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Kickstart Your ESG Career With the ISB ADVISOR® ESG Certification Credential

FOR NON-FINANCE PROFESSIONALS

Unlock the door to endless opportunities in ESG with ISB ADVISOR®—the entry-level ESG certification for beginners and professionals outside finance. This credential validates your foundational knowledge and skills in ESG and sustainable business practices.

Whether you’re exploring ESG courses in South Africa, starting your career in sustainability, or looking to stand out with a recognised ESG qualification, the ISB ADVISOR® gives you instant credibility.

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WHERE DOES THE ISB ADVISOR® FIT IN?

ISB Multi-Level Competency Framework

ISB Certification Levels ISB Level 1

IASE’s ISB certification program offers a clear path for non-finance professionals in ESG, recognizing three competency levels: ISB ADVISOR®, ISB SPECIALIST®, and ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® Credential
The ISB ADVISOR® credential is the foundation of this pathway, designed for beginners in ESG. . It validates core ESG knowledge and skills. It is designed for professionals starting their ESG careers, providing the essential competencies to engage with ESG principles and set the stage for future career growth.

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

Who is an ISB ADVISOR®?

ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® holder

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

Boost Your Career & Earnings
  • Earn More: ISB ADVISOR® holders stand out in the job market and often secure higher salaries than non-certified peers..
  • Employer-Recognition: Employers increasingly demand ESG qualifications, making this credential a key differentiator..
  • 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. ISB 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 ISB 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.. Backed by IASE Global, this certification is recognised in 160+ countries.

  • 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 ISB 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. Unlike short ESG courses, this program leads to a professional designation that must be maintained through CPD, showing your ongoing relevance.. An ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® certification is your foundation, opening doors to the advanced ISB SPECIALIST® and ISB 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. Join a global community of over 87,000 certified ESG professionals.

  • Gain a competitive advantage with ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® Certification

1

Register for the Board Exam

Purchase your exam, and optionally add the preparatory ESG training course.

2

Study and prepare

Complete the IASE syllabus or endorsed ESG training.

3

Pass the Exam & Apply for Membership

Once certified, you’ll be awarded the ISB ADVISOR® credential by IASE Global.

4

Maintain Your Certification

Annual renewal ensures your knowledge stays current with evolving ESG standards. ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR®

Eligibility Requirements

ISB 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)

You must ass the ISB Level 1 Board Exam set by IASE. 

No Prior Experience Required 

The ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® professional designation and become a member of IASE.

This award bestows to receiving candidates all the rights and privileges of using the ISB ADVISOR® credential, including .appending their designation to their names (eg Jane Doe, ISB 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

Program Features & Highlights

  • 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
  • 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

Syllabus

4 Modules | 4 Quizzes | 1 Mock Exam

  • MODULE 1

    Introduction to ESG: Examines the evolution of ESG, its core principles, international implications, business sustainability, climate-related impacts, transparency standards, energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and the critical role of technology in driving the green transition.

  • MODULE 2

    Environment, Climate Change, Green Transition & Sustainable Finance: Explores the financial sector's shift towards the green economy, climate change's impact on banking, green taxonomy, ESG in investments, systemic climate risks, Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), sustainability versus risk management, green bonds and loans, ESG ratings, and global carbon pricing strategies.

  • MODULE 3

    Social Inclusion and Gender Equality: Analyzes the evolution of social inclusion and gender equality, key social pillars, implementation of gender criteria, challenges and future trends, best practices in leadership, fostering an ESG culture, employee involvement, and the critical role 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 cohorts start in September and October 2025, with 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 ISB ADVISOR® Costs?

ESG Training and Certification IASE Africa

RE-CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

How to maintain your ISB ADVISOR® credential

ESG is a rapidly evolving field, with new regulations, methodologies, and best practices emerging constantly. To remain a trusted expert, ISB ADVISOR® certification holders must stay ahead of these changes through continuous learning. Unlike academic qualifications, which reflect past knowledge, professional certifications like ISB 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?

10 CPD points annually

This ensures that you stay updated with the latest ESG standards, regulations, and best practices.

Every year, ISB 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.

Covers administrative processing and helps maintain global standards.

Launch Your ESG Career in South Africa

For professionals seeking the best ESG courses South Africa has to offer, the ISB ADVISOR® certification is the ideal starting point. This professional ESG qualification validates your foundational knowledge in sustainability and opens the door to advanced certifications like ISB SPECIALIST® and ISB EXPERT®. By earning this credential, you gain recognition that extends far beyond training courses, positioning yourself for long-term growth in the global sustainability job market.

I want to become an ISB 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 ISB 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 ISB ADVISOR® certification.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do You Have Any Questions?

Board Exams

  • How much study time is needed for the board exams?

    The recommended study time varies by exam level. For example, candidates have reported investing over 130 hours of study to successfully pass Level 1, and 210 hours for Level 2. It’s advisable to plan your study schedule accordingly to ensure thorough preparation.  

  • When are the board exams held?

    The IASE board exams are scheduled periodically throughout the year. Specific dates and deadlines for each exam level are published on the IASE website. It’s important to check the website regularly for the most up-to-date information on exam schedules.  

    The current board exam dates can be found on the below pages:

    ISB/ISF Level 1 

    ISB/ISF Level2 

  • How can I register for the board exams?

    Registration for the IASE board exams can be done through the IASE website . Candidates need to select the desired certification level, complete the application process, and pay the associated fees. Detailed instructions and support are available to guide you through the registration process.  

  • Are the board exams computer-based?

    Yes, all IASE board exams are computer-based, allowing candidates to take the exams from anywhere in the world. This format provides flexibility and convenience for candidates to schedule and complete their exams. 

