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Kickstart Your ESG Career With the ISF ADVISOR® Credential

FOR FINANCE PROFESSIONALS

Unlock the door to endless opportunities in ESG with the ISF ADVISOR ESG certification—the entry-level ESG qualification for finance professionals.

Whether you’re a banker, investment manager, accountant, insurance advisor, or wealth manager, this globally recognised credential validates your ESG expertise and positions you for growth in sustainable finance.

ISF Level 1

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Hurry! Secure your spot today for the next ESG exam preparatory course.

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ISB LEVEL 1

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WHERE DOES THE ISF ADVISOR® FIT IN?

ISF Multi-Level Competency Framework

ISF Certification Levels ISB Level 1

IASE’s ISF certification program offers a clear path for non-finance professionals in ESG, recognizing three competency levels: ISF ADVISOR®, ISF SPECIALIST®, and ISF EXPERT®. Each level has its own eligibility criteria, syllabus, and competency-based assessment, ensuring professionals are equipped with the expertise needed to advance in their careers.

The Role of the ISF ADVISOR® Credential
The ISF ADVISOR® credential is the foundation of this pathway, designed as the best ESG certification for beginners in finance. It validates applied ESG knowledge and sustainable finance skills, setting the stage for higher levels of expertise.

Pathway to Career Advancement
As professionals progress through the ISB levels, they gain advanced expertise. The ISF ADVISOR® credential marks the beginning of this journey, with further learning leading to the ISF SPECIALIST® and ISF EXPERT® levels, enabling ongoing career advancement in ESG.

ISF ADVISOR® Competencies

Who is an ISF ADVISOR®?

ISF ADVISOR® equips you with essential ESG and sustainability knowledge, aligning with the IASE syllabus to validate your expertise in this high-demand field. Elevate your credibility, showcase your core competencies, and earn certification from the world’s leading authority in ESG—IASE. Set yourself apart and make an impact in the evolving ESG landscape.

ESG Certification IASE Africa 1
Benefits of ESG Certification IASE Africa 1

Benefits of becoming an ISF ADVISOR® holder

Give your ESG Career the best chance of success. Gain a competitive edge. Achieve the ISF ADVISOR® credential

Boost Your Career & Earnings
  • Earn More: ISF ADVISOR® professionals stand out in the job market and often secure higher salaries than their non-certified peers. Employers recognize this certification as proof of expertise and commitment.
  • Stronger Negotiation Power: Certification gives you the leverage to negotiate better pay and benefits. Showcase your validated skills and position yourself for premium opportunities.
  • Fast-Track Your Promotions & Salary Growth. ISF ADVISOR® professionals consistently report career advancements and higher earnings. This certification sets you apart, showcasing your expertise and dedication to professional excellence.
  • Boost Your Confidence & Credibility. Confidence is the key to success. The ISF ADVISOR® certification not only validates your skills but also strengthens your self-assurance, making you a more effective and resilient professional in the workplace.

  • Globally Respected Certification – Elevate your career with a credential recognized worldwide, giving you a competitive advantage across industries and regions.

  • Versatile & Future-Proof Skills – Master a robust ESG framework that seamlessly applies across sectors, unlocking diverse career paths and high-earning potential.

  • Investing in an ISF ADVISOR® certification pays off—unlock higher earning potential, expanded career opportunities, and long-term professional growth. The rewards far exceed the cost!

  • Stand Out, Get Certified, and Lead in ESG: ESG training builds knowledge, but certification proves your expertise. An ISF ADVISOR® credential sets you apart, unlocking career growth, credibility, and leadership opportunities in the sustainability space.

  • Your Gateway to a Recognized ESG Career Path. Don’t just enrol for any ESG training course—start your ESG career journey on a structured ESG career pathway. The ISF ADVISOR® certification is your foundation, opening doors to the advanced ISF SPECIALIST® and ISF EXPERT® credentials, ensuring long-term career progression in the evolving ESG landscape.

  • Being part of the IASE community connects you with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.

  • Gain a competitive advantage with ISF ADVISOR® certification! Employers value certified professionals who demonstrate the skills, expertise, and confidence to excel from day one. Secure your future with a credential that sets you apart.

