Certificate in ESG Investing
On 8 April 2025, the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing will be renamed the Sustainable Investing Certificate. Please see the FAQ page for more information.
Certificate in ESG Investing overview
Prepare yourself to meet the growing demand for ESG investing skills with an ESG certification. The Certificate in ESG Investing gives you the ability to incorporate ESG factors (environmental, social, and governance) into your investment decision-making process – capabilities that are increasingly sought after. With an ESG certification, you will play a vital role in prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility – now and in the future.
Stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry
ESG investing is no longer simply a good idea, but a reality that has implications for all investment portfolios. If you’re working in the investment industry right now or aspire to, completing an ESG certification is a mark of your dedication. And we can help you achieve that.
The Certificate in ESG Investing is owned, administered, and awarded globally by CFA Institute, having previously been developed and awarded by CFA Society UK. Recognizing ESG in finance as a global priority, the ESG certification is offered in most countries. However, there are a couple of exceptions – please review the certificate availability below.
Why earn the ESG certification?
Specialized growth sector
Fill your knowledge gaps and improve your confidence in the rapidly expanding ESG investing sector.
Career advancement
Become the in-house ESG expert at your current organization or find a new role in the growing field of sustainable investing.
Global recognition
Leverage the global recognition of CFA Institute to unlock international career opportunities in ESG investing.
Expert insights
Build a strong, holistic foundation of knowledge with a curriculum designed by leaders in investment education.
Flexible schedule
Study online at your own pace and complete the exam either in-person or online within a six-month window.
Enhanced professional profile
Earn a digital badge and certificate that demonstrates your mastery. Share it on social media and professional platforms to enhance your online profile.
Where can I take the ESG exam?
While the Certificate in ESG Investing is accessible online in most countries, it is not available for in-person testing globally.
To see if there is a test center available in your country, please review the complete list of in-person test center locations before registering. If you can’t travel to a test center, be sure you can meet the requirements for testing online before registering.
Who should register
- Investment professionals who want to learn more about how to analyze and integrate material ESG factors into their day-to-day roles.
- Professionals working in front or back offices and adjacent roles, including sales and distribution, wealth management, product development, financial advice, consulting, and risk.
- Professionals looking to improve their understanding of ESG factors.
We recommend you have prior knowledge of the investment process before taking the Certificate in ESG Investing. If you’re looking for more advanced knowledge and practical application of climate-related factors, take a look at our new Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate.
Study tools to support your learning
The Learning Ecosystem is our comprehensive digital learning platform. Adaptive and mobile-friendly, it lets you learn at your own pace when and where it’s convenient for you.
Through the Learning Ecosystem, you can access a digital version of the curriculum, including the syllabus, self-assessment questions, and mock exams.
Funding for Hong Kong SAR residents
After successfully completing the Certificate in ESG Investing, eligible Hong Kong SAR residents can apply for a government subsidy of up to 80% of the course fee, or 100% if studying full-time. Learn more about the funding scheme and find out if you’re eligible.
Testimonials from learners
If you’re working in the ESG space, or even if you’re not working in the ESG space, I think it would be a good program to get a crash course on ESG and how to think about it and why it matters.
It’s a great way to learn about the space. The content is very good and it’s quite pragmatic as well.
It doesn’t matter what you are doing in your job - you transform into the expert of the company, even if you are not experts because of this change alone. There are a lot of things I don’t know, but I’m in a better position to read about it and ask.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of the certificate and how it has helped me understand the very basic concepts in ESG.
Certificate in ESG Investing
- Certificate - 1 exam
- Foundational level
- 100 hours to complete
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
- 20 PL Credits (2 SER)
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to complete the Certificate in ESG Investing?
- Are there any prerequisites to taking the certificate?
- What's the difference between the ESG Investing Certificate and the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate?
- Why choose the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing over other certificates?
Explore Certificate in ESG Investing
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