Transparent pricing for every path
Whether you are certifying a building, verifying a single activity, earning your credential, or joining a community of practice — you should know exactly what it costs before you start.
Registration Fee
One-time — locks fees for 24 mo
$2,000
Verification by Certification Level
Bronze
$5,625
Silver
$6,875
Gold
$8,125
Platinum
$9,375
These are estimates. Final pricing is confirmed at registration based on your specific project scope. Discounts are applied during registration review and may be combined. Learn about organization membership →
Certification pricing FAQ
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration enrolls your project in the SEAM Certification system and provides access to certification coaching, documentation templates and guidance materials, your project portal, and a unique SEAM project identification number. It is a separate fee from the certification review fee.
How is the per-SF verification fee calculated?
The rate is based on your project's gross square footage and uses a tiered structure: $0.035/SF for the first 250K SF, $0.025/SF for 250K–500K, and $0.015/SF above 500K. A minimum fee applies based on the certification level you’re pursuing.
How long does a certification remain valid?
Certification validity depends on the rating system. Buildings + Interiors certifications do not expire — they require annual data submissions for select activities to maintain active status. Operations + Maintenance certifications are valid for three years. Recertification must be filed by the third anniversary, and fees are approximately 60% of the original verification fee.
Do organization members get discounts on certification fees?
Yes. Standing members receive 5% off, Ladder members 10% off, and Arc members 15% off certification and event fees.
Is there volume pricing for portfolios?
Yes. Organizations certifying 5 or more projects can access portfolio pricing through an Organization membership at the Ladder or Arc tier. Contact our team for a custom quote.
Single Mark
Verify one activity against the SEAM Standard. Ideal for testing a single practice before committing to full certification.
- One SEAM Mark
- Third-party verification
- Directory listing & credential
- Counts toward full certification
Bulk Marks
Verify 3 related activities at a significant discount. The most popular option for organizations building toward certification.
- 3 related SEAM Marks
- Grouped by theme for deeper impact
- ~11% savings vs. individual
- Accelerated path to certification
Community member discount: Changemaker members receive discounted SEAM Mark verification fees. Organization members at Ladder tier and above receive volume pricing automatically. Join the Community →
SEAM Marks pricing FAQ
How much does a single activity verification cost?
A Single Mark costs $750. Bulk Marks bundle 3 related activities for $2,000 — a $250 savings vs. $2,250 individually.
Can I start with Marks and upgrade to full Certification later?
Yes. Every verified activity earns pathway credit toward full certification. Many organizations start with a Single Mark or Bulk Marks (3 related activities) and then transition to a full certification track when ready.
Do community members get a discount?
Yes. Changemaker individual members receive discounted verification fees. Organization members at Ladder and above receive volume pricing automatically.
How long does a Mark last?
SEAM Marks are valid for 3 years. Renewal requires updated documentation demonstrating that the verified activity remains in practice.
Ethical Procurement Seal
Show your supply chain can stand up to modern-slavery and human-rights scrutiny — aligned with the Australian and UK Modern Slavery Acts, UFLPA, the EU Forced Labour Regulation, UNGPs, OECD, and ILO standards.
- 26 verified activities in the EP pathway
- Independent review against the Seal pathway
- Public listing with Assessment Scope
- Counts toward full certification
Community Development Seal
Prove a community initiative is real work — designed with impacted parties, tied to a material issue, delivered, and independently reviewed.
- 12 verified activities in the CD pathway
- Independent review against the Seal pathway
- Public listing with Assessment Scope
- Counts toward full certification
Single Mark
Verify one activity against the SEAM Standard. Ideal for testing a single practice before committing to full certification.
- One SEAM Mark
- Third-party verification
- Directory listing & credential
- Counts toward full certification
Bulk Marks
Verify 3 related activities at a significant discount. The most popular option for organizations building toward certification.
- 3 related SEAM Marks
- Grouped by theme for deeper impact
- ~11% savings vs. individual
- Accelerated path to certification
SEAM Seal pricing FAQ
How much does a SEAM Seal cost?
Pricing is set per Seal pathway. The Ethical Procurement Seal is $5,000 for 26 verified activities. The Community Development Seal is $2,500 for 12 verified activities. Each is a flat fee per Assessment Scope.
Which Seals are available now?
Two Seals are open in pilot cohorts: the Ethical Procurement Seal (26 activities, $5,000) and the Community Development Seal (12 activities, $2,500). Additional Seal pathways are in development.
How is a Seal different from Bulk Marks?
