We’re using cookies, but you can turn them off in Privacy Settings.  Otherwise, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.  Accepting cookies does not mean that we are collecting personal data. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Certificate in ESG Investing Refunds and Deferrals Policy

Refund Policy:

For candidates submitting an initial registration for the Certificate in ESG Investing, a full refund of your registration fees is available within 14 days of payment (through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the fourteenth day). An initial registration does not include a registration made to reschedule an exam sitting that was either deferred by the candidate or postponed by CFA Institute. Due to fluctuating exchange rates, CFA Institute cannot guarantee the exact amount paid to CFA Institute will be the amount returned in currency other than US currency. After the fourteen-day period has ended, registration fees are nonrefundable, even in the event of a medical condition or other extreme circumstance. Registration fees are non-transferrable. Payments for print curriculum orders are non-refundable once the order has been placed. CFA Institute strongly advises candidates against requesting a refund for an exam under these policies in an attempt to obtain a larger refund.

Deferral Policy:

Emergency Deferral:

Emergency deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis, and only in the event that a candidate’s exam appointment cannot be rescheduled within a 6-month window. Below are the qualifying free emergency deferral reasons:

  • You or your immediate family member (parent, sibling, spouse/domestic partner, or child) are suffering from a life-threatening illness, that has been diagnosed since you registered for your current exam.
  • A member of your immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse/domestic partner, or child) has recently died.
  • You have been ordered to mandatory military deployment in your testing window.
  • You are pregnant

If you are unable to travel to your exam appointment due to a government travel restriction in your area based on the local pandemic situation, you have several options: Reschedule your appointment to a future date for a fee of USD 30 or test online, provided you meet the environmental and systems requirements. A USD 30 fee will also apply to reschedule your exam to an online appointment.

You must provide documentation to support the claim for a no cost emergency deferral. Deferral requests must be received by CFA Institute prior to or within 10 US business days of the scheduled exam appointment. Decisions on deferrals are final and are at the sole discretion of CFA Institute.

If you are responsible for a terminated exam either due to a technical issue or failure to follow testing personnel instructions, your exam fees are non-refundable, and non-transferable.