Steps to achieve ISF ADVISOR® Certification

1

Register for the Exam

Purchase the Exam. You may also want to purchase the exam preparatory course at the same time. Please note that the exam preparatory course is optional.

2

Study and prepare for the Exam

Complete all lessons of the preparatory course

3

Get Certified

Award of ISF ADVISOR®. After meeting all requirements and applying for membership, IASE then awards you the ISB ADVISOR® credential

4

Annual Renewal

ISF ADVISOR® holders as required to renew their certification annually. Renewal entails submitting CPD points and re-commitment to IASE's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

HOW TO BECOME AN ISF ADVISOR®

Eligibility Requirements

ISF ADVISOR® covers the foundational knowledge on ESG and sustainability according to the IASE Syllabus and showcases that you have the core knowledge and competencies for the in–demand field of ESG. Stand out from the crowd – highlight you have the knowledge and be certified by the leading authority in business analysis, IASE.

EQF Level 3 (the equivalent of a high school/matric/Grade 12/Standard 10 diploma/qualification)

Pass the ISF Level 1 Board Exam set by IASE. 

No Prior Experience Required 

The ISF ADVISOR® certification is designed to validate your foundational knowledge and skills in ESG, thus suited for those  starting your career, or making a transition, into the ESG field

  • Agree to abide by IASE’s By-Laws, Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and Disciplinary Regulations as amended by the Institute from time to time.
  • Never have been convicted of a criminal offense.
  • Never has had a final sanction imposed on him/her by a court, regulator, or any other lawful authority for a serious offense.
  • Never have been disqualified under any law or expelled by any professional association from practicing a specific profession.
  • Never have faced any other similar remedial action/s related to professional conduct or unethical practice/s.

Candidate must be a minimum of 16 years old at the time of applying for certification

Candidates who have met all the above minimum requirements can apply to be awarded the coveted ISF ADVISOR® professional designation and become a member of IASE.

This award bestows to receiving candidates all the rights and privileges of using the ISF ADVISOR® credential, including .appending their designation to their names (eg Jane Doe, ISF ADVISOR®) on their business cards, email signatures, or LinkedIn profiles.

In addition, the names of all successful candidates are also added to IASE’s public directory of ESG professionals. They also get exclusive access to peer network communities made up of professionals from around the world

Eligibility Requirements IASE ESG Certifications
ISB Certification Levels ISB Level 1

I want to become an ISF ADVISOR® professional now!

Follow these Steps:

  1. Register and pay for Level Board Exam
  2. Optionally, also pay and register for the exam preparatory course
  3. Study and prepare for the exam
  4. Get Certified

By becoming ISF ADVISOR® certified, validate your knowledge and sjills, stand out in ESG, and unlock new financial and career opportunities. Elevate your earning potential and accelerate your professional growth with ISF ADVISOR® certification.

Program Features and highlights

  • Training Provider: Exponential Education Institute (and IASE-Endorsed Training Provider).
  • Course Duration: 6-7 Weeks. 30+ Hours (estimated 6+ hours per week)
  • Study Method: 100% Study Online. Cutting-Edge Learning Platform. An Ai-enabled LMS system means a superior learning experience for candidates.
  • Study Materials: High-quality audiovisual resources, technical notes and summaries in text format
  • Flexibility: 100% Flexible. Self-paced learning. Study anywhere, anytime & from any device
  • Venue: Online on state-of-art learning platform
  • Which award you get: Certificate of Completion. Note that this is separate from the the certificate issued by IASE to candidates who pass the IASE board exam
  • Support: Ongoing monitoring of all candidates, individual access to lecturers, chapter-by-chapter assessments and mock exams at the end of the course
  • Instructors: World renowned lecturers: We boast some of the world’s faculty: from renowned academics, regulators, and multinational firms.
  • Evaluation: Chapter-by-Chapter Assessment, 1 mock exam at the end
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Available Languages: Exams available in English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian
  • Developed & Delivered By : International Association For Sustainable Economy (IASE Global), with Head Office in London, United Kingdom.
  • Exam Format: Closed book, Multiple-choice questions (MCQ); 4 options per question, with only one correct answer
  • Number of Questions: 40 Questions
  • Pass Score: 60% (24 correct answers, or more)
  • Exam Duration: 60 minutes
  • Venue: Online. We use sophisticated facial recognition technology to protect the integrity of the exams
  • Languages: Exams available in English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian

