. The key difference is depth: Foundation builds understanding, while Lead Implementer builds capability. 

After passing the exam, you apply for certification through your MyPECB account. As part of the application, you must document the required professional experience for the certification level and provide professional references who can validate your experience. PECB reviews your submission, and once approved, your official certification becomes available for download in your profile.