GRI ESRS-Professional Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: ESRS-Professional
- Exam Name: ESRS Professional Certification Exam
- Certification Provider: GRI
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
What features define a digital reporting platform? Select all that apply.
- A . Structured data formats
- B . Manual data entry processes
- C . Interactive dashboards
- D . Real-time updates and compliance tools
A, C, D
Explanation:
A digital reporting platform under ESRS is designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of sustainability disclosures. It must enable seamless reporting and compliance monitoring through advanced digital features. The defining elements include: (A) Structured data formats Digital platforms must support structured formats like XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), ensuring machine-readability and interoperability with financial reporting standards. (C) Interactive dashboards
Platforms often provide visualization tools and dashboards to facilitate analysis and comparison of sustainability data across different periods and entities. (D) Real-time updates and compliance tools
Digital reporting solutions should offer real-time data integration to enable ongoing compliance tracking and alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.
Incorrect Option:
(B) Manual data entry processes
Manual entry is not a characteristic of a digital reporting platform. Instead, digital platforms prioritize automation, integration, and structured data processing to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772, ESRS 1, Section 8.1 & 9.2 C Establishes digitalization and connectivity requirements for sustainability reporting.
EFRAG Digital Reporting Guidelines (2024) C Defines structured data standards and compliance
automation in ESRS reporting.
Indicate whether the following statement is true or false.
The EU Taxonomy and ESRS digital taxonomy serve the same purpose in sustainability reporting.
- A . True
- B . False
B
Explanation:
The EU Taxonomy and the ESRS digital taxonomy serve different purposes in sustainability reporting: EU Taxonomy is a classification system that identifies environmentally sustainable economic activities and establishes criteria for determining their contribution to environmental objectives. It is primarily used to guide investment decisions and financial disclosures.
ESRS Digital Taxonomy is a structured digital framework that ensures sustainability disclosures are machine-readable, standardized, and comparable under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Scope
Users
Regulation
Environmental focus on investments & Comprehensive reporting across environmental, Reference: EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Report: Simplifying the EU Taxonomy Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772
Indicate whether the following statement is true or false.
External assurance not required for all information reported under ESRS 2 and the topical ESRS.
- A . True
- B . False
A
Explanation:
Under ESRS 2 and topical ESRS, external assurance is not required for all information reported. Instead, assurance requirements depend on specific regulatory obligations and the phase-in periods set by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Limited Assurance Requirement Initially CSRD mandates limited assurance over sustainability information at first, with reasonable assurance (more stringent) to follow in later years.
However, not all data points require assurance―only those specifically outlined in the European
Commission’s assurance framework.
Mandatory Assurance for Some Disclosures
ESRS 2 covers general disclosures, but only certain metrics and targets under specific topical ESRS require external assurance.
Appendix C of ESRS 2 outlines which disclosures require assurance.
Entity-Specific Exemptions & Phase-in Rules
Some disclosures do not require assurance if they are deemed immaterial based on the materiality assessment.
SMEs and first-time reporters have phased-in assurance requirements.
Thus, external assurance is not required for all ESRS 2 and topical ESRS disclosures, making the
statement True.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772
Compilation Explanations January – November 2024
Which of the following correctly fills the gaps in the sentences below?
The ESRS Taxonomy acts as a __________ for tagging sustainability disclosures, ensuring data is structured, consistent, and comparable across organizations.
The CSRD requires sustainability information to be reported in a __________ format, making it accessible to both people and machines.
Under the CSRD, sustainability reports will eventually be uploaded to the __________ platform, centralizing public financial and non-financial information across the EU.
- A . European Single Access Point (ESAP); digitally accessible; framework
- B . framework; digitally accessible; European Single Access Point (ESAP)
- C . digitally accessible; framework; European Single Access Point (ESAP)
B
Explanation:
Correct Sentence Completion:
The ESRS Taxonomy acts as a framework for tagging sustainability disclosures, ensuring data is structured, consistent, and comparable across organizations.
The CSRD requires sustainability information to be reported in a digitally accessible format, making it available for both people and machines.
Under the CSRD, sustainability reports will eventually be uploaded to the European Single Access Point (ESAP), centralizing public financial and non-financial information across the EU.
Explanation of the Selected Answer
ESRS as a "framework" C The ESRS taxonomy defines a structure that allows sustainability data to be categorized and tagged effectively.
"Digitally accessible format" C The CSRD mandates reporting in machine-readable formats such as XBRL to improve transparency and comparability.
European Single Access Point (ESAP) C ESAP will serve as the centralized EU platform for sustainability and financial disclosures.
Reference: EU Taxonomy Regulation and CSRD Reporting Structure
EFRAG Explanation on ESRS Digital Reporting
Which department is primarily responsible for providing employee-related data such as headcount, turnover, and health and safety statistics?
