Best ESG Certifications and Courses for Professionals
As more people become aware of the impact of corporate behavior on our environment, communities, and society as a whole, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is now a key focus for businesses and individuals. Thus, the demand for ESG training and sustainability certification is growing rapidly.
Identifying and managing ESG risks is a key part of ESG training and certification, as it helps professionals master risk management and integrate ESG into investment decisions and portfolios.
Some key questions people are seeking answers for:
How to get started with learning about ESG?
How to become an ESG specialist or certified ESG consultant?
What are the best online ESG and/or sustainability certificate programs, including ESG audit certification?
In this article, we look into the best sustainability certifications and courses available for professionals that yield invaluable insights regarding skill sets, knowledge bases, and what an ESG qualification can do for your professional development to enhance your career, offering an ESG certification guide to help you navigate your options.
Best ESG Courses for Leading Frameworks
The top 4 courses listed below are linked to the leading sustainability frameworks (GRI, SASB, CDP, and PRI).
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Certification
Duration: Self-paced Effort: 16 hours Price: €1,250.00
The GRI Professional Certification Program provides sustainability professionals with a deep understanding of sustainability reporting and the application of GRI Standards. Designed to improve skills in implementing these standards, the program will improve the quality of sustainability reporting. You can choose between two flexible learning options: an online self-paced course through the GRI Academy or instructor-led training from GRI Certified Training Partners. This certification will give you the knowledge and practical experience to create high-quality ESG reports and sustainability documents.
This program covers topics such as data collection and disclosure for sustainable practices with practical experience through hands-on training so you can create quality sustainability documents.
Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) - SASB Standards
Duration: Self-paced
The Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential developed under the IFRS Foundation and closely linked to the SASB Standards provides professionals (accountants, fiscal analysts) with the skills to link sustainability factors (incl. sustainable practices) to financial performance. Through two levels of exams, candidates will get a deep understanding of sustainability disclosure standards such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and learn how to analyze how sustainability-related risks and opportunities impact a company’s financial health. The FSA Credential is for professionals who want to enhance their expertise in integrating sustainability into financial analysis (ESG metrics, data collection & analysis, risk management, and sustainability reporting strategies) and decision-making.
Download the handbook here and find out how to register.
CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project)
Price: free webinars and workshops
CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a global organization that runs a climate reporting framework. Companies, cities, and governments can measure, manage, and disclose their environmental impact across areas like climate change, water security, corporate social responsibility, energy consumption, renewable energy, and deforestation. CDP’s data driven approach helps organizations improve their sustainability and contribute to global environmental transparency and action.
CDP does not offer direct accreditation or certification programs. However, it plays a larger role in sustainability education by running various events, webinars, and workshops throughout the year. These platforms provide insights into environmental reporting, climate related financial disclosures, sustainability practices, energy efficiency and the latest trends in climate, water, and forest disclosures so professionals can stay up to date and engaged in the ESG landscape.
Link to CDP events, webinars, and workshops is available here.
PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment) Academy ESG Integration Course
Duration: Self-paced Effort: 3 hours Price: £300
PRI launched its academy in 2014 to address the need for a common language around ESG across the industry. The Academy aims to use the most up-to-date responsible investment practices to bridge the skills gap in the industry that is holding back the integration of ESG into investment strategies.
Investment professionals, asset managers, and analysts alike can benefit from courses that provide training on how to integrate ESG factors into sustainable investments. Through topics including ESG analysis, sustainability reporting, and responsible investing, the course offers a detailed exploration of PRI's 6 principles for responsible investment and how material ESG factors can inform the investment process. With an in-depth look at these important subjects, you'll be empowered with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when it comes to your investments.
Find all PRI's courses here.
Best Certifications for ESG Investing
Here are our two favourite courses on ESG investing.
CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing
Duration: 6 months Price: €779
The CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing is designed to provide finance professionals with practical knowledge and skills in integrating ESG factors into investment decisions. Covering topics like ESG analysis, investment analysis, portfolio management, and industry practices, the program will help participants understand the impact of ESG on financial performance.
EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA)
Duration: Self-paced Price: €1,500.00
The main objective of this certification is to make the participants understand the importance of ESG issues and factors in the investment process and analysis. This certification provides an opportunity to learn and upskill your knowledge of ESG valuation, measurements, and ESG integrated portfolio construction.
You can review all course information here.
