ESG QUALIFICATION FOR FINANCE
NON-FINANCE PROFESSIONALS
ISB/ISF ADVISOR® (LEVEL 1) Certification Program
APPLICABLE TO ALL LEVELS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISB and ISF
IASE’s twin ESG certification schemes prepare and look beyond the headlines and rhetoric. Gain the competency, clarity and fluency required to not only comprehend the significance of ESG issues, but also to strategically and quickly apply them to your organization. Plus, they improve your marketability, your employability, and your earning potential.
These ESG certification schemes combine IASE’s world-class financial expertise with cutting-edge ESG research to equip professionals, executives, and consultants for the challenge of ESG integration.
Our multi-level competency-based ESG certification schemes adhere to ISO/IEC 17024 standards for certifying the competence of persons.
ISB® 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.
ISF® Program
Suited to professionals 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.
APPLICABLE TO ALL both ISF® and ISB® Programs
3 ESG Competency Levels
The IASE multi-level competency-based ESG certification programmes recognise your knowledge and skills while also assisting you in your lifelong ESG career advancement. Each level has its own set of eligibility requirements and competency-based assessment (i.e., board exam) that is aligned with the syllabus.
Individuals’ competencies will grow and develop as they advance in their careers. At each key milestone, the individual will have developed or gained a new level of competency that can be recognised, allowing for a clear distinction between certification levels. The certification level encourages ESG professionals to seek advancement through specific learning and development to help them reach the level they want.
IASE certification programmes will assess and measure an individual’s competencies at any given level, ensuring that both the ESG professional and the employer are aware of what is expected at each level.
APPLICABLE TO ISB®/ISF® Level 1
CERTIfication process
Congratulations
Receive membership confirmation letter
Update your CV and LinkedIn with your newly achieved credential
Annual Re-ceritifcation
Declare 15 CPD points
Re-affirm your commitment to IASE’s Code of Ethics
Pay Annual re-certification Fee
APPLICABLE TO ALL LEVELS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be awarded the ISB® or ISF® certification as the respective levels, a candidate must have the following minimum qualification requirements:
- ISB®/ISF® Level 1 – EQF Level 3 (the equivalent of a high school/matric/Grade 12/Standard 10 diploma/qualification)
- ISB®/ISF® Level 2 – EQF Level 4-5 (the equivalent of a 3-year post-high school qualification through a tertiary institution, such as a university degree)
- ISB®/ISF® Level 3 – EQF Level 6-7 (or NQF Level 7-8 in a South African context)
Both of IASE’s ISB® and ISF® Certification programs have three distinct levels of expertise, each with its board exam and credential. In combination, they represent career progression pathways. learn more
Passing the corresponding board exam for each level is a requirement for achieving the corresponding ISB/ISF ADVISOR®, ISB/ISF SPECIALIST® or ISB/ISF EXPERT® designations.
You can find information about the training course and the board exams here.
Note: Obtaining the ISB® Level 1 certification is not a requirement for registering to write the ISB® Level 2 board exam. In other words, being an ISB® Advisor (Level 1) is not a requirement to register for the ISB® Level 2 board exam.
To be awarded the ISB®/ISF® certification as the respective levels, a candidate must have the following minimum prior experience requirements:
- ISB®/ISF® Level 1 – previous professional work experience in the field of ESG and/or Sustainability NOT required.
- ISB®/ISF® Level 2 – 2 years of previous professional work experience in the field of ESG and/or Sustainability required. Candidate to submit a detailed CV for consideration as part of the board exam registration process.
- ISB®/ISF® Level 3 – Still to be determined. The ISF® Level III program is yet to be launched.
To be awarded the ISB® or ISF® certification at the respective levels, all candidates must:
- 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.
Candidates who have met all the above minimum requirements can apply to be awarded the official ISB® professional designation.