- A . Human Resources
- B . Compliance
- C . Health and Safety
- D . Marketing
A
Explanation:
2023/2772, various EFRAG guidance documents, and reports related to CSRD, ESRS, stakeholder engagement, double materiality, external assurance, and digital reporting Study guide Reference at the end of each question
Under the ESRS framework, employee-related data such as headcount, turnover, and health and safety statistics are typically the responsibility of the Human Resources (HR) department. HR is responsible for managing workforce metrics, diversity, inclusion, hiring, terminations, and employee well-being, including health and safety programs.
While Health and Safety (H&S) teams may contribute data related to occupational safety and health incidents, the responsibility for aggregating and reporting on overall workforce statistics lies with HR. The Compliance department ensures legal and regulatory adherence but does not maintain core employee records, while Marketing has no role in employee-related data reporting. ESRS
Reference: ESRS S1-6: Characteristics of the undertaking’s employees, requiring disclosure of total headcount and workforce breakdown.
ESRS S1-14: Health and Safety Metrics, detailing occupational safety measures, incidents, and employee well-being programs.
EFRAG Implementation Guidance on Workforce Reporting, which confirms HR as the responsible entity for employee data aggregation.
How do the ESRS define stakeholders?
- A . Those who can influence or contribute to the undertaking.
- B . Those who can support or benefit from the undertaking.
- C . Those who can affect or be affected by the undertaking.
C
Explanation:
According to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772, stakeholders are defined as individuals or groups who can affect or be affected by the undertaking. The ESRS distinguishes between two main groups of stakeholders:
Affected stakeholders: These are individuals or groups whose interests are affected or could be affected C positively or negatively C by the undertaking’s activities and its direct and indirect business relationships across its value chain.
Users of sustainability statements: These include primary users of general-purpose financial reporting (e.g., existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors such as asset managers, credit institutions, and insurance undertakings) and other users, including the undertaking’s business partners, trade unions, social partners, civil society and non-governmental organizations, governments, analysts, and academics.
Furthermore, engagement with affected stakeholders is a crucial aspect of the undertaking’s ongoing due diligence process and sustainability materiality assessment. This involves identifying and assessing actual and potential negative impacts to inform the materiality assessment process for sustainability reporting.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 of 31 July 2023 supplementing Directive 2013/34/EU on sustainability reporting standards.
ESRS 1: General Requirements, Section 3.1 (Stakeholders and their relevance to the materiality assessment process).
Which of the following elements is recommended for inclusion in the sustainability statement under ESRS 2, based on Appendix F of ESRS 1?
- A . A specific structure prescribed by the ESRS
- B . Only sector-specific Disclosure Requirements
- C . A list of Disclosure Requirements that have been complied with
- D . A table summarizing financial performance
C
Explanation:
Under ESRS 2 (Appendix F of ESRS 1), sustainability statements must follow a structured disclosure approach. The appendix provides guidance on the recommended format and elements to be included in the sustainability statement to ensure consistency, comparability, and transparency. Key Requirements for ESRS 2 Sustainability Statement
(C) A list of Disclosure Requirements that have been complied with:
Organizations must provide a clear list of all ESRS disclosure requirements that they have reported on. This ensures that stakeholders can assess whether the company has complied with its materiality-based reporting obligations.
The list must include page numbers or references to the exact location of disclosures within the report.
Incorrect Options
(A) A specific structure prescribed by the ESRS:
While ESRS 1 provides a recommended structure, it is not mandatory. Instead, companies are given flexibility to adapt the format to their reporting needs.
(B) Only sector-specific Disclosure Requirements:
The sustainability statement should cover both general ESRS disclosures and sector-specific disclosures, not just sector-specific ones.
(D) A table summarizing financial performance:
Financial performance is not a core requirement of the sustainability statement. Instead, ESRS focuses on sustainability-related disclosures that impact financial performance but does not mandate a direct financial summary within the sustainability statement.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772, ESRS 2 (Appendix F of ESRS 1) C Outlines the format and elements of the sustainability statement.
EFRAG Compilation Explanations (January C November 2024) C Provides insights into structuring sustainability statements under ESRS.
Thus, the correct answer is C. A list of Disclosure Requirements that have been complied with.
Which statements about Inline XBRL are TRUE? Select all that apply.
- A . It is required under the CSRD for sustainability reporting
- B . It only applies to narrative disclosures, not numerical data
- C . It makes reports both human-readable and machine-readable
- D . It ensures that tags are embedded within a visually clear format
A, C, D
Explanation:
Inline XBRL (iXBRL) is the digital reporting format required under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to ensure standardized and machine-readable sustainability reporting. It is required under CSRD for sustainability reporting
The CSRD mandates the use of Inline XBRL for sustainability reports, ensuring digital tagging for structured data submission, making information easier to analyze by regulators and investors.
✅ (A) is correct
It only applies to narrative disclosures, not numerical data
Incorrect. Inline XBRL applies to both numerical data (KPIs, metrics) and narrative disclosures, allowing structured reporting across qualitative and quantitative sustainability information.