    All IASE exams are administered exclusively online. They can be written from anywhere and on any device of your choice that meets our minimum device requirements! We use state-of-the-art, cyber-security-rich exam technology for all our exams. This is supplemented by proctors who closely watch candidates for any kind of cheating. 

    We have strict cyber-security measures in place, and we work continuously with our IT experts to thoroughly define any potential risks and solutions. Our selected system has a track record of success and years of experience in this area, and we partner with them to implement security measures that mitigate any potential risks. We take all available precautions to secure the exams. 

  • How long do I have to complete the board exams?

    The duration allocated for each IASE board exam varies by level. For instance, Level 1 exams are to be completed within 60 minutes, while Level 2 exams allow 90 minutes. It’s important to manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure all questions are answered. 

  • What is the passing score for the board exams?

    The passing score for the Level 1 board exams is typically 60%, which equates to answering 24 out of 40 questions correctly. 

    For Level 2 exams, the passing score is 60%, requiring at least 30 correct answers out of 50 questions.  

  • How are the exam results communicated?

    Results of the IASE board exams are typically released via an online medium within four weeks after the examination date. Results are communicated directly to individual candidates only. Candidates can access their results through the IASE website. 

  • What is the format of the IASE board exams?

    The IASE board exams consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options per question, where only one answer is correct. The number of questions and duration vary by certification level. For example, the ISF® Level 1 exam includes 40 MCQs to be completed in 60 minutes, while the ISB® Level 2 exam comprises 50 MCQs with a 90-minute duration. 

  • Can I reschedule from an exam?

    Candidates may have the option to reschedule an exam before the scheduled date. Specific policies regarding rescheduling, withdrawals, and any associated fees are detailed in the IASE Examination Terms & Conditions. It’s important to review these terms to understand your options. 

  • How do you ensure security of the exams?

    All IASE exams are administered exclusively online. They can be written from anywhere and on any device of your choice that meets our minimum device requirements! We use state-of-the-art, cyber-security-rich exam technology for all our exams. This is supplemented by proctors who closely watch candidates for any kind of cheating. 

    We have strict cyber-security measures in place, and we work continuously with our IT experts to thoroughly define any potential risks and solutions. Our selected system has a track record of success and years of experience in this area, and we partner with them to implement security measures that mitigate any potential risks. We take all available precautions to secure the exams.

  • When are the upcoming board exam dates?

    You can find all upcoming training and board exam dates at the following page on our website: https://iase.co.za/exam-dates-and-deadlines/ 

ISB Level 1 Training Course

  • Is prior experience in ESG or sustainability required to enroll in the ISB Level 1 course?

    No prior experience is necessary. The ISB Level 1 course is designed for beginners and provides a comprehensive introduction to ESG principles, making it suitable for professionals from various backgrounds seeking to understand sustainability concepts. 

  • What are the benefits of completing the ISB Level 1 training course?

    Completing the course equips you with foundational ESG knowledge, enhances your professional profile, and prepares you for the IASE Board Exam. It also demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly valued in today’s business environment. 

  • Can I take the ISB Level 1 course online, and is it self-paced?

    Yes, the ISB Level 1 course is available online and is designed to be self-paced, allowing you to complete the training at your convenience within a specified timeframe. 

  • Are there opportunities for further advancement after obtaining the ISB Level 1 certification?

    Yes, after achieving ISB ADVISOR® certification, you can pursue higher levels of IASE certifications, such as ISB SPECIALIST® (Level 2) and ISB EXPERT® (Level 3), to deepen your ESG knowledge and expertise. 

  • What is the process for obtaining the ISB ADVISOR® certification after completing the course?

    After completing the training you will receive a Ceritifcate of Completion from the training provider.

    If, after completing the training, you want to be certified by IASE, you can register for the IASE Board Exam. Upon passing the exam, you will receive the ISB ADVISOR® certification, signifying your proficiency in ESG principles and practices. 

  • How does the ISB Level 1 training course support career advancement?

    The certification demonstrates your expertise in ESG, opening opportunities in various sectors that prioritize sustainability. It can enhance your qualifications for roles in corporate responsibility, sustainability consulting, and other related fields. 

    Plus, the training course is structured to alo serve as a board exam preparatory course, should you want to validate your ESG knowledge by obtaining IASE’s ISB ADVISOR® credential.

ISB ADVISOR® Certification

  • Is ESG certification good for beginners?

    Yes. The ISB ADVISOR® is specifically designed as an entry-level ESG certification. It covers the fundamentals of ESG and sustainability, making it ideal for beginners who want to build a strong foundation before advancing to higher levels. 

  • How long does ISB ADVISOR® take to complete?

    Many candidates complete the ISB ADVISOR® within 2–3 months. If you take the preparatory training course, it typically runs for six weeks, after which you sit for the IASE Board Exam. Timelines can be flexible since the program is 100% online and self-paced. 

  • Is ESG worth it for non-finance professionals?

    Absolutely. ESG skills are in demand across every sector, not just finance. For non-finance professionals in industries like retail, mining, law, government, or NGOs, the ISB ADVISOR® provides a globally recognised credential that boosts employability and credibility. 

  • Do I need work experience to register for ISB ADVISOR®?

    No prior ESG work experience is required. The ISB ADVISOR® is open to anyone with a matric/Grade 12 (EQF Level 3) qualification. It’s designed as the starting point for newcomers to the ESG field. 

  • What jobs can I get after ISB ADVISOR® certification?

    ISB ADVISOR® holders often work in roles such as, sustainability officer, compliance assistant, procurement manager, and project coordinator. It also provides a stepping stone to ESG consulting and advisory positions as you progress to higher levels. 

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