Syllabus

4 Modules | 4 Quizzes | 1 Mock Exam

  • MODULE 1

    Introduction to ESG: Examines ESG history, fundamentals, global context, sustainability, climate impact on business, transparency standards, energy efficiency, circular economy, and technology’s role in green transition.

  • MODULE 2

    Environment, Climate Change, Green Transition & Sustainable Finance: Discusses the financial sector's adaptation to the green economy, climate change's impact on banking, green taxonomy, ESG in investments, climate risks, sustainability financing, decarbonizing markets, ESG ratings, and global carbon pricing strategies.

  • MODULE 3

    Social Inclusion and Gender Equality: Covers the history of social inclusion, gender equality challenges, best practices in leadership, fostering ESG culture, employee involvement, and the significance of supporting vulnerable communities.

  • MODULE 4

    Governance: Discusses the historical evolution of governance, the integration of sustainability and ESG criteria in corporate models, the impact of ESG regulations, sustainability-related reputational risks, governance in risk management, future challenges and opportunities, the incorporation of ESG factors into companies, and strategies to secure shareholder commitment to corporate strategy.

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

Next ISF ADVISOR® training cohorts begin in September and October 2025, with board exams scheduled in November and December.

CohortTraining Course
(6 weeks)		Exam Dates
(times in CET)		Exam Registration
Deadline
812 May - 22 Jun 2025 30 Jun - 1 Jul 202526 Jun 2025
915 Sep - 26 Oct 202510-11 Nov 20253 Nov 2025
1027 Oct - 7 Dec 202514-15 Dec 202511 Dec 2025
126 Jan - 8 Mar 202623-24 Mar 202616 Mar 2026
230 Mar - 10 May202625-26 May 202618 May 2026
311 May - 21 Jun 202629-30 Jun 202625 Jun 2026
47 Sep - 25 Oct 20269-10 Nov 20262 Nov 2026
526 Oct - 6 Dec 202614-15 Dec 202610 Dec 2026

Costs and Fees

How Much does ISF ADVISOR® Costs?

ESG Training and Certification IASE Africa

Re-Certification Requirements for ISF ADVISOR® credential

ESG is a rapidly evolving field, with new regulations, methodologies, and best practices emerging constantly. To remain a trusted expert, ISF ADVISOR® certification holders must stay ahead of these changes through continuous learning. Unlike academic qualifications, which reflect past knowledge, professional certifications like ISF ADVISOR® demonstrate an ongoing commitment to industry relevance and ethical practice.

Annual re-certification ensures that you maintain up-to-date expertise, reinforcing your credibility with employers, clients, and peers. It is more than just a requirement—it is a mark of excellence, proving that you are equipped with the latest ESG insights and ready to lead in this dynamic field.

What does it entail?

Meet CPD Points Requirements

ISF ADVISOR® holders are required to demonstrate ongoing learning equivalent to 10 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points per annum.

Every year, ISF ADVISOR® holders must re-affirm their commitment to upholding IASE’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

In addition to processing your re-certification, the fee allows IASE to be able to continue advancing the ESG profession, promoting the designations, developing standards.

Begin Your Finance-Focused ESG Journey

If you’re working in banking, investment, or corporate finance and want to stand out with a globally recognized ESG certification in South Africa, the ISF ADVISOR® is your gateway credential. This professional qualification bridges finance expertise with sustainability principles, giving you the credibility to advise clients, lead ESG reporting, and shape responsible investment strategies. As the first step on the ISF certification pathway, it ensures your career progression towards the ISF SPECIALIST® and ISF EXPERT® levels.

I want to become an ISF ADVISOR® professional now!

