CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate

Learn how to make a difference in your career – and the world

USD 890

- Certificate – 1 exam
- Foundational level
- 100 hours to complete
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
- 20 PL Credits

Prepare yourself to meet the growing demand for ESG investing skills with a sustainable investing certification. 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 certification, you will play a vital role in prioritising 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 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. Recognising 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.

Why earn the Sustainable Investing Certificate?

Specialised growth sector

Fill your knowledge gaps and improve your confidence in the rapidly expanding ESG investing sector.

Global recognition

Leverage the global recognition of CFA Institute to unlock international career opportunities in ESG investing.

Flexible schedule

Study online at your own pace and complete the exam either in-person or online within a six-month window.

Career advancement

Become the in-house ESG expert at your current organisation or find a new role in the growing field of sustainable investing.

Expert insights

Build a strong, holistic foundation of knowledge with a curriculum designed by leaders in investment education.

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 centre available in your country, please review the complete list of in-person test centre locations before registering. If you can’t travel to a test centre, 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 analyse 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.

Learn more about the learning experience

Exclusive member discount with Alma Mundus:

Elevate your understanding of ESG factors with global CFA Institute ESG prep provider Alma Mundus. Take advantage of a wide range of study resources and gain the resources that can be integrated into investment processes while preparing to excel in completing the CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate.

Take advantage of Alma Mundus’ exclusive offer for CFA Society Australia members and get a discount on their ESG study packages:

15% off Question Bank

Question banks per chapter with 500+ questions
Feedback per question
Diagnostic report per chapter and question
Community Center

20% off Study Platform Standard

Everything from Question Bank package
Two 100 question mock exams

25% off Study Platform Plus

Everything from Study Platform Standard package
Additional 100 question mock exam
Study Summaries
Media Center

Note that prices are quoted in USD.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to complete the Sustainable Investing Certificate?

After registering, you have six months to study the curriculum and complete the exam. We recommend studying 100+ hours before attempting the exam.

Are there any prerequisites to taking the certificate?

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.

What is the difference between the Sustainable Investing Certificate and the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate?

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.

Why choose the CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate over other certificates?

For more than 75 years, CFA Institute has provided investment practitioners with the knowledge they need to advance their career. Their certificates are renowned globally as the gold standard so you can be confident the 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.

Benchmarking the Sustainable Investing Certificate

An independent evaluation found the following levels of comparability for the Sustainable Investing Certificate:

USA – Associate degree standard
UK – RQF Level 4
Canada – OQF Level 7
India – NSQF Level 6
Hong Kong – HKQF Level 4
Singapore – Singaporean Polytechnic Diploma standard
Australia – AQF Level 5
Brazil – Curso Superior de Formação Especifíca (Higher Education Diploma of Specific Training)
China – Preparatory Technician Certificate standard
Japan – Associate degree standard
South Africa – S.A. NQF Level 6
France – NQF Level 4

Learning experience and content

We offer several ways to engage with the content to meet your preferred way of learning.

Learning Ecosystem

Access a digital version of the curriculum, including the syllabus, self-assessment questions, and mock exams.

Content PDFs

Download PDF versions of the curriculum, including the syllabus, chapters, and glossary.

Curriculum Book

Purchase a print version of the curriculum for an additional charge.

The certificate and learning materials were developed by leading practitioners for practitioners and have received recognition from the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). PRI is an independent body that seeks to encourage investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage business risks.

View syllabus and topic weights

What to expect from the exam

Exam Scheduling:

6 months

Once you register, you have 6 months to schedule and sit for your exam.

Number of Questions:

100 multiple choice

Exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions.

Testing Time:

140 minutes

You will have 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam.

Exam results

Exams are graded as either “pass” or “did not pass.” Your exam results will be provided on-screen at the end of your examination, and a copy will be emailed to you. Candidates who do not pass will receive detailed performance feedback.