ESG | Program Updates

This article contains the historical updates and changes to CFI's Environments, Social, and Governance (ESG) Specialization Program.

Update History

Update to ESG Specializations (Effective April 30)

We are introducing two new ESG specializations designed to better align learning outcomes with distinct professional roles.

Learners must complete the current ESG specialization before April 30 to earn the existing specialization credential. After this date, only the two new specializations will be available.

What’s Changing?

• The existing ESG specialization will be discontinued on April 30.
• Learners who complete all required courses by April 30 will still earn the current specialization.
• Beginning April 30, learners can earn one of two new, role-aligned ESG specializations.

New Specialization: ESG in Finance and Investing

Designed for finance, investment, and risk professionals who want to understand how ESG factors are:

• Quantified
• Integrated into financial analysis
• Priced into investment and capital allocation decisions

Core Learning Objectives

Learners will be able to:

• Integrate ESG data into financial and investment models
• Evaluate carbon and climate risks in valuation and portfolio analysis
• Apply ESG factors in capital allocation and enterprise risk assessment

Courses Included

• Introduction to ESG
• ESG Fundamentals
• ESG Integration and Financial Analysis
• Greenhouse Gas Accounting
• Carbon Markets Fundamentals
• Introduction to Climate Risk Management
• ESG Risk Management

New Specialization: ESG for Strategy and Compliance

Designed for professionals in corporate strategy, sustainability leadership, governance, regulatory, and compliance roles.

Core Learning Objectives

Learners will be able to:

• Develop and implement ESG strategies aligned with corporate objectives
• Understand ESG reporting frameworks and regulatory compliance standards
• Foster ethical and sustainable corporate governance and human capital practices

Courses Included

• Introduction to ESG
• ESG Fundamentals
• ESG Disclosure
• Human Capital Management
• Professional Ethics
• Corporate Governance

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I have not completed the current specialization by April 30?

• After April 30, the existing ESG specialization will no longer be awarded. Learners will instead be eligible to complete one or both of the two new specializations.

If I’ve already started the current specialization, what should I do?

• To earn the existing ESG specialization credential, you must complete all required courses by April 30.

Will completed courses transfer to the new pathways?

• Many foundational courses are shared between specializations. Completed courses will still count toward the relevant new specialization where applicable.

Summary of Changes

On June 3, 2024, the following changes to the ESG Specialization Program will take effect:

• ESG Risk Management has been added as a required core course.

Why were these updates implemented?

• ESG has emerged as the definitive measure of management effectiveness in today's business world. Corporate finance teams globally are under growing pressure to steer their organizations through a complex landscape of ESG risks, regulations, and requirements. This course provides the essential knowledge and strategies to navigate these challenges and establish a comprehensive ESG risk management system within your company. As finance teams become the key drivers of corporate transformation, this course will empower learners with the skills and confidence to lead organizations in the 'age of ESG.'

Impact on Learners in Progress

Will I be required to complete ESG Risk Management if I am almost done with the program?

• A notification was sent via email on May 20, 2024, to all learners enrolled in the ESG Specialization Program to allow for program completion before the new requirements went into effect.
• Learners who earn their ESG Specialization Certificate before June 3, 2024, will not be required to ESG Risk Management.
• Learners who have not earned their certificate by June 3, 2024, must complete the new required course to earn their certificate.