Sustainable Blue Economy Professional with Specialization
5+ years of specialized ocean experience in a defined area
SBEP Specialized is designed for professionals whose careers have moved into focused areas of technical, scientific, operational or other blue economy expertise. It recognizes the advanced knowledge, leadership, and sustained effort needed to be an expert in your field.
Why Become an SBEP Specialized
Advanced Recognition for ocean careers
SBEP Specialized recognizes professionals with deep expertise who are ready to be seen as leaders in their field. It signals advanced practice, accountability, and contributions within a defined area of the ocean sector.
This designation helps you stand out by showing you meet a shared benchmark of excellence for specialized practice, providing a visible credential that builds trust.
As an SBEP Specialized, you gain:
- Recognition through a credential signaling your specialized skills
- Credibility with employers, partners and stakeholders
- Connection to a professional community
- Access to tailored professional development and member benefits
- Opportunities to mentor others and help shape standards
About SBEP Specializations
The SBEP specializations formally recognize focus areas within the blue economy. These 8 areas were selected through OAC and ECO Canada’s work developing internationally aligned standards, sector mapping the blue economy and collaborating with industry.
SBEP Specialized is for professionals who:
- Have deep knowledge of a specific ocean-related field
- Lead or influence practice within their area of expertise
- Advancing the sector through specialized knowledge
The Certification Process
Follow these five steps to complete your SBEP designation. From application to approval, each step ensures your experience and skills are recognized against industry standards.
Apply
Create your account, review key resources, and start your application. This includes reviewing the Applicant Guide, Body of Knowledge, and Code of Ethics, completing the eligibility check, and submitting your application with the $300 CAD application fee.
Application
Complete your full application by providing your professional experience and required documentation. You will submit your employment history, complete a self-assessment against industry benchmarks, indicate your exam scheduling preferences, and confirm your Code of Ethics declaration.
Exam
Complete the SBEP Knowledge and Ethics Exam online through the Absorb Learning Management System. The exam includes a mix of knowledge-based and scenario-based questions designed to assess your understanding of core competencies.
Review
Your application is reviewed by the approvals board (BECAB), which meets on the second Tuesday of each month. You will receive your results within two business days following the review.
Designated
Once approved, you officially become a Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP). You will receive your certification documents, gain access to full member benefits, and join a global professional community.
The application process typically takes 4–6 weeks from submission to approval. The approvals board meets monthly to review applications.
SBEP Body of Knowledge
The SBEP Body of Knowledge defines the core competencies, technical domains, and professional expectations required of Sustainable Blue Economy Professionals.
It outlines the foundational knowledge areas used to assess applicants and guides learners, employers, and educators on what SBEP-level expertise looks like.
SBEP Code of Ethics & Case Studies
The SBEP Code of Ethics establishes the values and principles that guide responsible practice across the Blue Economy.
It includes formal ethical commitments, definitions, and practical case studies that illustrate how professionals should navigate real-world dilemmas in research, governance, conservation, technology, and industry settings.
Maintain Your Designation
SBEP Specialized holders must complete 20 professional development (PD) credits annually, with flexible options that support continuous learning and career advancement.
PD activities help members:
- Strengthen their professional portfolio
- Stay connected to the community
- Share knowledge and mentor others
Renewal requirements and PD tracking tools are available through the OAC portal.
Designation Fees & Maintenance
- Application (one-time): $300 CAD
- Annual Renewal: $230 CAD
Fees include:
- Application review and approval
- Access to the professional community and benefits
- Ongoing credential maintenance and auditing
Start Your SBEP Specialized Journey
Advance your career. Strengthen the global ocean economy.
FAQ
Get answers about eligibility, application steps, exams, fees, member benefits, and how the Sustainable Blue Economy Professional designation works for both Canadian and international applicants
GENERAL QUESTIONS (Applies to All Applicants)
When do I need to renew my designation?
The Sustainable Blue Economy Professional (SBEP) designation recognizes individuals whose education, skills and experience support a sustainable global ocean economy. It is a competency-based, standards-aligned credential developed by Ocean Alliance Canada in partnership with ECO Canada, grounded in the Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS). It validates your expertise across ocean-related or adjacent industries and demonstrates your commitment to ethical professional practice.
What happens if my membership lapses?
The SBEP designation provides international recognition of your competencies, strengthens your professional credibility, and supports long-term career growth. It verifies both formal learning and hands-on experience, connects you to professional networks, and signals your commitment to sustainable ocean practice.
How do reinstatements work?
