Want to Get ESG Certified — But Can’t Afford It? Let Your Employer Pay.

Thousands of professionals have succeeded — and you can too

We’ll show you how to ask. Download our free toolkit to help your employer understand the value of sponsoring your ESG training or certification.

Download the Toolkit

WHAT'S INSIDE THE TOOLKIT

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Everything you need to confidently request sponsorship

  • Ready-to-send sponsorship request letter
  • Business case for your manager
  • FAQ sheet for HR and leadership
  • Testimonials from real companies

Get Your Free Toolkit Now

Download Employer Sponsoring Toolkit

Highlight the Benefits to Your Employer

Your Personal Presentation Pitch

Whether or not your current role includes “ESG” in the title, there are real, tangible benefits an IASE-certified professional brings to any organization. It doesn’t matter if your industry isn’t traditionally seen as “sustainability-focused” — if you take a moment to reflect, you’ll find multiple ways ESG knowledge applies to your work.

To help you build a compelling case, we’ve outlined a few examples below to spark your thinking.

The IASE Certification Enables You To:

  • Identify ESG risks and opportunities that affect your team’s performance

  • Improve internal compliance, sustainability reporting, or stakeholder engagement

  • Bring clarity to ESG data and frameworks relevant to your company

  • Support your manager in aligning with emerging regulatory requirements

  • Lead more credible conversations with clients, suppliers, or partners on ESG topics

  • Help your company meet ESG goals and enhance its reputation with investors and the public

Your Goal Is to Sell the Value — Clearly and Confidently

Remember, your manager or HR team may not yet understand what ESG means in practical terms. It’s your job to connect the dots:

  • How will this help you do your job better?

  • How will this help your team deliver better outcomes?

  • How does this align with your company’s values, commitments, or future strategy?

Whether it’s supporting B-BBEE targets, improving investor relations, contributing to sustainability reports, or preparing for ESG audits — your certification can deliver value starting now.

Take time to think it through — then pitch it well.

Common Concerns Your Employer Might Have (And How You Can Answer Them)

Get ahead of the conversation by addressing what your manager might be thinking

When asking your employer to sponsor your IASE ESG certification or training, you’ll likely encounter a few predictable concerns. The good news? You can address them confidently — and the toolkit helps you do exactly that.

🧭“It’s not relevant to your role.”
This is one of the most common objections — and one of the easiest to overcome.
ESG is no longer limited to sustainability departments. Whether you work in finance, HR, compliance, legal, operations, or strategy, ESG knowledge strengthens your decision-making and future-proofs your role.

Your job is to go into the discussion prepared with examples of how ESG intersects with your current responsibilities — and the toolkit gives you those talking points.

💸 “It costs a lot.”
While there is an upfront cost, think of this as an investment — not an expense.
IASE certification costs a fraction of other professional qualifications like an MBA, yet delivers long-term value through improved ESG competency, risk mitigation, and organizational credibility.

Plus, the toolkit includes a business case that shows your manager the clear return on investment.

⏳ “It’s time-consuming and will take away from work hours.”
Not at all. Unlike many programs that require in-person classes, IASE certifications are 100% online and self-paced. You study on evenings and weekends — not during company time.

This flexibility makes it easier for you to upskill without disrupting your work performance.

🧭 “What if you leave after getting certified?”
This is a valid concern — and there’s a professional way to handle it.
You can offer to sign a simple agreement committing to stay for a certain period (e.g., 12–24 months) or repay the sponsorship cost on a pro-rata basis if you leave early.

And here’s the win-win: once certified, you’ll be part of IASE’s global ESG network — giving your company access to future ESG talent, collaboration, and insights. It’s not just about retaining talent — it’s about building it.

 

Still Facing Pushback? Here’s How to Play Your Final Card

If your employer is still hesitant, don’t worry — you’ve got a few more negotiation tools up your sleeve.

🔁 “I’m happy to repay if I leave early.”
Ease their concerns about losing talent by offering a pro-rata repayment agreement. This gives your employer confidence that their investment won’t go to waste — and shows your own commitment.

🎯 “Only if I pass.”
Offer a performance-based assurance. Let them know you’ll take full responsibility if you don’t meet the passing criteria. IASE’s high standards already ensure that certified candidates are well-prepared — so the risk is low.

⏳ “How about study time instead?”
If your employer can’t cover the full cost, ask for flexibility instead — like study leave or extra personal days. Time is valuable, and this can help you succeed while keeping costs minimal on their side.

You’ve got this. With the right preparation, persistence, and professionalism, many candidates successfully secure employer sponsorship. Use the toolkit, stay confident, and make your case.

🙌 Already got sponsored? Share your experience and inspire others!

🔁 “I’ll repay if I leave early.”
Offer a pro-rata payback to ease their concerns.

🎯 “Only if I pass.”
Take the pressure off by guaranteeing success or no cost.

⏳ “Can I get study time instead?”
If funding is tight, ask for time off — it might be easier to approve.

Stay confident — many candidates succeed with the right approach.
Use the toolkit, make your case, and keep the conversation open.

🙌 Already sponsored? Share your tips with others!

Few examples of companies that have sponsored candidates

Employer Logos SML

Testimonials from a few employers

Builds Internal ESG Capability & Reduces Consultant Dependency

Sponsoring two team members for the IASE Specialist certification was one of our best ESG investments. We now rely far less on external consultants for reporting and internal assessments. Our people know our business best — and now they’re equipped to lead our sustainability strategy from within.

Lerato Mokoena

Head of Risk & Compliance, Ethix Capital

Flexible, Non-Disruptive Learning That Fits Around Work Schedules

The self-paced nature of IASE’s certification program was a major advantage. Our employees completed their studies during evenings and weekends, so there was no impact on client delivery. It’s the most work-friendly upskilling solution we’ve come across.

John van Rooyen

HR Director, Kinetek Global Solutions

Boosts Brand Credibility and ESG Leadership Reputation

Having certified ESG professionals in our team has helped strengthen our brand with both investors and procurement teams. We’ve even had clients mention our IASE-certified staff as a reason they trust us to deliver on sustainability commitments..

Mariam Doucouré

ESG Program Lead, SahelTech Infrastructure

Drives Employee Retention and Talent Loyalty

We saw a noticeable boost in morale when we sponsored ESG training for our junior sustainability team. It showed we’re serious about their development and about walking the talk on ESG. Not only did they stay — they’re now mentoring others.

Paul Njoroge

eople & Culture Manager, Equatoria Energy Group

Ongoing Recertification Ensures Long-Term Competency

What I appreciate most is the built-in CPD and recertification. ESG is evolving fast, and with IASE, we’re not just paying for a one-off course — we’re investing in sustained competency and up-to-date professionalism.

Chiamaka Onuorah

Sustainability & Governance Officer, NexusAgri Ltd

Ready to Get Certified with Your Employer’s Support?

Download the free toolkit and take the first step toward IASE certification.

Download the Toolkit