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Overview
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ISB Advisor® Program Overview
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.
Why earn the ISB Advisor® Credential
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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.
LEVELS DESCRIPTION CERTIFICATION Level 1 Recognises individuals entering the ESG field ISF® ADVISOR,
ISB® ADVISORLevel 2 Recognises ESG professionals who have at least 2 years of ESG experience. ISF® SPECIALIST,
ISB® SPECIALISTLevel 3 Requirements to be announced soon ISF® EXPERT,
ISB® EXPERTEligibility 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.
Snapshot of Board Exam FEatures
Feature Description Exam Format Closed book, Multiple-choice questions (MCQ); 4 options per question, with only one correct answer No. of Questions 40 Questions Pass Score 60% (at least 24 correct answers) Exam Duration 60 Minutes Venue Online. We use sophisticated facial recognition technology to protect the integrity of the exams Available Languages English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian Study Features to support your learning
Feature Description Training Provider Exponential Education Institute (an IASE-approved Training Provider) 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 Study Support Ongoing monitoring of all candidates, individual access to lecturers, chapter-by-chapter assessments and mock exams at the end of the course Cerificate of Completion Yes, Learners are awarded a Certificate of Completion. 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 Available Languages English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian 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
Membership & Annual Re-Certification
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Testimonials
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Career Paths
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Career Benefits
Alongside traditional financial returns, the sustainability and ethical impacts of investments are becoming key concerns for stakeholders. The ability to understand ESG factors and integrate them into your decision-making gives you a powerful advantage – whether you are an investment professional or working in adjacent sectors like law or HR.
Shareable credentials for global recognition
When you earn the Certificate in ESG Investing, you are acknowledged worldwide for your mastery of the topic, as well as your dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.
Your digital badge and certificate show this dedication and aligns you with a global community of professionals striving for the same high standards.
ESG career paths
Earn the Certificate in ESG Investing and you open doors to a variety of career paths – from new roles in sustainability to becoming the in-house ESG expert at your current organization.
Which jobs could you get with an ESG certification?
- ESG Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- ESG Specialist
- ESG Product Manager
- Head of ESG
- Chief Sustainability Officer
Valued by employers
Some of the world’s biggest financial institutes employ ESG certificate holders. These include JPMorgan Chase, UBS, HSBC Holdings, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Morningstar, Inc. By achieving the Certificate in ESG Investing, you’re aligning yourself with the priorities of today’s investment industry, and the main players within it.
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Syllabus
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Fees & Calendar
ISB Advisor® Program Overview
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.
Why earn the ISB Advisor® Credential
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
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.
| 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 |
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.
Snapshot of Board Exam FEatures
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Format | Closed book, Multiple-choice questions (MCQ); 4 options per question, with only one correct answer |
| No. of Questions | 40 Questions |
| Pass Score | 60% (at least 24 correct answers) |
| Exam Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Venue | Online. We use sophisticated facial recognition technology to protect the integrity of the exams |
| Available Languages | English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian |
Study Features to support your learning
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Training Provider | Exponential Education Institute (an IASE-approved Training Provider) |
| 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 |
| Study Support | Ongoing monitoring of all candidates, individual access to lecturers, chapter-by-chapter assessments and mock exams at the end of the course |
| Cerificate of Completion | Yes, Learners are awarded a Certificate of Completion. |
| 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 |
| Available Languages | English | French | Portuguese | German | Italian |
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
Membership & Annual Re-Certification
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Testimonials
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Career Benefits
Alongside traditional financial returns, the sustainability and ethical impacts of investments are becoming key concerns for stakeholders. The ability to understand ESG factors and integrate them into your decision-making gives you a powerful advantage – whether you are an investment professional or working in adjacent sectors like law or HR.
Shareable credentials for global recognition
When you earn the Certificate in ESG Investing, you are acknowledged worldwide for your mastery of the topic, as well as your dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.
Your digital badge and certificate show this dedication and aligns you with a global community of professionals striving for the same high standards.
ESG career paths
Earn the Certificate in ESG Investing and you open doors to a variety of career paths – from new roles in sustainability to becoming the in-house ESG expert at your current organization.
Which jobs could you get with an ESG certification?
- ESG Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- ESG Specialist
- ESG Product Manager
- Head of ESG
- Chief Sustainability Officer
Valued by employers
Some of the world’s biggest financial institutes employ ESG certificate holders. These include JPMorgan Chase, UBS, HSBC Holdings, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Morningstar, Inc. By achieving the Certificate in ESG Investing, you’re aligning yourself with the priorities of today’s investment industry, and the main players within it.
Syllabus
The curriculum for the ISB Advisor® certification program has been designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of ESG factors in in business. You’ll explore ESG investing at a high level, examining sustainability contexts and global initiatives. You’ll then drill down into how ESG can be integrated into a company’s overall business strategy.
What you'll learn
When you complete the certification of ESG investing, you will have gained knowledge in a variety of key areas. It’s this breadth of your new expertise that will take your career to new heights.
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Foundational knowledge
Understand the underlying issues that constitute factors within each of the environmental, social and governance areas, the broader sustainability context and global initiatives, and the ESG market today.
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Approaches and application
Discover different approaches to responsible investment and how environmental, social and governance factors can be considered, then learn how to carry out ESG analysis, valuation and integration.
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Reporting Performance
Explore investment mandates, portfolio analytics and client reporting, and gain the ability to analyze how ESG factors may affect industry and company performance, and security valuation across a range of asset classes.
Syllabus Topics
The ISB Advisor (Level 1) syllabus is a comprehensive gateway to mastering Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles, offering an essential foundation for a thriving career in the ESG landscape. Covering four robust modules, the program delves into the historical context, strategies, and international frameworks of ESG; addresses environmental challenges like climate change and sustainable finance; explores social inclusion, gender equality, and organizational culture; and highlights governance practices to drive sustainable corporate growth. With its focus on blending sustainability with strategic decision-making, the syllabus equips professionals to lead impactful transitions in a rapidly evolving global economy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Costs and FeesCosts and Fees
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Dates & DeadlinesDates & Deadlines
Fees
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Comprehensive
(All-in-One) Bundle R16,925Training Course + Board Exam + Member Application Fee
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Essential Bundle R15,399
Training Course + Board Exam (Excludes membership application fee)
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Double Bundle R5,407
Board Exam + Membership Application (Excludes Training Course fee)
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Training Course ONLY R12,200
6 Weeks, online, self-paced, incl study material
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Board Exam ONLY R3,899
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Membership Application
Fee ONLY R2,200
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 |
R16,925
*Includes training course, board exam and joining fees.
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60 hours to complete
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Foundational Level
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Self-paced online learning
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Access to learning materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Certification Programs
- 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.
Board Exams
- 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/