Certification aligns your experience with BNOS-defined competencies used across research, technology, operations, policy, science and leadership. SBEP holders gain a verified credential that improves job competitiveness, supports mobility across ocean sectors, and opens opportunities for leadership, speaking and professional roles.
How do I change my specialization?
No. The SBEP is a professional credential, not a job placement program. It strengthens your qualifications and credibility but does not guarantee employment.
How do I cancel my designation?
SBEP assesses competencies unique to the sustainable blue economy rather than engineering practice. It reflects cross-sector ocean skills such as governance, sustainability, operations, research, spatial planning, technology, and community engagement.
What education do I need to apply for SBEP or SBEPt?
All applicants must hold:
- A two or three-year college diploma, or
- A three or four-year university degree, or
An equivalent international credential
Can I apply with only a high school diploma?
No. A diploma, degree or equivalent international credential is required.
I have a degree in a different field. Can I still apply?
Yes. Eligibility depends on how your experience aligns with BNOS competencies.
I work in a different sector but want to move into the blue economy. Can I apply?
Yes. Applicants transitioning into the blue economy often begin as SBEP-in-Training if they have fewer than five years of relevant experience.
Can I apply if my work experience is from an adjacent sector?
Yes. Experience from adjacent or related industries may qualify you if your competencies align with BNOS.
What is the minimum work experience required for SBEP?
Five or more years of experience across ocean-related or adjacent industries.
What is the minimum work experience required for SBEP Specialized?
Five or more years of experience in one or more areas of specialization within the blue economy.
What is the minimum work experience required for SBEPt?
Fewer than five years of relevant experience.
Can I apply if I do not live in Canada?
Yes. SBEP welcomes international applicants. See “International Applicants” below.
Am I required to graduate from an ECO Canada accredited program?
No. Accredited programs are not a requirement for SBEP.
Do I need to pass all specialization areas to qualify?
No. Applicants may choose to pursue specialization or be certified without specialization.
What if I only have international work experience?
International experience is accepted as long as it aligns with BNOS and meets SBEP criteria.
What does it cost to apply for SBEP or SBEPt?
For Canadian applicants: Application fees are waived until April 30, 2026.
International applicants: Standard fees apply.
Standard fees:
- SBEP: $300 application fee + $230 renewal
- SBEP Specialized: $300 application fee + $230 renewal
- SBEP-in-Training: $200 application fee + $130 renewal
International applicants are charged in USD.
Are fees refundable?
Application fees are non-refundable.
Exam fees are refundable only if the exam has not been written.
When are renewal fees due?
Renewal fees are due April 1 each year.
How are renewal fees prorated?
Fees are prorated to the April 1 renewal schedule when you are first approved.
What is the Outstanding Fees Policy?
- 30+ days past due: $100 penalty and temporary removal from roster
- 60+ days past due: designation lapses
- Lapsed ≤ 3 years: eligible for reinstatement
- Lapsed > 3 years: must reapply as a new applicant
What are the fees to upgrade or add a specialization?
Upgrades follow standard Ocean Alliance Canada fee schedules.
What does the SBEP application process involve?
The certification process includes:
- Create an account in the SBEP application portal
- Complete the Eligibility Check
- Submit your fee to start your application
- Complete the Skill and Competency Self-Assessment
- Submit employment history, references and documentation
- Write the SBEP Knowledge and Ethics Exam (if required)
Final review by BECAB
What documents do I need to submit?
Your Application Package becomes available after you create an account, complete the Eligibility Check and submit your fee. It includes:
- Employment history
- Education details
- References
- Self-assessment
- Exam scheduling preferences
- Code of Ethics declaration
What is the Skill Matching Tool?
A BNOS-aligned self-assessment used to evaluate your core, technical and sector-specific competencies and determine whether you qualify for SBEP, SBEP Specialized or SBEPt.
How do I prepare for the SBEP Ethics Exam?
Review the Exam Guidelines, Body of Knowledge, and materials provided in your Application Package.
What does the exam cover?
The exam assesses knowledge of ocean governance, ecosystems, sustainability, innovation and the SBEP Code of Ethical Practice.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You may retake the exam 2–3 times per year. Additional exam fees apply.
How many times can I retake the exam?
You may retake the exam 2–3 times per year. Additional exam fees apply.
Do you offer exam accommodations?
Accommodations are available on a case-by-case basis. Contact SBEP@oceanalliancecanada.ca.
Can I submit more than one specialization?
Yes. Applicants may apply for one or multiple specialization areas.
