PECB ISO 37001 Foundation
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ExploreAbout this exam
The PECB ISO 37001 Foundation credential is an entry-level certificate for people who need a working understanding of an anti-bribery management system (ABMS) based on ISO 37001:2025. PECB describes the training course as a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and requirements of an ABMS, covering the structure of the standard, its principles, clauses and key elements. The course is aimed at managers and consultants who want to get acquainted with the basic concepts and principles of anti-bribery management, managers responsible for practising due diligence on bribery risks, people who want to help maintain organisational integrity by supporting ethical behaviour, managers and members of governance, risk management and compliance teams, and individuals aspiring to become anti-bribery consultants. The exam assesses two competency domains: Domain 1, fundamental principles and concepts of an ABMS, and Domain 2, ISO 37001 requirements for an ABMS. The course also highlights changes in the 2025 edition, including climate change considerations in bribery risk assessments, a stronger emphasis on compliance culture, clarified scope and responsibilities of the anti-bribery function, and specific references to conflicts of interest. There are no prerequisites. PECB states that certificate and examination fees are included in the training course price, participants receive more than 200 pages of training materials, and attendees receive an attestation worth 14 CPD credits. Preparation means completing the training course and passing the exam; the in-course quizzes mirror the exam structure.
What you'll study
About PECB ISO 37001 Foundation preparation
What exactly do I earn by passing the PECB ISO 37001 Foundation exam?
You can apply for the designation “PECB Certificate Holder in ISO 37001 Foundation”. PECB describes it as an entry-level credential showing you understand the fundamental methodologies and requirements for an ABMS based on ISO 37001. To obtain it you must complete the training course, pass the exam, and sign the PECB Code of Ethics. There are no professional experience, audit or ABMS project requirements.
Are there any prerequisites to sit the course or exam?
No. PECB states there are no prerequisites to participate in the training course, and the certificate is entry-level with no prerequisites for professional or management system project experience. Completing the course, passing the exam and applying for the certificate are the only requisites. This makes it accessible to newcomers as well as experienced GRC staff.
What does the exam cover and how is it structured?
The exam covers two competency domains: Domain 1, fundamental principles and concepts of an anti-bribery management system, and Domain 2, ISO 37001 requirements for an ABMS. PECB says the in-course quiz structure closely mirrors the exam. The source page does not state the number of questions, time limit or passing score; those details are on PECB’s List of PECB Exams and Examination Rules and Policies.
How long is the training course and what is the study order?
The course runs two days. Day 1 is “Introduction to the anti-bribery management system and ISO 37001”; Day 2 is “ABMS and the certificate exam”. Study in that order: first build the concepts and principles, then work through the ISO 37001 requirements clause by clause. The course materials exceed 200 pages and include practical examples, exercises and quizzes.
What are the most common failure modes for Foundation candidates?
Candidates typically lose marks by confusing concepts with requirements, for example mixing up due diligence and risk assessment, or financial and non-financial controls. Others overlook the 2025 changes: climate change considerations in bribery risk assessments, stronger compliance culture emphasis, clarified anti-bribery function scope, and conflicts of interest references. Not completing the in-course quizzes, which mirror the exam, is another avoidable weakness.
Can I retake the exam if I fail, and what does it cost?
If you completed the training course with one of PECB’s partners and failed your first attempt, you can retake the exam for free within a 12-month period from the date the coupon code is received. The course fee includes a first exam attempt and one retake. Otherwise, retake fees apply. Contact PECB support for the current fee amount.
Is the exam fee included in the training course price?
Yes. PECB states that certificate and examination fees are included in the price of the training course. The course also includes more than 200 pages of training materials and, for attendees, an attestation of course completion worth 14 CPD credits. PECB does not list a separate exam-only fee on this page.
Which edition of ISO 37001 is the exam based on?
The course and exam are aligned with ISO 37001:2025. PECB highlights the 2025 changes: climate change considerations integrated into bribery risk assessments, increased emphasis on a strong compliance culture, clarification of the anti-bribery function’s scope and responsibilities, and specific references to conflicts of interest. Study the 2025 edition rather than older versions.
Is this certification right for me if I am not a full-time compliance officer?
Likely yes. PECB lists the course for managers and consultants new to anti-bribery concepts, managers responsible for due diligence on bribery risks, people supporting ethical behaviour and organisational integrity, GRC team members, and aspiring anti-bribery consultants. It is a foundation-level introduction, so it suits anyone who needs to understand the standard’s structure and requirements rather than implement or audit an ABMS.