Follow these Steps:

  1. Register and pay for Level 1 Board Exam
  2. Optionally, also pay and register for the Level 1 exam preparatory course
  3. Study and prepare for the exam
  4. Get Certified

By becoming ISF ADVISOR® certified, validate your knowledge and skills, stand out in ESG, and unlock new financial and career opportunities. Elevate your earning potential and accelerate your professional growth with ISF ADVISOR® certification.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do You Have Any Questions?

ISF Level 1 Training Course

  • Do I need a background in finance to enroll in this course?

    No prior financial experience is required. The ISF Level 1 course is designed for beginners and professionals from various fields seeking foundational ESG knowledge applicable to the financial sector. 

  • How will this course benefit my career in finance or ESG?

    Completing the ISF Level 1 course equips you with essential ESG competencies, enhancing your qualifications for roles in sustainable finance, investment analysis, and compliance. It also prepares you for the ISF Advisor certification exam, a recognized credential in the ESG field. 

  • What is the format of the certification exam?

    The ISF ADVISOR certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, administered online. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam, and a score of at least 60% (24 correct answers) is required to pass. Learn more about ISF ADVISOR certification program .

  • Is the training self-paced or instructor-led?

    The ISF Level 1 course is delivered online and self-paced, allowing you to complete it within approximately 6 weeks, dedicating around 30 hours of study time. 

  • Will this help with job interviews or internships?

    Absolutely. You’ll have a structured credential to show ESG knowledge in finance.

     

  • What support is available during the course?

    As an online, self-paced course, support may include access to course materials, forums, and assistance from the course provider. Specific support offerings can vary, so it’s advisable to check with the provider for detailed information. 

  • Can I take the certification exam without completing the training course?

    Yes, while the training course is recommended for thorough preparation, it’s not mandatory. You can register for the ISF Level 1 certification exam independently through the IASE website. 

  • Can I take the Board Exam later?

    Yes — this course supports both standalone learning and certification preparation. 

ISF ADVISOR® Certification

  • Who should take the ISF ADVISOR® certification?

    The ISF ADVISOR® is designed for professionals in finance and related fields—such as investment managers, bankers, accountants, insurance professionals, wealth managers, and treasurers—who want to build foundational ESG knowledge and credibility. 

  • How does ISF ADVISOR® compare to CFA Institute’s ESG Certificate?

    The ISF ADVISOR® is part of a progressive, competency-based certification pathway (Advisor → Specialist → Expert), while the CFA ESG Certificate is a single standalone program. ISF ADVISOR® is renewable annually and linked to CPD, ensuring your credential reflects ongoing competence. 

  • Do I need finance experience to register for ISF ADVISOR®?

    No prior finance experience is strictly required, but the credential is tailored to individuals working in, or seeking to enter, financial services. If you are new to ESG but have a background or career interest in finance, this certification is an ideal starting point. 

  • How long does it take to complete the ISF ADVISOR® certification?

    Most candidates prepare within 6–7 weeks using the endorsed training course, then sit for the board exam. Completion time depends on your study pace, but you could earn your credential in as little as two months. 

  • What career benefits can ISF ADVISOR® offer finance professionals?

    Certified professionals often see:

    • Improved career mobility in banks, investment firms, and asset managers.
    • Increased salary negotiation power.
    • Access to global ESG-focused job opportunities.
    • A professional network of over 87,000 IASE-certified members worldwide. 

  • Is ISF ADVISOR® recognised internationally?

    Yes. IASE certifications are globally recognised across 160+ countries and aligned with ISO/IEC 17024 standards. Employers worldwide trust the ISF ADVISOR® credential as proof of ESG competence in finance. 

  • Can I skip ISF ADVISOR® and go directly to ISF SPECIALIST®?

    If you meet the eligibility requirements (including ESG work experience and higher academic qualifications), you may register directly for ISF SPECIALIST®. However, most finance professionals start with ISF ADVISOR® to build a solid ESG foundation. 

  • What happens after I pass the ISF ADVISOR® exam?

    You will apply for IASE membership and be awarded the ISF ADVISOR® credential. From there, you can pursue higher levels—ISF SPECIALIST® and ISF EXPERT®—to continue advancing your ESG career. 

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