Featured Article: What's The Difference Between SRI, ESG, And Impact Investing?
Best ESG Certifications for ESG Reporting, Data and Strategy
The ESG and sustainability courses listed below cover a wide range of topics, from ESG strategy and corporate ESG data to sustainability principles.
ESG Diploma Course by CFI
Duration: Self-paced Effort: 30 hours Price: €4,495
Join the Corporate Governance Institute’s Diploma in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and get all the qualifications and skills to become an ESG leader. Through written materials, podcasts, interactive exercises, and scenario challenges, you’ll learn everything there is to know about this field. Read through the brochure to learn more.
Corporate ESG Training by Sustainalytics
Sustainalytics is one of the largest ESG data providers that produces its own ESG risk rating for corporates, covering around 10,000 large companies. It provides an in-depth look at the risks and opportunities of ESG considerations (including environmental sustainability, social considerations, and governance frameworks). This course will help you understand ESG risk ratings and methodologies, how investors and corporations use them, and how to read, interpret, and compare ESG rating reports.
Follow this link to download the brochure and learn more.
ESG Reporting - Certified Course by EcoSkills
Duration: Self-paced Effort: 15-20 hours Price: $499
This program boosts your career by improving your capabilities as a sustainability professional, reporting practitioner, or communicator. This Certified Course by EcoSkills Academy offers comprehensive training on creating high-quality ESG reports. Participants will learn about legislative and regulatory requirements, key ESG reporting standards (CSDR, GRI, SASB), and how to report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course includes practical tools and hands-on training, enhancing your ability to optimize and communicate your organization’s ESG performance effectively.
For more details, visit EcoSkills.
Best ESG Certification Programs for Professionals on the Go
ESG Courses by Udemy with the best ESG certification testimonials to get started on your environmental, social, and governance journey. Udemy offers ESG courses that can enhance your sustainability knowledge and skills, including the following:
Frequently Asked Questions about ESG Certification (FAQs)
Which ESG certificate is the best?
The best ESG certificate depends on your background, career goals, and personal preferences. Here are the factors to consider:
Diverse Topics: GRI, SASB and CFA Institute’s ESG Investing cover governance, sustainability reporting, responsible investing, ESG strategy, and data providers.
Career Growth & Benefits: ESG certifications help you manage risk, make informed investment decisions, and improve sustainability reporting – a competitive advantage in the growing ESG field.
Practical Skills: These courses combine theory and hands-on ESG analysis and sustainability reporting – valuable real-world skills.
Tailored Choices: Consider the duration, effort, and price of each certification – from free and cheapest certifications to thousands of dollars – and the level of flexibility and time commitment.
In the end, evaluate each program’s focus areas and ESG certification criteria, do ESG certification case studies and choose the one that fits your career goals, industry, and personal needs.
How to get ESG certified?
To become ESG certified, you need to enroll in a recognized ESG certification program. Each program has its own prerequisites, course materials, and exams. Start by researching the top certifications mentioned in this article and follow their application and enrollment process.
Is a CFA ESG certificate worth it?
Yes, the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing is highly respected in the finance industry. It gives you in-depth knowledge of ESG factors, practical applications, and the latest trends in sustainable investing – a valuable addition to your credentials and will help you advance your career in ESG investing.
Is there a course on ESG?
Yes, there are many courses on ESG, and more are being added every year. Our article lists some of the popular and most in-demand ESG certification & sustainability certificate programs.
Is ESG a good career?
Yes, ESG is a growing field with increasing demand for professionals who can integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into business and investment decisions. A career in ESG means you can make a positive impact on society and contribute to a sustainable future while working in a fast paced and evolving industry.
Does ESG pay well?
Compared to five years back, ESG roles are much well-compensated these days, particularly as demand for ESG expertise grows. Salaries can vary based on the specific role, industry, and level of experience, but ESG professionals, particularly those with specialized certifications and skills, are often rewarded with competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. We see specialized ESG & sustainability related recruitment firms coming up in the last 2 years, as well as niche companies like Dazzle (based in the Netherlands) focusing on specialized sustainability freelancers.
Keep track of available courses such as these, and many more globally, via our ESG Certification & Courses page. We keep all the updated courses in one place to help you compare and make the right decision.
Disclaimer: This article was originally published on 11th February, 2023 and has been updated recently to reflect the latest available ESG courses, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
