PECB ISO 37001 Foundation study guide
PECB ISO 37001 Foundation · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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. Topics on this exam: Fundamental principles and concepts of an anti-bribery management system – ABMS and ISO 37001 requirements for an ABMS. The PECB ISO 37001 Foundation study guide has 2 sections and about 827 words.
01Fundamental principles and concepts of an anti-bribery management system (ABMS)
This domain tests the concepts and vocabulary behind ISO 37001:2016: what an ABMS is, what it governs, and the principles that shape every requirement. Clause details belong to the second domain. An ABMS is the set of interrelated policies, procedures, controls, responsibilities and behaviours through which an organization manages bribery risk. ISO 37001 is a certifiable requirements standard: it uses the verb “shall”, can be audited by a third party, and applies to any organization in any jurisdiction.
422 words, about 2 min02ISO 37001 requirements for an anti-bribery management system
This domain tests clause-level knowledge of ISO 37001:2016: the architecture of clauses 4–10 and the requirements auditors examine, above all the operational controls of clause 8. Clause 4 context (4.5 is the bribery risk assessment), 5 leadership and policy, 6 planning and objectives, 7 support (resources, competence, awareness, communication, documented information), 8 operation, 9 performance evaluation, 10 improvement. The sequence follows the harmonized management-system structure. Top management sets an anti-bribery policy that prohibits bribery, fits the organization’s purpose, commits to applicable anti-bribery requirements and continual improvement, and is documented, communicated and available to business associates.
405 words, about 2 min