Background to SA8000:2026
SAI is undertaking a full revision of the SA8000® Standard for Decent Work, which will be published as SA8000:2026 on January 1, 2026. The draft standard is available for public review here.
The SA8000 Standard is the foundation for all of SAI’s programs to advance human rights for workers around the world, including the SA8000 Certification Program, our capacity-building initiatives with brands and companies, and our systems-focused landscape projects. It is also widely used as a benchmark by other standards, policymakers, and company codes of conduct.
The purpose of this revision is to ensure that SA8000 continues to serve as a leading benchmark for ethical workplaces across global value chains, reflecting evolving human rights risks, good practices, and the changing realities of responsible business conduct.
Overview
As part of this transition, all individuals who have completed SA8000 training on the 2014 version of the Standard, whether as auditors, company representatives, or other professionals, must complete the new SA8000:2026 Upgrade Course to keep their SA8000 training certificate valid. This requirement ensures that all certificate holders remain up to date with the latest requirements, terminology, and human rights due diligence principles introduced in SA8000:2026.
Who Needs to Complete the Upgrade Course
If you completed the SA8000 Basic Course before September 22, 2025, you are required to complete the SA8000:2026 Upgrade Course.
If you completed the SA8000 Basic Course directly with SAI on or after September 22, 2025, your training already includes SA8000:2026, and no upgrade is required.
This exception applies only to courses delivered directly by SAI, not by other training providers.
Requirements Summary
| SA8000 Basic Auditor Training Date | Training Provider | Upgrade Course Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Before September 22, 2025 | SAI or any SAI-approved provider | Yes |
| September 22, 2025 or later | SAI only | No |
| September 22, 2025 or later | Any SAI-approved provider | Yes |
About the SA8000:2026 Upgrade Course
- Launch date: January 1, 2026
- Format: Online, on-demand via SAI’s Training Center
- Duration: Approximately 4–6 hours, including knowledge checks and a final test
- Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Italian, and Portuguese
- Fee: USD $100
- Participants who completed the SA8000 Basic Course in 2023 or later may take the revision course free of charge provided they complete it by June 30, 2026.
- Participants who completed the SA8000 Basic Course with SAI in 2023 or later will be automatically enrolled in the SA8000:2026 Upgrade Course.
- Participants who completed the SA8000 Basic Course with another authorized training provider from 2023 onwards will receive a coupon code from that provider to access the course free of charge.
- Participants who completed the SA8000 Basic Course in 2023 or later may take the revision course free of charge provided they complete it by June 30, 2026.
Certificate Validity
To maintain the validity of your SA8000 training certificate, you must complete and pass the SA8000:2026 Upgrade Course by December 31, 2026. Upon successful completion, you will receive an updated electronic certificate showing completion of SA8000:2026 training.
Registration
Registration will open on January 1, 2026, through the SAI Training Center.
Questions?
- For training and registration inquiries: training@sa-intl.org
- For information about the SA8000:2026 transition: sa8000@sa-intl.org
Frequently Asked Questions
I completed the SA8000 Basic Course before September 22, 2025. Do I need to complete the upgrade course?
Yes. All auditors trained on SA8000:2014, including those who completed the Basic Course before September 22, 2025, must complete the SA8000:2026 Auditor Upgrade Training before conducting SA8000:2026 audits. Only auditors who attend the SA8000 Basic Course directly with SAI on or after September 22, 2025 will already be trained on SA8000:2026 and do not need the upgrade. This exemption does not apply to courses delivered by other providers. See: SAI Notification 2: Training Requirements for Qualified SA8000 Auditors.
Will my SA8000:2014 qualification remain valid after January 1, 2026?
Yes. You may still conduct audits to SA8000:2014 if assigned by your Conformity Assessment Bodies (CB) during the transition period. However, you must complete the upgrade course before conducting any SA8000:2026 audits, and no later than December 31, 2026.
How do I prove that I have completed the upgrade course?
Once you pass the final test given as part of the SA8000:2026 Auditor Upgrade Course, you will receive an electronic certificate of successful course completion. CABs can verify this through SAI’s learning platform and must maintain updated auditor qualification records.
When can I conduct audits to the SA8000:2026 Standard?
You may begin auditing to SA8000:2026 once:
- The Standard is published, and
- You have successfully completed the upgrade training and received your certificate.
- Your CAB has authorized your qualifications to conduct SA8000:2025 audits.
What does the upgrade course cover?
The course focuses on the changes from SA8000:2014 to SA8000:2026, including procedural updates (such as SAAS Procedure 201B), to quickly update auditors already trained on the previous version.
Can I complete the upgrade course in parts or must I finish in one sitting?
The course is on-demand. You can complete it in multiple sessions and your progress will be saved automatically.
What happens if I fail the final test?
You may retake the test as many times as needed. The course is designed to help all auditors fully understand the information provided in the training course.
When can I register for the upgrade course?
Registration will open on January 1, 2026 through SAI’s Training Center, which can be found here.
How long do I have to complete the upgrade course?
All existing SA8000 auditors must complete the upgrade course by December 31, 2026.
What is the cost of the upgrade course?
The course fee will be USD $100. This includes all training modules, assessments, and your electronic certificate. As an exception, participants who completed the SA8000 Basic Course training with SAI in 2023 or later may take the revision training for free, provided they complete it by June 30, 2026. A coupon code will be issued to these participants, expiring July 1, 2026. After that date, the USD $100 fee applies.
Does completing the upgrade course give me additional auditor status?
No. Completing the upgrade course updates your qualification to SA8000:2026. All other requirements for auditor status remain governed by SAAS Procedure 201B.
Will there be any other training requirements for existing SA8000 auditors?
Yes. In 2026, SAI will offer additional mandatory and non-mandatory training for existing SA8000 auditors. More information will be issued in early 2026.
What are CABs required to do during the transition?
CABs must ensure that only auditors who have successfully completed SAI’s official SA8000:2026 upgrade training are assigned to audits under the new standard. CABs must also update their internal training and calibration processes in line with revised SAAS procedures as they are published over the coming months. See: SAI Notification 1: Transition Timeline for SA8000:2026.
Do CAB managers, technical reviewers, and support staff also need training?
Yes. CAB managers, technical reviewers, and personnel involved in SA8000 certification processes are also subject to SA8000:2026 training requirements. Further details will be communicated at the time of republication of SAI’s SA8000 scheme competency requirements 201B (anticipated January 1, 2026).
What is expected of CABs during the transition period in 2026?
Between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026, audits may still be conducted against SA8000:2014. CABs must carefully manage assignments during this time, ensuring that audits conducted against SA8000:2026 are carried out only by upgraded auditors. Please refer to Notification 1 (Transition Requirements for Certification of Organisations to SA8000: 2026) and other supporting documents, which can be found here.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
For questions about registering for this training, please contact training@sa-intl.org. For questions regarding SA8000:2026 and the transition process, please contact sa8000@sa-intl.org.
