Professional Certification in Carbon Markets

The Professional Certification in Carbon Markets is an academic program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving global carbon economy. It explores the scientific, economic, and policy foundations that underpin carbon markets, emphasizing their role in achieving climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals.

The course offers an in-depth study of key themes such as climate policy frameworks, greenhouse gas accounting, market mechanisms, project development, and measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems. Participants gain insight into both compliance and voluntary carbon markets, with exposure to international standards including the Paris Agreement, Verra, and Gold Standard frameworks.

Through a blend of theoretical learning and case-based analysis, the program equips learners with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to evaluate carbon market dynamics, assess carbon finance mechanisms, and contribute effectively to climate action and sustainability strategies in diverse professional contexts.

Programme Structure

Module 1: Climate Policy, Sustainability Frameworks & Introduction to Carbon Markets

• Climate science fundamentals, GHG emissions, and carbon budgets.
• Paris Agreement architecture (Article 6, NDCs, SDGs linkages), Energy Conservation Act, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023.
• Role of carbon markets in global and national mitigation pathways (IISD & IETA perspectives).

Module 2: GHG Accounting Principles & Carbon Footprinting (Corporate and Project Level)

• GHG Protocol standards — Scope 1, 2 & 3 accounting.
• Tools and emission factor databases; data quality and uncertainty.
• Link between corporate footprints, reduction strategies, and offsetting.

Module 3: Structure and Functioning of Carbon Markets

• Compliance vs voluntary markets — ETS, CDM, CBM, VCM overview.
• Key market participants: project developers, verifiers, registries, brokers, and buyers.
• Market dynamics — credit pricing, vintages, and trading platforms (Verra, Gold Standard, IETA), Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT), Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Module 4: Project Design, Methodologies & Additionality (Verra & Gold Standard Focus)

• Project typologies: Renewable energy, AFOLU, waste management, cookstoves, removals.
• Methodology selection, baseline scenarios, and additionality tests.
• Documentation and eligibility under VCS and Gold Standard frameworks.

Module 5: Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Systems

• MRV framework design and monitoring parameters.
• Data management, QA/QC, and uncertainty handling.
• Verification process, validation cycles, and verifier roles (aligned with Verra and GS MRV guidelines).

Module 6: Registries, Issuance & Avoiding Double Counting

• Understanding carbon registries and credit issuance (Verra Registry, Gold Standard Registry).
• Corresponding adjustments and Article 6 transparency framework.
• Managing double counting, stacking, and credit retirement.

Module 7: Carbon Finance, Pricing Mechanisms & Risk Management

• Carbon pricing instruments — taxes, ETS, and offset credits.
• Financing project pipelines: forward contracts, offtake agreements, blended finance.
• Risk management in carbon portfolios and price volatility analysis.

Module 8: Quality, Integrity & Sustainable Development Co-Benefits

• Evaluating carbon credit quality — permanence, leakage, and buffer pools.
• SDG impact assessment and stakeholder engagement (Gold Standard SDG framework).
• Safeguard policies, grievance mechanisms, and ethical considerations.

Module 9: Emerging Technologies & Carbon Removals

• Carbon removals vs emission reductions — conceptual and accounting differences.
• Technologies: DAC, biochar, soil carbon, BECCS, ocean-based methods.
• New methodologies under Verra and Gold Standard for removal projects.

Module 10: Corporate Climate Claims, Net-Zero Pathways & Market Integrity

• Net-zero frameworks — SBTi, ISO 14067, ISO 14068, and Voluntary Market Integrity initiatives.
• Carbon credit claims, communication, and greenwashing risk management.
• Reporting & disclosure — CDP, TCFD, and assurance for sustainability claims.

Module 11: Industry based case study

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certification Programmes.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the Professional Certification programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registration is currently open for Part-time (Online Live Classes) mode.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants
• Online classes for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English

Examination and Certification

IGMPI follows a credit system based on all learning activities involved in studying the certificate programs. Each of your module is equal to 4 credits. To successfully complete the programme, you will have to earn all the credits assigned to the program.

All the participants are obliged to timely submit completed assessment assignments (during the programme, usually after every module) and appear for an online proctored exam at the end of the programme. After successful completion, the participants will be awarded Professional Certification in Carbon Markets by IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules elaborate programme material, self-assessment assignments and project work details would be provided by the Institute from time to time. Details get updated on the webpage as well.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing with placement assistance to its participants. Besides, it has a robust placement cell comprised of senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. This cell is continuously engaged in promoting the employability of our participants and encouraging the concerned Human Resource department and Hiring Managers to recruit/hire our participants for their vacant positions. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing and interview skills.

In recent months, the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global think tanks. The IGMPI ‘s Corporate Resource Division actively recommends our students and training participants for various job requirements and specialized roles to Human Resource, Talent Acquisition as well as the heads of various departments in the industrial sector on a regular basis.

Future career prospects

With the rapid global shift toward low-carbon development and net-zero commitments, professionals with expertise in carbon markets are in high demand across sectors. The Professional Certification in Carbon Markets opens diverse career pathways in climate policy, sustainability consulting, carbon finance, and environmental management.

Graduates of this program can pursue roles in:

• Carbon Market Advisory and Consulting Firms — focusing on carbon accounting, offset project development, and emission reduction strategies.
• Climate Finance and Investment Institutions — supporting carbon credit trading, risk analysis, and sustainable finance mechanisms.
• Corporate Sustainability and ESG Divisions — guiding companies in developing net-zero strategies, managing GHG inventories, and sourcing verified carbon credits.
• International and Governmental Organizations — contributing to policy development, capacity building, and implementation of Article 6 mechanisms and NDCs.
• Verification, Validation, and Certification Bodies — ensuring integrity and compliance of carbon projects under standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, and CDM.
• Research and Academic Institutions — advancing studies in carbon pricing, climate economics, and emerging technologies in carbon removals.

Prominent organizations and sectors where certified professionals may find opportunities include:

• Consulting and Advisory Firms: EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, McKinsey Sustainability, South Pole, and EcoAct.
• Carbon Registries and Project Developers: Verra, Gold Standard, Climate Impact Partners, Carbon Clear, and EcoSecurities.
• Financial and Investment Institutions: World Bank, IFC, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Climate Fund Managers, and Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Corporate Sustainability Leaders: Microsoft, Shell, Unilever, Tata Group, and Adani Green Energy.
• International and Policy Organizations: UNFCCC, UNDP, IETA, and IISD.

As carbon markets expand and integrate with global sustainability goals, certified professionals will play a pivotal role in driving climate action, responsible investment, and corporate transition to net-zero economies.

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 11:59 PM 31^st Oct 2025.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in