Certified B Corporation

Step 1:  Take the B Impact Assessment

The first step in becoming a Certified B Corporation is taking the B Impact Assessment, which assesses the overall impact of your company on its stakeholders.  The assessment varies depending on the company's size (number of employees) and sector.  Completing the assessment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Once you've completed the assessment, you will receive a B Report that contains an overall score. If that score is above 80 (out of 200 points available), you are ready for Step 2 .

Continue to B Impact Assessment

Step 2:  Complete an Assessment Review

Next, schedule an Assessment Review with a B Lab staff member.  On this call, B Lab staff will review the assessment with you to clarify the intent of the questions and refine our answers.  The review also helps us understand more about the company and the unique circumstances and best practices related to your company.  On average, it takes about 60-90 minutes to complete a review.  To schedule a review, hit 'Submit for Certification' on your Assessment Check or email thelab@bcorporation.net and let us know a few times that would work for you.

Step 3:  Submit Supporting Attachments

On your Assessment Review, our staff will also show you how to submit supporting attachments. The assessment will randomly select 8-10 heavily weighted questions and ask the company to demonstrate those social and environmental practices in more detail through documentation. The document list will be generated after your Assessment Review.

Step 4:  Begin Adopting the B Corp Legal Framework

For most companies this will entail an amendment of corporate governing documents to incorporate stakeholder interests. This allows the company's values to thrive under new management, new investors, and new ownership. In order to obtain certification, companies are expected to begin this process (e.g. have conversations with key board members, attorneys, or key shareholders). Completed amendments are due within 90 days of certification (up to 1 year for C Corporations).

Find out more about the B Corp Legal Framework

Step 5:  Make it Official! Review Certification Fees

B Corporations must submit a simple 2-page term sheet that lays out the expectations for Certified B Corporations.  This document also reviews B Corp Certification fees. Fees are not due at the time of signing.  Submitting the term sheet marks the beginning of your certification.

Find out more about making it official.

At Random:  On-site Reviews

10% of B Corporations are randomly selected each year for an on-site review. This component of the B Corp Certification is critical in maintaining the authenticity of the Certified B Corp Seal. Our goal for the review is to verify the accuracy of each positive response on the company's B Impact Assessment.

Learn more about on-site reviews.