Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to questions about IUCN Academy courses, enrolment, certificates, and technical support.

Scroll Down

Getting Started

Who can take courses on the IUCN Academy?

Anyone can register and take courses — IUCN members and staff, government officials, non-governmental organisations, students, professionals looking to upskill and individuals who are passionate about conservation and sustainability.

How do I create an account?

Click the “Sign Up” button on the top right of the homepage. Fill in your details and submit the form by clicking ‘Create Account’. A confirmation email will automatically be sent to your registered email address to verify your email to activate your account.

I didn't receive the confirmation email to verify my account. What should I do?

Check your spam or junk folder. If it’s still missing, contact support (see below).

How do I enrol in a course?

Visit the course page and click “Enrol Now.” If you’re not logged in, you’ll be prompted to sign in or create an account. Once logged in, return to the course page to complete your enrolment. You can also browse and discover more courses in the Course Library.

Courses & Content

What is the difference between an Introductory Course, a Specialised Course, and a Professional Certificate?

Introductory Courses are free, self-paced overviews of IUCN’s work and key conservation topics. Specialised Courses offer deeper, self-paced learning aimed mainly at the IUCN community but open to all. Professional Certificates are hybrid programs with live sessions and assignments designed to advance your career.

Do courses have deadlines?

Introductory Courses and Specialised courses do not have deadlines; they are entirely self-paced. Professional Certificates have set schedules, which are outlined in the course overview.

Are there any prerequisites for taking a course?

Most introductory courses have no prerequisites. Specialised courses or Professional Certificate programmes may recommend or require prior knowledge. Check the course description for details.

Do I need to pay to take a course?

The majority of courses on the IUCN Academy are free and open access. Some Specialised courses and Professional Certificates may involve a fee with discounts available for IUCN Member Organisations and Commission Members, as well as a number of partial scholarships available for nationals from LDCs and developing countries. Any pricing details are clearly indicated on the course page.

Do I receive a certificate after completing a course?

Yes. All courses offer a digital certificate upon successful completion. Certificates indicate successful completion of the course. While not accredited by universities, they are backed by IUCN and valued in the global conservation community.

How can I access my certificates?

Certificates for Introductory and Specialised Courses are found in the “My Dashboard” section of your account. There, you will find the course you’ve completed. Click the certificate icon on the right to open the certificate verification page. From there, you can view it, download as a PDF, or share it on LinkedIn. Certificates for Professional Certificate courses are emailed to you after successful completion.

Can I share my certificate on LinkedIn?

Yes. You can share your certificate on LinkedIn from the certificate verification page or via manual upload of the PDF on LinkedIn.

How can I stay informed about new courses?

Follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook to receive updates on new course offerings and other learning opportunities.

System Requirements & Technical Help

What devices can I use to access IUCN Academy courses?

The IUCN Academy platform is accessible via smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers with an active internet connection. Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari tend to support best user experience on the IUCN Academy.

I am having trouble accessing a course in which I am enrolled. What should I do?
First, Ensure you’re logged into the correct account. Next, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If the issue persists, please contact support (see below).
The videos or course materials don't seem to be loading. What should I do?
First, check that your internet connection is active, which is required to access our online courses. Next, try opening the course on a different browser. Ensure that you have disabled any browser extensions that may block this content.

Account & Privacy

I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
Click “Forgot Password?” on the login page. Enter in the email address you have used to create your account and follow the instructions sent to your inbox. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder.
Can I change the email address on my account?
Yes. Go to your account settings and update your email address. After updating, you’ll receive a verification email at the new address—click the link in that email to confirm and complete the change. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder.
Can I delete my account?
Yes, you can delete your account anytime by going to your account settings, clicking “Delete account,” and following the instructions.

Still need help? We're here to support you!

Get in touch with our support team for personalized assistance with your learning journey.