Online, in-person or self-study. How would you like to get certified?
Physical classroom, online classroom, eLearning or self-study. Abilene Academy offers four formats for every ISO, cybersecurity, and GRC certification. All formats lead to the same PECB certification. All are delivered by practicing experts with 200+ real implementations.
Physical classroom
Our physical classroom sessions are delivered by practicing ISO auditors and implementers professionals who work in the field between courses. Sessions run at our Morges (Switzerland) training center and in partner venues across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia.
You work through real case studies, practitioner exercises, and exam preparation in a structured group environment. The exam can be taken on-site at the end of the course or online at a later date.
- Live certified instructor throughout
- Official PECB materials included (PDF and print)
- Exam included, on-site or online after the course
- Certificate of attendance + PECB certification on success
- Maximum 12 participants per session
- Available in multiple languages: FR, EN, ES, DE, IT, and more.
What cities offer physical classroom training?
Abilene Academy delivers physical classroom sessions worldwide. Our main training hub is in Morges, Switzerland, with regular sessions across Europe (Geneva, Paris, Barcelona, and more). We continuously expand to new locations based on demand; all upcoming sessions with exact venue details are listed on the sessions page.
Can I attend if I am not based in Switzerland?
Yes. Many participants travel from all over the world (the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Middle east, Asia) for our Morges and Geneva sessions. We recommend booking accommodation early, as sessions fill up several weeks in advance.
Online classroom
Our online classroom sessions deliver the full instructor-led experience via web conferencing. You join a live session with a certified trainer and participants from across Europe; all in real time, with no travel required.
Sessions run on the same schedule as physical classroom courses. The exam is taken online at the end of the course or at a later date via PECB's platform.
- Instructor-led online live interactive training
- Lifetime access to official PECB PDF materials
- Official PECB online certification exam included
- Certificate of attendance
- Official PECB certification on success
- One free retake exam included
- Join from anywhere, no travel required
What is the difference between online classroom and eLearning?
Online classroom means you attend a scheduled live session with a certified instructor and other participants in real time, via video conferencing.
eLearning is self-paced: you study pre-recorded modules on your own schedule with no fixed session dates and no live instructor.
What platform is used for online sessions?
Sessions run on Zoom or Teams depending on the course. Login details are sent 48 hours before the session. No special software is required beyond a standard browser.
Is the online classroom as effective as in-person?
Our 99% exam pass rate is consistent across both formats. The curriculum, materials, exercises, and exam are identical. The main difference is in-person networking; participants who value peer interaction often prefer the physical classroom, and our Abilene Academy Experience which will make your learning process more enjoyable.
eLearning
Our eLearning courses give you access to structured pre-recorded video modules, official PECB materials and practice exercises, on your own schedule. No fixed session dates, no travel, no time zone constraints.
eLearning is available for selected ISO and GRC certification programmes. The exam is taken online via PECB's platform when you are ready. LearnAnywhere©️
- Lifetime access to official PECB PDF materials
- Official PECB online certification exam included
- Official PECB certification on success
- One free retake exam included
- Study at your own pace, no fixed session dates
Is eLearning suitable for someone new to ISO standards?
Yes. Our eLearning courses are structured progressively from foundations to advanced implementation. If you prefer live support during your studies, consider the online classroom format instead.
How long does the eLearning course take?
The recommended study time matches the physical classroom duration, typically 4 to 5 days of equivalent effort spread across 2 to 4 weeks. You set your own pace and take the exam when you feel ready.
What is the pass rate for eLearning students?
Abilene Academy maintains a 99% exam pass rate across all formats. eLearning students who complete all modules and practice exercises consistently achieve this rate. A free exam retake is included if needed.
Self-study
Self-study is the most flexible path to PECB certification. You receive the official PECB study materials, in print or digital, and prepare entirely at your own pace with no scheduled sessions and no live instruction.
This format suits experienced professionals already familiar with the domain who want a structured path to certification without committing to a scheduled course. An optional individual coaching session with one of our certified trainers can be added to consolidate your exam preparation and address your specific questions.
- Lifetime access to official PECB PDF materials
- Official PECB online certification exam included
- Official PECB certification on success
- One free retake exam included
- Study entirely at your own pace and schedule
- Optional individual coaching session available
Is self-study enough to pass the ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exam?
For professionals already working in information security or IT governance, self-study with official PECB materials is sufficient for most candidates. If you are new to the domain, we recommend the instructor-led format to benefit from real-world case studies and direct trainer support.
What does the optional coaching session include?
A individual session with a certified Abilene Academy trainer focused on your specific questions, exam strategy and any areas of the curriculum you find challenging. Conducted via video call at a time that suits you.
Do all formats lead to the same PECB certification?
Yes. Whether you complete physical classroom, online classroom, eLearning or self-study, you sit the same PECB exam and earn the same internationally recognized certification. The format affects how you prepare, not the credential you earn.
Compare formats at a glance
| Format | Live instructor | Fixed schedule | Exam included | PECB materials | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical classroom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Group learning, networking |
| Online classroom | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No travel, full interaction |
| eLearning | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | Flexible schedule |
| Self-study | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | Experienced professionals |
Taught by practitioners, not academics
Every course is delivered by certified experts with active field experience — auditors and implementers who work on real projects between sessions.
Find your next certification session
Compare formats, check upcoming dates, and register directly, or speak to one of our advisors to find the right fit for your schedule and goals.