Potential candidates search to understand the eligibility, track record, target audience, level of difficulty, and potential benefits and outcomes of holding the CFA ESG Certificate.
Topics covered in this article:
1. What is the Goal of the CFA ESG Investing Certificate?
2. What are the Requirements and Entry Criteria?
3. To whom is it directed?
4. Is CFA ESG Certificate available worldwide?
5. What is the cost, and what is included?
6. Is CFA ESG worth it? – Career Outcomes
7. How Hard is the CFA ESG exam?
8. Is CFA ESG worth it?
What is the Goal of the CFA ESG Investing Certificate?
What are the Requirements and Entry Criteria?
- Other CFA Institute certificates;
- A specific degree;
- Certain years of experience.
The only recommendation from the CFA Institute is a foundational knowledge of the investment process. But that is just a recommendation.
To whom is it directed?
- Board Members
- Auditors
- Journalists
- Marketing professionals
- Professors
- Environmentalists
- Supply-Chain managers
Is the CFA ESG Certificate available worldwide?
1. In-person at a test center
Search for the CFA ESG test centers worldwide to check if it is a possibility. You may also find the availability of specific test centers (select CFA Institute and then ESG).
2. Remotely through OnVue remote solutions
This option is available depending on local regulations and system capability.
For further information on test availability in your country, please contact the CFA Institute at info@cfainstitute.org.
What is the cost, and what is included?
The CFA ESG Certificate fees can be summarized as following:
- The registration cost of the certificate is USD 865, which includes one exam registration and the CFA ESG Book in pdf format.
- The hardcopy version of the book costs around USD 135 + shipping, and candidates can order it though the CFA Institute learning ecosystem.
- Retaking the exam currently costs USD 690.
- Rescheduling your exam is also possible. Candidates must do it 72 hours before their exam date/time and pay a rescheduling fee of $30.
- Prep Providers: Candidates should weigh the costs and benefits of using a prep provider, taking into account whether the time saved and study efficiency gained is worth the investment in prep provider study solutions. Check a sample of successful CFA ESG Candidates on their investment in study solutions.
The certificate registration fee is US$ 865. It includes one exam registration and the CFA ESG book in PDF.
If the candidate needs to retake the exam, this option costs US$ 690.
Candidates can buy a hard copy of the book for around US$ 135. The same book can also be found on Amazon at a discounted price.
Is CFA ESG worth it? – Career Outcomes
- Obtain a unique qualification that is relevant to the job market;
- Boost your career prospects and increase your employability;
- Enhance your ESG knowledge and stay ahead in your field;
- CFA Institute qualifications are well-respected by leading companies and a valuable asset for anyone working in the investment industry;
- Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make responsible and ethical investment decisions;
- Gain a digital badge to highlight your skills and knowledge in ESG.
How Hard is the CFA ESG exam?
Is CFA ESG worth it?
It is widely recognized that CFA ESG-certified professionals have a better understanding of how to analyze and integrate material ESG factors in their day-by-day roles.
ESG was first mentioned in the 2006 United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) report. The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment.
The graph below refers to the PRI number of signatories and assets under management. From 63 signatories and US$6.5 trillion in AUM in 2016 to 3,826 signatories and US$121.3 trillion in AUM in 2021.
Job title family | Number of profiles on LinkedIn (‘000) | % with sustainability skills | 1-year sustainability expertise growth | % of postings seeking expertise |
Portfolio Manager | 146 | 1.5% | 32% | 18% |
Chief Investment Officer | 15 | 2.0% | 18% | 10% |
Financial Advisor | 630 | 0.5% | 32% | 5% |
Analyst | 180 | 0.7% | 34% | 2% |
Chief Executive Officer | 37 | 1.9% | 12% | 0% |
Total | 1,008 | 0.7% | 26% | 6% |
- 146,000 profiles were reviewed, of which only 1.5% of those had ESG or sustainability skills;
- The 1.5% referred already considered a 32% increase compared to the previous year;
- The percentage of postings seeking Portfolio Managers with ESG or sustainability skills was 18%.
Enrolling in an ESG certification at this stage allows candidates to study subjects in a developing field with high market demand and opportunities. Doing the certificate may place professionals in a better position to take those opportunities.
Companies adopting CFA ESG Certification
Keep Focused. Keep Learning. Get Ready for the CFA ESG Exam!