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B Corp Certification > How to certify as a B Corp

How to certify as a B Corp

Becoming a Certified B Corporation is one of the most rigorous, comprehensive and rewarding processes your business can undertake. Learn more about the certification process and find out how to get started.

Who can certify?
B Corp Certification

Who can certify?

B Corps can range from multinational companies to sole traders. Most for-profit businesses that have been operating for at least a year can pursue B Corp Certification. Startups, large multinationals, and publicly traded companies may have additional requirements based on factors like company size, revenue, sector, and ownership structure.

Test your B Corp eligibility
B Lab B Keeper Event

To achieve B Corp Certification, your company needs to:

    Verify its social & environmental performance

    Complete the B Impact Assessment, achieve a verified score of 80 points or more, and pass the disclosure questionnaire review.

    Mission lock itself

    Your company must legally commit to considering the impact of its decisions on all stakeholders – a model known as stakeholder governance. Use our legal requirement tool to guide you in making this governance change.

    Embrace transparency

    Publish your company profile on our B Corp Directory, showcasing your performance measured against our standards transparently on B Lab’s website.

    Pay the annual certification fee

    You are expected to recertify your company every three years, but you must pay an annual fee based on your gross revenue. See our pricing structure for more details.

Learn more

Which certification approach is right for your company?

Generally, B Corp certification follows two main approaches, with 80% of companies going through the standard approach. These approaches are tailored to fit a company’s unique needs based on factors such as size, structure, and risk profile. Factors like company size, revenue, sector, and ownership structure can influence which certification approach is most suitable. Ultimately, a company’s pathway to certification is individual, shaped by its specific circumstances.

Small Business

For companies with less than €100M in annual revenue, the standard approach applies. These businesses can follow the standard certification process without needing to account for complex structures or operations. This streamlined approach allows small businesses to achieve B Corp certification efficiently.

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Large Enterprise

For companies with revenues between €100M and €1B, the standard approach may still apply if they follow a simple structure—having fewer than 10 subsidiaries or over 80% of employees in one geographic market. For companies with over €100M and identified complexities, such as multiple subsidiaries or global operations, the Large Enterprise Approach is recommended. B Lab will analyse the legal and operational structure through a detailed scoping process to determine the appropriate certification approach.

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Multinational

For companies with over €100M in revenue and added complexities—such as operating in 2 or more industries, in 5 or more countries, or having 5 or more subsidiaries—the standard approach may not fit. Instead, B Lab offers a tailored certification process that includes pre-certification steps like risk assessments, scoping, and consultations to ensure the certification is customized to meet the unique needs of your global operations.

Request consultation

Meeting the legal requirement

To become a B Corp, you must commit to integrating the impact of your company on all stakeholders—both now and in the future—into its legal structure. This model is called stakeholder governance.
The legal requirements for B Corps formalize your company’s alignment with the values of the B Corp movement. They also embed a stakeholder-focused mindset that distinguishes B Corps from other companies. These legal requirements establish a foundation that enables business leaders to consider the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders, when making key decisions.
Additionally, they protect the company’s mission and values during capital raises and leadership transitions and provide executives with greater flexibility when evaluating sales and liquidity options.

Check legal requirements

Need help certifying?

Not sure where to start? On our “Need help certifying” page, you’ll find dates, tools, and all the key contacts to support you on your path to B Corp certification. Or reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help.

Need help certifying Contact
B Lab Event

Watch or attend one of our webinars

Our team has created a series of webinars that helps you navigate the B Impact Assessment and take steps in your journey towards B Corp Certification.

Browse Events
22
Jan
Evolving the Standards for B Corp Certification

Open Office Hour - BIA & B Corp Certification Process

 January 22
  Online

Do you have questions about the B Impact Assessment and the B Corp certification process? In our Open Office Hours, held every two months, your company has the opportunity to meet us personally and ask your questions about the certification process.