❌ (B) is incorrect
It makes reports both human-readable and machine-readable
True. Inline XBRL embeds machine-readable tags into a human-readable document, ensuring both usability and compliance with digital reporting requirements.
✅ (C) is correct
It ensures that tags are embedded within a visually clear format
Correct. The Inline XBRL standard ensures that the digital tags do not alter the visual presentation of the report, maintaining clarity for human readers while allowing structured data extraction.
✅ (D) is correct Conclusion:
Inline XBRL is required under CSRD (A), makes reports both human-readable and machine-readable (C), and ensures a visually clear format (D). However, it applies to both narrative and numerical data, making (B) incorrect.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 Compilation Explanations January – July 2024
Which of the following best describes the purpose of Step A in the double materiality assessment process?
- A . Identify specific disclosure requirements to report.
- B . Conduct a financial materiality assessment.
- C . Understand the organization’s context, activities, and stakeholders.
- D . Report the outcomes of the materiality assessment.
C
Explanation:
Step A in the double materiality assessment process is the initial stage where an organization establishes a foundational understanding of its business context, activities, and stakeholder relationships. This step is critical in identifying how the entity interacts with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters and lays the groundwork for further impact and financial materiality assessments.
The double materiality concept in the ESRS framework requires organizations to evaluate both: Impact materiality C How an organization’s activities impact people and the environment. Financial materiality C How sustainability matters influence the organization’s financial position, performance, and cash flows.
Key Aspects of Step A in Double Materiality Assessment:
Identifying the business environment: Understanding industry-specific sustainability challenges, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations.
Recognizing affected stakeholders: Engaging internal and external stakeholders to determine which sustainability matters are relevant.
Defining dependencies and risks: Evaluating the organization’s dependencies on natural, social, and human capital, and how these can influence business outcomes.
Understanding sector and geographical relevance: Assessing which sustainability issues are most significant based on where the company operates.
Step A does not yet involve selecting specific disclosure requirements (Step B) or conducting a
financial materiality assessment (Step C). Instead, it provides the contextual framework necessary for
subsequent steps in the materiality process.
Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772, ESRS 1, Section 3.1 C Defines stakeholders’ role in materiality assessment.
EFRAG Compilation Explanations January – November 2024 C Provides guidance on applying double materiality and the importance of Step A.
EFRAG IG 1 Materiality Assessment, Chapter 2.2 C Outlines Step A as the process of understanding business activities, stakeholders, and sustainability context.
Thus, the correct answer is
C. Understand the organization’s context, activities, and stakeholders.
EcoFurniture Inc., an organization producing eco-friendly furniture, is conducting Step B of its double materiality assessment. During this step it identifies potential deforestation impacts in its upstream value chain due to its timber sourcing and reputational risks related to environmental standards compliance.
Which of the following actions should EcoFurniture take during Step B to ensure a comprehensive assessment of its actual and potential IROs? Select all that apply.
- A . Screen sustainability matters listed in ESRS 1 AR 16 and compare them to its entity-specific
sustainability matters. - B . Conduct stakeholder engagement with local communities near timber supply locations.
- C . Ignore potential risks in the downstream value chain, as they are less material.
- D . Use scientific research to validate sustainability trends and risks in the forestry sector.
A, B, D
Explanation:
EcoFurniture Inc. is performing Step B of its double materiality assessment under ESRS, which involves identifying and assessing impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) from both an impact materiality and financial materiality perspective.
During Step B, the organization must:
Compare entity-specific sustainability matters to ESRS 1 AR 16
Screening sustainability matters listed in ESRS 1 AR 16 ensures that EcoFurniture Inc. identifies all potential material topics and aligns them with its specific sustainability context.
Action: ✅ (A) is correct
Engage with affected stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is a key requirement in the ESRS double materiality process, especially for industries with environmental and social impacts, such as deforestation risks in EcoFurniture’s timber sourcing.
ESRS 2 IRO-1 explicitly states that stakeholder engagement is necessary to validate materiality assessments.
Action: ✅ (B) is correct
Consider downstream impacts
ESRS mandates assessing both upstream and downstream sustainability impacts. Ignoring potential risks in the downstream value chain is not aligned with ESRS requirements.
Action: ❌ (C) is incorrect
Use scientific research to validate sustainability trends and risks
The use of scientific evidence is an essential part of assessing sustainability matters. ESRS encourages leveraging research and external data to confirm industry-specific sustainability risks.
Action: ✅ (D) is correct
Conclusion:
EcoFurniture Inc. must integrate stakeholder engagement, scientific research, and systematic comparison of sustainability matters to ESRS requirements to ensure a robust Step B materiality assessment. Ignoring the downstream value chain is not permissible under ESRS. Official
Reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772
Compilation Explanations January – November 2024