PEFC RED training programme

Flexible, online training for auditors, reviewers, and certification decision makers to earn their qualification for PEFC RED certification services. Our training programme will provide you with the necessary knowledge to verify RED sustainability and GHG requirements in line with the EU RED requirements and to apply PEFC RED III standards consistently.

Benefits for auditors

• Be equipped to audit for PEFC RED II and RED III certification
• Deliver harmonised and high-quality audits across markets 
• Train anywhere at your own pace: the entire programme is e-learning, hosted on the PEFC Knowledge Academy
• Gain proof of competence: earn a PEFC recognised training certificate 

Who is the training for?

This programme is designed for auditors, reviewers, and certification decision makers working with certification bodies (CB personnel) and who intend to provide PEFC RED certification services. Entry requirements vary by course (see below), but in general you will need to hold a valid PEFC chain of custody qualification. 

What you’ll learn — three targeted courses

All courses are delivered online, with sequential modules and built‑in guidance from PEFC. 

1. PEFC RED II General Training (compulsory for CB personnel conducting PEFC RED II audits)

• Prerequisite: PEFC chain of custody qualification
• Format: 13 modules; 8‑week access window. No refresher training for this course, instead the refresher training will be the same as the PEFC RED III General Training 
• Focus: PEFC RED II system, objectives, and detailed requirements in PEFC ST 5002/5003 (excluding GHG calculation modules)
• Knowledge test is required
• Registration is required

1.2 PEFC RED III Specific Training (compulsory for PEFC RED II‑qualified CB personnel intending to conduct PEFC RED III audits)

• Prerequisite: PEFC RED II qualification. 
• Format: 7 modules; 8‑week access window. No refresher training 
• Focus: What’s changed in RED III vs RED II across PEFC ST 5002:2025 and ST 5003:2025, plus database use 
• No knowledge test
• No registration is required, PEFC RED II qualified auditors are automatically enrolled after passing the PEFC RED II knowledge test.

2. PEFC RED III General Training (compulsory for CB personnel conducting PEFC RED III audits)

• Prerequisite: PEFC chain of custody qualification. 
• Format: 13 modules; 8‑week access window. Refresher training is available. 
• Focus: PEFC RED III system and detailed requirements in PEFC ST 5002/5003 (excluding GHG calculation modules)
• Knowledge test is required
• Registration is required

3. PEFC RED III — GHG Actual & Disaggregated Default Values Calculation Training (optional, for CB personnel verifying GHG calculations)

• Prerequisite: PEFC RED III qualification (Specific or General). 
• Format: 6 modules; 8‑week access window. Refresher training is available. 
• Focus: Calculation and auditing requirements in ST 5002 and ST 5003; applied examples 
• Registration is required

Note: In France, CB personnel providing only PEFC RED II certification services only need to complete the PEFC RED II General Training.

How it works

• Simple application: Your certification body registers candidates via our online form. We verify eligibility and enrol successful candidates in the Knowledge Academy. 
• Flexible study: Work through modules at your pace within 8 weeks; the platform saves your progress. 
• Knowledge test: Achieve ≥ 80% to pass (2nd and 3rd attempts are free). 
• Your certificate: Issued online immediately after you pass; you’ll also be added to PEFC’s register of trained personnel.
• Stay current: Certification body representatives attend periodic online Q&A sessions with PEFC to keep implementation aligned. 

Validity & maintenance

PEFC RED II/III training certificates are valid for two years (expiring at end‑June or end‑December). Keep your qualification current by completing the designated RED III refresher training before the validity date on your certificate and maintaining your chain of custody qualification. 

If you lose your PEFC chain of custody qualification while your PEFC RED II/III qualification is still valid, you have three months to obtain a new PEFC chain of custody training certificate. If you do not obtain a new PEFC chain of custody qualification in time, your PEFC RED II/III training certificate will be suspended.

Fees

• RED II General Training: 258 CHF (initial) / 206 CHF (refresher) per participant. 
• RED III Specific Training: Free of charge for RED II qualified auditors. 
• RED III General Training: 258 CHF (initial) / 206 CHF (refresher) per participant. 
• RED III — GHG Actual & Disaggregated Defaults Values: 258 CHF (initial) / 206 CHF (refresher) per participant. 

Fees include training access, technical update sessions, knowledge test, training materials, certificate issuance, and entry in the PEFC register.

Invoice must be paid before the participant begins the training.

Ready to register?

1. Ask your certification body to submit your application via the online form. We’ll confirm eligibility and send your enrolment email. 
2. Log in to the PEFC Knowledge Academy to begin your course. If you need help with your credentials, contact red@pefc.org