Sustainable Investing Certificate
For a limited time, CFA Institute members get 20% off the Sustainable Investing Certificate—USD 712 (usually USD 890) until 31 August 2025. Log in to your account to purchase; the discount is applied automatically at checkout. This offer doesn’t affect other ongoing member discounts.
Sustainable Investing Certificate overview
Prepare yourself to meet the growing demand for ESG investing skills with a Sustainable Investing Certificate. The Sustainable Investing Certificate 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 a Sustainable Investing Certificate, you will play a vital role in prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility – now and in the future.
This certificate is part of our Sustainability learning path. Take a look at our full range of sustainable investing programs.
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 a sustainability investing certification is a mark of your dedication. And we can help you achieve that.
The Sustainable Investing Certificate is owned, administered, and awarded globally by CFA Institute, having previously been developed and awarded by CFA Society UK. Previously known as the “Certificate in ESG Investing,” the name was updated on 8 April 2025 to more accurately capture the broader, long-term impact and investing goals that the certificate aims to support. Recognizing ESG in finance as a global priority, the Sustainable Investing Certificate is offered in most countries. However, there are a couple of exceptions – please review the certificate availability below.
Explore the new Principles of Sustainable Investing Certificate in Simplified Chinese
Why earn the Sustainable Investing Certificate?
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 Sustainable Investing Certificate exam?
While the Sustainable Investing Certificate 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 Sustainable Investing Certificate. 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.
Sustainable Investing Community
This global online community platform offers a blend of exclusive learning, networking, and professional development opportunity. The Sustainable Investing Community is open to all CFA Institute members, plus anyone who has passed the Sustainable Investing Certificate or Climate, Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate.
Funding for Hong Kong SAR residents
After successfully completing the Sustainable Investing Certificate, 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.
Sustainable Investing Certificate
- Certificate - 1 exam
- Foundational level
- 100 hours to complete
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
- 20 PL Credits (2 SER)
Frequently asked questions
After registering, you have six months to study the curriculum and complete the exam. We recommend studying 100+ hours before attempting the exam.
Prior knowledge of the investment process is helpful, but there are no prerequisites. This is a foundational certificate for anyone looking to improve their understanding of ESG issues.
The Sustainable Investing Certificate builds foundational knowledge and a broad understanding of the issues across topics including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate is an advanced certificate for anyone who already has foundational knowledge and skills in financial statement analysis and valuation. It teaches practical application of climate-related factors to conduct analysis, valuation, and portfolio construction.
For more than 75 years, CFA Institute has provided investment practitioners with the knowledge they need to advance their career. Our certificates are renowned globally as the gold standard so you can be confident our curriculum will give you the skills you need to stay ahead.
The Sustainable Investing Certificate provides holistic coverage of ESG Investing with a curriculum that is updated every year with the latest research and trends. Plus, with the self-paced format you can study on your own time and schedule the exam at a time that fits your schedule.
Explore Sustainable Investing Certificate
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