IASE shall officially award all successful candidates the rights and privileges of using the ISB® professional designation for the level applied for. Candidates can then proudly communicate their hard-earned accomplishments publicly, including appending their designation to their names (eg Jane Doe ISB®) on their business cards, email signatures, or LinkedIn profiles.
In addition, the names of all successful applicants shall then be added to IASE’s public directory of ESG professionals in the world.
APPLICABLE TO ISB®/ISF® Level 1
Training & BOARD Exam Highlights
The goal of the ISB® Level I preparatory course is to give applicants the fundamental knowledge and comprehension needed to grasp sustainability and ESG issues in a corporate setting.
Training Course
Board Exams
APPLICABLE TO ISB®/ISF® Level 1
Dates & Deadlines
| Cohort | Training Course (6 weeks) | Board Exam Deadline | Exam Sitting (times in CET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 16 Sep - 27 Oct, 2024 | 21 Oct 2024 | 4 - 5 Nov, 2024 |
| 5 | 18 Nov 2024 - 12 Jan 2025 | 20 Jan 2025 | 27-28 Jan 2025 |
| 6 | 27 Jan - 9 Mar 2025 | 17 Mar 2025 | 24-25 Mar 2025 |
| 7 | 31 Mar - 11 May 2025 | 19 May 2025 | 26-27 May 2025 |
| 8 | 12 May - 22 Jun 2025 | 26 Jun 2025 | 30 Jun - 1 Jul 2025 |
| 9 | 15 Sep - 26 Oct 2025 | 3 Nov 2025 | 10-11 Nov 2025 |
| 10 | 27 Oct - 7 Dec 2025 | 11 Dec 2025 | 14-15 Dec 2025 |
| Take Action | Enrol | Register |
APPLICABLE TO ISB®/ISF® Level 1
Costs and Fees
-
Comprehensive
(All-in-One) Bundle R16,925Training Course + Board Exam + Member Application Fee
-
Essential Bundle R15,399
Training Course + Board Exam (Excludes membership application fee)
-
Double Bundle R5,407
Board Exam + Membership Application (Excludes Training Course fee)
-
Training Course ONLY R12,200
6 Weeks, online, self-paced, incl study material
-
Board Exam ONLY R3,899
-
Membership Application
Fee ONLY R2,200
Syllabus
ISB Level 1
ISF Level 1
Benefits of Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
All our ESG courses are exclusively online. This means that you can attend our courses, anywhere, anytime and from any device.
Our courses are designed to be self-paced, meaning that we do not have live lectures. We provide students with study materials in the form of recorded video and audio lectures, written technical notes and summaries.
Our ESG training courses are structured as follows:
- ISB Level 1 (15 sessions)
- ISF Level 1 (15 sessions
- ISB Level 2 (28 sessions)
- ISF Level 2 (30 sessions)
Each session consists of 1 introductory video on the subject, a technical note and a summary of the technical note, and a 10-question assessment for the student to check how well he/she has assimilated what they studied.
At the end of all the sessions, the student has 2 mock exams (the questions are modeled around those set by IASE in their board exams)
Exponential Education is a leading educational institution offering online training with four schools covering a wide range of topics of great importance to 21st century society, including multiple aspects of ESG.
Absolutely. Exponential Education has been designated as an ‘Academic Collaborating Entity’ by IASE (International Association for Sustainable Economy), making it an ‘Official Provider’ of training for ESG certification.
At the end of all the sessions, the student take 2 mock exams (the questions are modeled around those set by IASE in their board exams).
Therefore, your score in the mock exams would give you somewhat of an indication was to your readiness to challenge IASE’s corresponding board examination
Yes. At the end of the training course, we give each candidate a Certificate of Completion.
Candidates can individually contact lecturers when they need assistance with their studies.
Our trained and experienced support staff are always on hand to assist students with any admin or technical queries that they may have.
Notwithstanding when you register and pay for the course, candidates are only provided access to the learning platform and materials around one day before the official start day of the course.