What happens after I submit my application?
Complete applications are reviewed by the BECAB (Blue Economy Certification and Approvals Board) on the second Tuesday of each month. You will receive your results within two business days.
When do I gain access to member benefits?
After BECAB approval and confirmation of your designation.
What benefits do SBEP members receive?
Benefits include:
- International recognition
- Access to OAC and ECO Canada professional networks
- Discounts on training, events and conferences
- Mentorship opportunities
- Professional development resources
- Eligibility for awards, leadership pathways and recognition programs
Is member discount codes valid outside Canada?
Most discount codes apply within Canada only.
Does the designation include mentorship opportunities?
Yes. Members may access mentorship through OAC and ECO Canada communities.
Can I join an SBEP chapter in my region?
SBEP chapters are in development and will expand as the community grows.
When can I start using SBEP or SBEPt after my name?
How do I show my designation on LinkedIn?
How do I list my designation on my resume or email signature?
SBEP and SBEPt may be placed after your name as a post-nominal title.
Can I hold both SBEP and EP?
Yes. Designations are separate and may be held simultaneously.
Can I transfer from EP to SBEP?
No. SBEP and EP are independent pathways and cannot be transferred.
How do I upgrade from SBEPt to SBEP?
Once you meet the five-year experience requirement, you may apply to upgrade and complete the Knowledge and Ethics Exam.
How do I add specializations after certification?
You may apply to add specialization(s) at any time. Additional fees apply.
When do I need to renew my designation?
Renewal occurs annually on April 1.
What happens if my membership lapses?
You may incur penalties, be removed from the roster or lose your designation depending on how long fees remain outstanding.
How do reinstatements work?
Members who have lapsed for less than three years may be reinstated. Those lapsed for longer than three years must apply as new applicants.
How do I change my specialization?
You may request changes through your member account or by contacting SBEP support. Fees may apply.
How do I cancel my designation?
Contact the SBEP team for cancellation and reinstatement pathways.
How is SBEP different from EP?
How is SBEP aligned with the Blue National Occupational Standards (BNOS)?
Every application includes a BNOS-aligned self-assessment that evaluates your competencies against national standards developed through employer consultation, research and labour market analysis.
What sectors does the SBEP apply to?
The SBEP designation supports professionals across the full spectrum of ocean and coastal sectors, including Operations and Navigation, Science and Ecosystem Management, Technology and Engineering, Geoanalytics and Spatial Planning, Sustainable Infrastructure and offshore renewables, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Marine and Coastal Tourism, and Support and Leadership roles that enable ocean programs, communities and organizations.
Who oversees the SBEP certification process?
Who do I contact for help?
International Applicants (Additional Details)
Are international applicants eligible for SBEP or SBEPt?
Yes. SBEP welcomes applicants from anywhere in the world.
What if my education is from outside Canada?
International credentials are accepted.
Can I apply with international work experience only?
Yes. International work experience may qualify if it aligns with BNOS competencies.
Do I need Canadian work experience?
No. The SBEP is a professional credential, not a job placement program. It strengthens your qualifications and credibility but does not guarantee employment.
What documents do I need to submit as an international applicant?
After completing the Eligibility Check, international applicants can access the International Application Package, which outlines all required documents, education details and verification steps.
Can I write the exam from outside Canada?
Yes. Exams are completed online through the Absorb LMS.
How do I prepare for the exam if I am abroad?
Are fees the same for international applicants?
International fees are charged in USD.
Do I pay membership fees in Canadian dollars?
Canadian applicants pay fees in CAD. International applicants pay fees in USD.
Do I receive all SBEP member benefits outside Canada?
Most benefits apply internationally. Some, such as insurance or Canadian partner discounts, may be limited.
Which benefits are limited internationally?
Some discounts and insurance benefits apply only to Canadian residents.
How do I show the SBEP designation internationally?
Add it to your signature, resume and LinkedIn profile as a global professional credential.
Is the SBEP recognized globally?
SBEP is built on BNOS competencies and is designed as a global ocean professional designation.
Can I join Canadian SBEP chapters from abroad?
Chapters are in development. International members may be able to participate virtually as the network grows.
Where can I download the SBEP International Applicant Guide?
Resources include the SBEP Applicant Guide and the SBEP International Applicant Guide. Both are available in the Resources section.
Where can I watch the SBEP webinar?
The SBEP information webinar will be available on the SBEP website once published.
Who can I contact for international application support?
Email: SBEP@oceanalliancecanada.ca