Bulk Marks bundle 3 related activities for $2,000 — a focused, lower-commitment way to verify practices you already have. A Seal is broader: 12 to 26 activities in a curated theme, a distinct named credential representing sustained commitment in a focused area.
Does a Seal count toward full Certification?
Yes. Activities verified for a Seal carry forward toward future SEAM recognition when scope, entity, reporting period, evidence, and applicable rating system remain aligned with SEAM requirements.
AP Credential Bundle
Everything you need to earn your SEAM AP. The recommended path for most professionals.
- Foundations course ($129 value)
- Proctored online examination
- Digital credential & seal
- SEAM directory listing
Training Only
Foundations: Social Equity in the Built Environment course. Build knowledge without committing to the exam.
- 10 modules · 55 lessons
- 8+ hours of course material
- 9 knowledge checks
- 2-hour practice exam
- Income-qualified rate available
AP Credential pricing FAQ
What does the AP Credential Bundle include?
The Bundle ($519) includes the Foundations: Social Equity in the Built Environment course ($129 value), the AP exam, your digital credential and seal, and a directory listing.
Can my AP exam fee be covered by my organization?
Yes. Organization members at Ladder and Arc tiers include complimentary AP trainings and exams, and exam fees can be invoiced to the organization.
Can I take the training without the exam?
Yes. The Training Only option is $129 and includes the full Foundations course — 10 modules, 55 lessons, 8+ hours of content, and 9 knowledge checks.
Is there a refund policy for the exam?
Exam fees can be transferred to a later date but are non-refundable. Training access remains available after purchase.
Open
For those exploring SEAM and seeking to get involved. No commitment required.
- Join critical conversations
- Attend public webcasts and events
- Monthly newsletter with field updates
- LEED Crosswalk access
Changemaker
For those who want more than basic access. Tangible benefits and opportunities to participate more meaningfully in SEAM's ongoing work.
- Access to The Stitch: SEAM online community + resources
- Recognition in the SEAM Member Directory
- Eligible to join Technical Advisory Groups shaping industry standards
- 5% discount on SEAM events
- 5% discount on SEAM certifications, endorsements, and marks
- LEED Crosswalk access
Special Access
For students, global members, nonprofit staff, and early-career professionals. Income-qualified, honor system.
Apply now →Standing
For organizations beginning their SEAM journey. Access to The Stitch and foundational benefits.
- Access to The Stitch members-only hub
- Complimentary 30-minute ROSSI support session
- 5% discount on certifications and events
- Eligibility to sponsor events
- Recognition in the Member Directory
- Recognition on the SEAM website (text listing)
- 3 included employee individual memberships
Ladder
For organizations actively pursuing certification across properties.
- Access to The Stitch members-only hub
- Complimentary 30-minute ROSSI support session
- 10% discount on certifications and events
- Eligibility to sponsor events
- Recognition in the Member Directory
- Recognition on the SEAM website (logo)
- Ability to submit a blog post on SEAM’s website
- 10 included employee individual memberships
- 1 complimentary AP training and exam
Arc
For institutions leading the movement. Maximum influence and recognition.
- Access to The Stitch members-only hub
- Complimentary 30-minute ROSSI support session
- 15% discount on certifications and events
- Eligibility to sponsor events
- Recognition on the SEAM website (logo, featured)
- Submit featured articles & webinars
- Use of the membership logo
- 25 included employee individual memberships
- 5 complimentary AP trainings and exams
- 1 included event sponsorship
Membership pricing FAQ
What is the difference between Open and Changemaker?
Open is free and gives you access to public resources. Changemaker ($99/yr) adds access to The Stitch community hub, course library, templates, AP exam coverage, and project referral eligibility.
What discounts do organization members receive?
Standing members get 5% off certifications and events. Ladder gets 10% off plus 1 complimentary AP training. Arc gets 15% off plus 5 AP trainings and 1 event sponsorship.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my membership?
Yes. Individual memberships can be changed anytime. Organization membership changes take effect at the next billing cycle. Contact our team for mid-cycle adjustments.
Is there special pricing for students or nonprofits?
Yes. Special Access pricing is available for students, global members, nonprofit staff, and early-career professionals. Income-qualified, honor system.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, ACH transfers, and wire transfers. Organization memberships and fees above $5,000 can be invoiced with Net 30 terms.
Not sure which path is right?
Whether you are a practitioner, a building owner, or an organization with a portfolio, our team can help you find the right entry point. No commitment required.