Please also take note that candidates can only access all the training materials we provides on our learning platform. These materials cannot be printed or downloadable to your local drive.
Absolutely. Exponential Education has been designated as an ‘Academic Collaborating Entity’ by IASE (International Association for Sustainable Economy), making it an ‘Official Provider’ of training for ESG certification.
Our costs are as follows:
- ISB/ISF Level 1 = EUR500
- ISB/ISF Level 2 = EUR850
Please note that we reserve the right to change these costs from time to time without prior notice.
Please also note that depending on where you are in the world, prices may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations.
No. Our ESG training courses are primarily aimed at helping candidates prepare and pass IASE’s international board exams. Even though we give each student a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course, they are not full qualifications in their own right.
However, in coordination with the IASE Africa Regional Office, started the process of engaging with the relevant education authorities in South Africa, with the view to eventually gaining recognition.
Contact your local IASE Office to learn more.
Yes. Send your request to [email protected].
Member testimonials
I particularly liked the international orientation of the international sustainable finance course. The opportunity to experience lectures from other regions of the world online and to broaden one’s own perspective internationally is, as far as I know, unique in the existing ESG training courses in Germany.
Achieving the ISB Specialist designation has truly elevated my ESG career. The online training and exams worked really well with my hectic schedule, allowing me to balance work and study seamlessly. I am proud to hold an international certification that proves my capabilities on a global scale. This accomplishment has been worth every effort!
Earning the ISB Specialist certification from IASE has been instrumental in my career advancement. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to champion ESG strategies at Sustainable Horizons. This certification is a valuable asset for any ESG professional.
Learning with the course was a great experience, I was able to build deep knowledge regarding the latest sustainability and taxonomy regulations. The online platform made it easy to organize the lectures individually around my busy schedule.
Earning the ISB Specialist credntial from IASE has been a game-changer for my career at EcoVision Africa. The detailed study materials were extremely helpful in grasping the complex ESG concepts. The convenience of online exams was a significant advantage, fitting seamlessly into my demanding work schedule.
Holding this international certification is a source of immense pride, showcasing my expertise on a global stage. The professional network I have joined through IASE has provided valuable connections and growth opportunities. The hard work and dedication invested in studies have been incredibly worthwhile, advancing my career to new heights.
I am pleased to be one the first batches of Asia student in the ISB course. Before taking the course, I have limited knowledge how business being impacted by the Sustainability in today’s world. This course enriched my knowhow in a systematic way, from foundation to advanced knowledge.
I am a passionate lifelong learner. At the end of my ISB level 1 certification with IASE, I was thrilled with all the learnings. It is imperative to strengthen our knowledge of relevant issues that affect us all, such as climate change. The tools I acquired are of great value to implement concrete actions in Mexico and around the world.
With great satisfaction and relief, I join into the IASE Community as an ESG professional. My lifelong work commitment is directed towards for a more equitable and sustainable world and being able to be part of this important process through my profession gives meaning to my life.
Together we can do everything it’s possible to give a future to our children, a world fairer to those who surfer and live-in great difficulty and above all to preserve our world and its nature.
Thanks to the IASE Bord of Excellence, the numerous testimonies reported by professionals from all over the world, the digital training tool this path allows me today to proceed in my profession together, more efficient and confident that I have undertaken a suitable path.
A year ago I made a career switch from law into ESG. With the ESG profession attracting some much interest, I knew that I needed to obtain a reputable qualification in order to standout. So, when I came across IASE’s ISB designation I never looked back.
The program seemed scary at first given my work commitments. However, the flexibility of the online courses and exams allowed me to balance work and studies seamlessly. Today, having achieved my ISB, I cannot think of a better career decision I have made over the last year. I feel a complete sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that holding this qualification means that I measure up with my peers around the world.
