IASE Official Syllabi Centre:
ESG Knowledge Areas for Every Level

Boost your expertise in sustainable finance and business with full access to our globally recognized ESG certification syllabi.

Globally Recognised ESG Certification Powered by IASE

Your trusted gateway to internationally benchmarked ESG syllabi and standards

The International Association for Sustainable Economy (IASE) is the world’s first global certification body dedicated exclusively to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, IASE sets the global benchmark for ESG professional qualifications, ensuring a consistent and credible framework for sustainability education worldwide.

IASE offers two flagship certification programs:

  • ISF® – International Sustainable Finance Certification
    Tailored for finance professionals committed to ethical and responsible investing.
  • ISB® – International Sustainable Business Certification
    Designed for corporate, public sector, and sustainability leaders driving ESG impact in business.

Together, these certifications provide a structured, multi-level pathway—Entry (Level 1), Intermediate (Level 2), and Advanced (Level 3)—covering the full spectrum of ESG principles, frameworks, regulations, and applications.

To support transparency, global alignment, and learner success, IASE publishes official ESG certification syllabi for each level and designation. These syllabi outline the exam content, learning objectives, and core domains that candidates must master to obtain certification.

Whether you’re starting out or advancing your ESG expertise, our syllabi ensure that you’re aligned with the latest global sustainability standards and prepared for real-world ESG challenges.

Download the syllabus, choose your level, and begin your journey toward ESG certification with confidence.

Download Syllabi by Certification Pathway

ISB® – International Sustainable Business

  • FOR NON-FINANCE PROFESSIONALS
ISB Certification Levels ISB Certification Levels

ISF® – International Sustainable Finance

  • FOR FINANCE PROFESSIONALS
ISF Certification Levels ISB Certification Levels

How the IASE ESG Syllabi Were Developed

Designed by experts. Grounded in global standards. Built for real-world impact.

IASE is committed to establishing and upholding the highest international standards, regulations, and best practices for ESG professionalism and certification.

The IASE ESG Syllabi serve as the global standard for ESG practice. They are designed to guide professionals across industries who perform ESG-related tasks by clearly outlining the core competencies, skills, deliverables, and techniques needed to drive responsible and effective decision-making.

Each syllabus is the result of extensive global research led by the IASE International Academic Committee — a multidisciplinary team made up of ESG experts from:

  • Leading universities and academic institutions

  • ESG-focused investment and finance organisations

  • Public policy and regulatory bodies

  • Sustainability NGOs and advocacy groups

  • Real-world ESG practitioners from multiple continents

This collaborative approach ensures that the IASE syllabi are rigorous, future-focused, and aligned with international frameworks such as the UN SDGs, TCFD, IFRS Sustainability Standards, and GRI.

To maintain their relevance and authority, the IASE syllabi are regularly reviewed and updated in response to developments in the ESG profession, emerging global regulations, and stakeholder feedback. This ensures that IASE-certified professionals are always equipped with up-to-date, practical ESG knowledge aligned with the latest thinking, tools, and trends shaping the sustainability landscape.

📚 The result: a globally respected ESG Body of Knowledge that empowers professionals to drive measurable sustainability outcomes in finance, business, and policy.

What’s Covered in Each IASE Syllabus

Each IASE certification syllabus provides a detailed roadmap of the topics, domains, and competencies that candidates must master to succeed at each certification level.

Whether you are pursuing the ISB® (International Sustainable Finance) or the ISF® (International Sustainable Business) designation, the syllabi are carefully structured to reflect real-world ESG demands and global sustainability standards.

📄 For a complete breakdown of each certification, visit our Certification Overview page.

🧱 Core Knowledge Areas Covered in the IASE ESG Syllabi

A globally harmonised framework for ESG professionals across finance, business, and policy

Each IASE ESG syllabus is structured around eight core domains that reflect the interdisciplinary and evolving nature of ESG practice. These domains are consistent across both the ISF® and ISB® certification programs and are adapted to each certification level — from foundational to strategic.

 

  • Foundations of ESG & the Green Transition: Understand the origins, principles, and frameworks that shape ESG. Explore the global sustainability agenda, climate change, energy transition, circular economy practices, and the role of innovation and technology in the green economy.
  • Ethical & Sustainable Finance: Learn how ESG is integrated into financial services — including green bonds, ESG investing, sustainable banking, insurance, ratings, and advisory services — to drive positive environmental and social outcomes across capital markets.
  • Governance, Risk & Regulation: Gain insights into ESG-aligned governance models, sustainability-related risk management, evolving regulatory standards, reputational risks, internal control systems, and compliance strategies that uphold stakeholder trust.
  • Social Inclusion, Human Capital & Leadership: Explore how diversity, equity, gender equality, workplace wellbeing, ethical leadership, and ESG culture are key drivers of long-term organisational performance and resilience.
  • Sustainable Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement: Understand how ESG megatrends influence business strategy and decision-making. Learn how to align with stakeholder expectations, regulatory pressure, market shifts, and evolving consumer demand for responsible and ethical business practices.
  • Sustainable Operations & Supply Chains: Address ESG challenges across the value chain. Learn about sustainable procurement, resource efficiency, environmental and social safeguards, circular practices, and how to minimise carbon and water footprints in operations.
  • Sustainability Measurement, Reporting & Assurance: Build skills in ESG performance measurement, integrated reporting, supply chain reporting, disclosure frameworks (e.g. GRI, SASB, IFRS, TCFD), and third-party assurance — while identifying and avoiding greenwashing risks.
  • Public Policy, Development Finance & Systems Leadership Examine the roles that governments, regulators, central banks, and multilateral development banks play in shaping ESG outcomes. Learn about policy frameworks, development finance, macro-level risk, and systems thinking required for ESG leadership at national and international levels.

📘 These eight domains form the backbone of IASE’s ESG Body of Knowledge, ensuring that certified professionals are equipped with the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to lead in today’s sustainability-driven economy.

🎯 Ready to begin your ESG certification journey? Get Certified today and take the next step toward becoming a globally recognized ESG professional.

How to Use the Syllabus to Prepare for Certification

Our syllabi are more than just exam outlines—they’re designed to help you strategically prepare for IASE certification at every level. Follow these four simple steps to get the most out of your ESG learning journey:

  • STEP 1: Read the Syllabus

Download and review the official syllabus for your chosen certification and level. This will help you understand the core domains, exam objectives, and the depth of knowledge expected.
👉 View ISF® and ISB® Syllabi

  • STEP 2: Choose the Right Level

Each program—ISB® and ISF®—offers three certification levels:

  • Level 1 (Entry) for students and newcomers

  • Level 2 (Intermediate) for experienced practitioners

  • Level 3 (Advanced) for leaders and decision-makers

Use our Certification Overview page to determine which level best fits your background and goals

  • STEP 3: Join a Training Program

IASE works with a network of approved training partners across Africa and beyond to help you prepare for your exam. These partners provide access to structured ESG learning, exam-focused resources, and expert faculty.
👉 Explore IASE-Accredited Training Partners

  • STEP 4: Register for Your Exam

Once you’ve completed your preparation, it’s time to take the next step. Register for your chosen exam level through our easy online process.
👉 Get Certified

Need help deciding where to start?

Visit our Certification Overview page or Contact Us for personalized guidance.