2 ESG Certification Schemes
3 Competency Levels
IASE’s dual ESG certification programs go beyond the surface, equipping you with the competency, clarity, and fluency to effectively apply ESG principles in your organization. These programs enhance your marketability, employability, and earning potential.
Combining IASE’s financial expertise with leading-edge ESG research, our certifications prepare professionals, executives, and consultants for successful ESG integration. Aligned with ISO/IEC 17024 standards, our multi-level certification programs validate your expertise and competence.
2 ESG Certification Schemes
Which one is right for me?
ESG has rapidly become essential across industries, and IASE offers two certification pathways to help professionals align their expertise with this growing demand. These schemes ensure competence and provide practitioners with the flexibility to choose the path best suited to their career goals.
ISB® CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Suited to professionals in non-finance-related roles or businesses, including those in mining, manufacturing, retail, legal, environmental production, agriculture, procurement management, government, non-profit organisations and so on.
ISF® CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Suited to people who work in or want to work in financial services jobs like investment managers, wealth managers, financial advisors, insurance agents, accountants, finance managers, and treasurers.
3 ESG Competency Levels
Applicable to both ISF® and ISB® Certification Programs
At IASE, our ISB and ISF multi-level competency-based ESG certification programs are designed to recognize and validate your ESG expertise at different stages of your professional journey. Whether you are a new of experienced in the field of ESG and sustainability, each program offers three distinct levels of certification—ADVISOR, SPECIALIST, and EXPERT—each with its own eligibility criteria and assessment process. These programs provide a structured path for career progression, ensuring that as your competencies grow, your certifications reflect the depth of your knowledge and skills.
The ISB Certification Program is suited to professionals in non-finance-related fields, while the ISF Certification Program caters to who are in the finance-related fields. Both programs are aligned with their respective syllabi, with each certification level offering a board exam to assess candidates’ competencies. As professionals progress through the levels, they develop new capabilities that are recognized and validated, giving them a clear milestone to achieve in their career growth.
The multi-level structure of both programs not only supports lifelong learning but also provides an incentive for ESG professionals to continually advance their knowledge and skills. Each certification level signifies a major step in your career, encouraging development through tailored learning and growth opportunities. By earning the appropriate credentials, you can confidently showcase your expertise at each stage of your ESG career.
| LEVELS | DESCRIPTION | CERTIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Recognises individuals entering the ESG field | ISF ADVISOR®, ISB ADVISOR® |
| Level 2 | Recognises ESG professionals who have at least 2 years of ESG experience. | ISF SPECIALIST®, ISB SPECIALIST® |
| Level 3 | Requirements to be announced soon | ISF EXPERT®, ISB EXPERT® |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Certification Programs
- What are the IASE certification programs?
IASE offers two core ESG certification programs: International Sustainable Finance® (ISF®) and International Sustainable Business® (ISB®). Each program has three competency levels: Advisor, Specialist, and Expert, designed to cater to professionals at various stages of their ESG careers. These programs adhere to the International Standards Organisation’s (ISO) ISO/IEC 17024 conformity assessment, which outlines the standards for certifying the competence of persons.
- What is the difference between ISB and ISF Certification Programs?
ISB Certification Program – Suited to professionals in non-finance-related roles or businesses, including those in mining, manufacturing, retail, legal, environmental production, agriculture, procurement management, government, non-profit organisations and so on. Learn more about this program here.
ISF Certification Program – Suited to people who work in or want to work in financial services jobs like investment managers, wealth managers, financial advisors, insurance agents, accountants, finance managers, and treasurers. Learn more about this program here.
- Is there a membership requirement for certification?
Yes, obtaining an IASE certification includes a membership application, which provides access to ongoing professional development resources and a global network of ESG professionals. Membership supports continuous learning and engagement within the ESG community, offering opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and career advancement.
- Can I switch between the ISF® and ISB® certification programs?
While both programs are distinct, professionals can choose the certification that best aligns with their career goals and sector focus. Switching between programs may require meeting specific eligibility criteria and completing the necessary assessments. Guidance is available to assist candidates in making informed decisions about their certification path.
- What is the duration of each certification level?
The duration varies depending on the level and individual preparation. Each level is designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe to accommodate professionals' schedules. The programs are structured to allow for flexible learning and assessment, enabling candidates to progress at their own pace while ensuring mastery of the required competencies. Select the relevant level to learn more about its duration:
- Are the IASE certification programs globally recognized?
Yes, IASE certifications are internationally recognized and adhere to ISO/IEC 17024 standards for certifying the competence of individuals. This global recognition ensures that the certifications are respected and valued across various industries and regions, providing professionals with a competitive edge in the global job market.
- How do I enroll in an IASE certification program?
Enrollment can be completed through the IASE website, where you can register for the desired certification level and access related resources. The process involves selecting the appropriate certification level, completing the application, and paying the associated fees. Detailed instructions and support are available to guide you through the enrollment process. Get started with the enrollment process by completing the following form.
- What it the difference between ESG certification and ESG training?
Certifications (e.g. ISB® and ISF®) require candidates to meet specific eligibility criteria, pass an exam and adhere to maintenance requirements for continuous learning and professional growth to maintain their status. In contrast, training certificates do not have these prerequisites and remain valid indefinitely once awarded. While all IASE credential holders are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, certifications necessitate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
- Why is it important that IASE’s cetification programs are competency based?
Certification levels serve as essential benchmarks for competency development, aligning expectations between ESG professionals and employers, and providing a framework for setting competency development goals. As individuals advance in their careers and uphold their certifications, their competencies are expected to continually evolve and enhance.
- How does IASE adapt its programs to meet the evolving demands of the ESG field?
IASE Global’s syllabus and testing regimes are dynamic and fully updated, allowing for the creation of learning paths tailored to the needs of corporations, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and effective.
