BEAC is an independent, nonprofit corporation established in 1997 to issue professional certifications relating to environmental, health, and safety auditing and other scientific fields. BEAC was originally created as a joint venture between The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) and the Auditing Roundtable, Inc.(Roundtable). BEAC is a member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a third-party accreditation board. The CESB has granted full accreditation to BEAC's Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) certification.