Integrated Reporting <IR> U.S. Community is a great resource for those interested in the integrated reporting movement in the U.S. This community provides live presentations on a variety integrated reporting topics that range from actual company reports to issues about assurance on integrated reports.
On August 27, 2019, a live webinar featured Intel’s 10-K Presentation of Its Multiple Capitals. Katie Stipic and Erika Kelley from the Intel External Reporting team did an excellent job explaining Intel’s integrated reporting journey. You can watch that recorded webinar here.
Last week I received an email inquiring about my experience with the GRI Standards Exam. This reminded me that several years have passed since I wrote about my experience with the GRI G4 Exam.
Definitely time for an update!
Things to consider about the GRI Standards Exam
Although completing the GRI Certified Standards Course is not a prerequisite, GRI recommends that exam candidates take the course. I agree because I have experience taking the GRI Standards Exam and am a trainer with the ISOSGroup that delivers GRI’s Certified Training. I know how the course can help you to understand the standards and to apply them. If you have taken the course, GRI gives a 20% discount off the exam fee.
After completing the course, you should study for the exam by reading the standards carefully and taking notes. Understanding how to apply the standards is important. I studied, and it paid off.
Once you register for the exam, you will be given access to sample questions. This helps to understand the format and type of questions to expect.
GRI’s Online Learning Platform administers the exam. This allows the convenience of taking the exam from any location with Internet access. You need a webcam and microphone because you will be recorded while taking the exam. If you have not used a similar test platform, you definitely will want to understand the setup details before hand. This involves making sure that your equipment is compatible with the platform and you are comfortable with the instructions.
You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. During the exam you have access to a non-searchable pdf of the consolidated set of standards. Don’t waste much time scrolling through the pdf document looking for answers. As with any timed exam, you need to pace yourself.
Why is this so important? ESG disclosures help internal and external decision makers assess risks and opportunities. This hearing is important because it spotlights how important these disclosures are to investors.
Internal and external decision makers need reliable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data. Reliable data not only builds trust with external users, it helps internal users identify and mitigate risks more accurately. Take a look at new guidance from The World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Because suggestions align with COSO Internal Control Framework, application of the framework will be familiar to those in financial accounting.
“Enact Sustainability Strategies, based in Sweden and The Netherlands, teams up with ISOS Group to expand its IIRC approved integrated reporting trainings in the United States and Kenya.”
“Approved by the IIRC, both one- and two-day trainings will be offered. To celebrate the partnership, representatives of both firms will ignite the U.S. market by co-delivering a training in New York City the first quarter of 2019.”
I will be involved in the Integrated Reporting training.