Having joined IASE a few months ago I am delighted to have completed my first IASE designation. I consider it as a stepping-stone in achieving more @iase designations and progressing in the #ESG field. This will allow me to respond to the ESG knowledge needs of professionals, especially in the financial sector, and to be at the forefront of a new certification model, both in terms of content and processes, guaranteeing me a first class upskill to address the reality of our environment with a complete vision of sustainable development.
In my professional career I have always sought to increase my training to enable me to improve my employability and to deploy all that knowledge in the development of my professional functions. Now, given the new world of sustainability and its opportunities, it is urgent to train and update oneself, and I believe that this IASE certification will help me in the commitment I have always had with my organization and with myself. As professionals, we have the responsibility to be updated and keep ourselves at the forefront of knowledge in order to accompany our organizations in their evolutions. With this IASE certification, and faced with the new world of Sustainability, I consider that I have taken on the challenge of training in the first person, and becoming a pioneer in my organization will have a positive impact on BBVA.
Thrilled to complete ISB – Level 1 Certification with IASE. It complements my background in sustainability and ESG with the latest knowledge and trends. The course will act as capability recognition for managing ESG/Sustainability departments.
With various definitions applied across the spectrum of ESG/Sustainability initiatives and implementations, attending a reputable training program like IASE-ISB, proving your capability as a practitioner in the field of ESG/sustainability, comes highly recommended.
The well=structure training materials supported by explanatory videos, summaries, and tests with every training module make it a thorough program to support the implementation of ESG/Sustainable goals, frameworks, and business initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
All our ESG courses are exclusively online. This means that you can attend our courses, anywhere, anytime and from any device.
Our courses are designed to be self-paced, meaning that we do not have live lectures. We provide students with study materials in the form of recorded video and audio lectures, written technical notes and summaries.
Our ESG training courses are structured as follows:
- ISB Level 1 (15 sessions)
- ISF Level 1 (15 sessions
- ISB Level 2 (28 sessions)
- ISF Level 2 (30 sessions)
Each session consists of 1 introductory video on the subject, a technical note and a summary of the technical note, and a 10-question assessment for the student to check how well he/she has assimilated what they studied.
At the end of all the sessions, the student has 2 mock exams (the questions are modeled around those set by IASE in their board exams)
Exponential Education is a leading educational institution offering online training with four schools covering a wide range of topics of great importance to 21st century society, including multiple aspects of ESG.
Absolutely. Exponential Education has been designated as an ‘Academic Collaborating Entity’ by IASE (International Association for Sustainable Economy), making it an ‘Official Provider’ of training for ESG certification.
At the end of all the sessions, the student take 2 mock exams (the questions are modeled around those set by IASE in their board exams).
Therefore, your score in the mock exams would give you somewhat of an indication was to your readiness to challenge IASE’s corresponding board examination
Yes. At the end of the training course, we give each candidate a Certificate of Completion.
Candidates can individually contact lecturers when they need assistance with their studies.
Our trained and experienced support staff are always on hand to assist students with any admin or technical queries that they may have.
Notwithstanding when you register and pay for the course, candidates are only provided access to the learning platform and materials around one day before the official start day of the course.
Please also take note that candidates can only access all the training materials we provides on our learning platform. These materials cannot be printed or downloadable to your local drive.
Absolutely. Exponential Education has been designated as an ‘Academic Collaborating Entity’ by IASE (International Association for Sustainable Economy), making it an ‘Official Provider’ of training for ESG certification.
Our costs are as follows:
- ISB/ISF Level 1 = EUR500
- ISB/ISF Level 2 = EUR850
Please note that we reserve the right to change these costs from time to time without prior notice.
Please also note that depending on where you are in the world, prices may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations.
No. Our ESG training courses are primarily aimed at helping candidates prepare and pass IASE’s international board exams. Even though we give each student a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course, they are not full qualifications in their own right.
However, in coordination with the IASE Africa Regional Office, started the process of engaging with the relevant education authorities in South Africa, with the view to eventually gaining recognition.
Contact your local IASE Office to learn more.
Yes. Send your request to [email protected].
