CSFA™ Standard Program Setup

Step 1: Taking Classes

The CSFA™ Standard now integrates the original Level 1 and part of Level 2 modules, providing candidates with more exposure, knowledge and practice to this high-growth, fast-evolving financial sector.

CSFA™ Standard candidates are required to take 6-module, twelve (12) 2-hour online classes taught by leading faculties from our training partner: the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI).

CSFA™ Standard candidates will also have access to pre-recorded modules focusing on the background and global drive towards sustainable finance.

Due to the pandemic and shifting learning paradigm, WSFA is working closely with SFI to bring all courses online. Candidates now have the options to take online courses or traditional in-person, face-to-face instruction at carefully selected locations*.

Depending on prior experience and exposure, candidates often spend hours of extracurricular studies (our recent study shows 20-200 hours), including researching, case analysis and book readings.

* Please contact CSFA@sfini.org for qualified locations in your region.

Step 2: Examination

CSFA™ Standard candidates are required to take an online examination and score 80 (out of 100) or above. The test is administered by WSFA with the assistance from the Sustainable Finance Institute.

Step 3: Get Certified

CSFA™ Standard candidates who finish all online modules and pass the exam with a score of 80 (out of 100) or above will be certified as “Certified Sustainable Finance Analyst: CSFA™” professional.

CSFA™ Standard Candidate Requirements

Be a student (Year 1 through 4) of a bachelor’s program from an accredited college or university, or complete a bachelor’s program or equivalent program and has received a degree from the college/university.

Language Proficiency: The CSFA™ Program is currently offered in English. Courses, exams, and thesis require English proficiency for reading comprehension and formulating reasoning to complex ESG analytical scenarios.

However, CSFA™ is working with partners on developing local language versions. CSFA™ Local may also introduce localized contents such as case studies, exams, group discussions, portfolio companies, speakers, and teaching assistants. Final thesis and course related writings in local language can also be accepted provided such writings can be critiqued by certified WSFA instructors with comprehensive knowledge of the language.

Email to: CSFA@sfina.org or consult with your local World Sustainable Finance Association branch or partner if you cannot meet the English proficiency requirement or to otherwise help clarify if you can meet our minimum standards for participation.

Please note that the World Sustainable Finance Association (WSFA) may request proof of education and/or work experience to be submitted at any stage of your journey as a candidate or even after becoming a certified member. Failure to provide requested documentation may result in cancellation of a current CSFA™ program participation, voiding of past certification, and may lead to investigation and disciplinary action by the World Sustainable Finance Association’s Professional Conduct Department.

GETTING CERTIFIED FOR CSFA™ Standard

CSFA™ Standard

CSFA™ was traditionally offered as customized training programs to specific corporate, firm, region as well as other groups of professionals such as investment chains. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted all aspects of global businesses, as well as an outpouring of demand from ESG and sustainable investing professionals worldwide, the board of the World Sustainable Finance Association has decided to bring traditional in-person, face-to-face, and customized curriculum to an online setting in order to standardize the certification process. We strive to deliver the most cutting-edge sustainable finance theories and practices to a safe, interactive, and more connected environment.

Currently, all CSFA™ programs are taught online, live, by faculties from our training partner - the Sustainable Finance Institute.

Upon signup, candidates will have access to their online accounts to take WSFA-approved, SFI faculty-led, TA (teaching assistant) assisted classes. Candidates are also required to finish each module’s assignments, including videos, case studies, research reports, and assigned readings.

The cost of this online CSFA™ Standard program is $2,390 per candidate.
Each class lasts for 2 hours for a total of 12 class sessions, plus a graduation ceremony and community-welcoming session where candidates will meet fellow alumni in the certified community.
After completing all the required modules, the candidate will take an online examination. A score of 80 (out of 100) or above is required to pass.
Candidate who failed to pass the exam will be allowed to take another exam after 30 days from the prior test. Candidate who failed to pass the second exam is not allowed to take the exam within 6 months.
Candidate who passes the exam and paid $150 certification fee will receive an official “Certified Sustainable Finance Analyst: CSFA™ Standard” certificate within 15 days of completion of the exam.
This program can also be customized to be taught online by WSFA-approved, SFI-certified faculties in a concentrated format. The shortest time to get the customized training is 5 days. The minimum number of students for a customized class is 10. Please contact CSFA@sfini.org for class availability.
Students from a partnering university or college who offers recognized Sustainable Investing, Sustainable Finance, Green Finance, or programs in this nature can waive the online courses and automatically receive the “Certified Sustainable Finance Analyst: CSFA™ Standard” certificate after paying a $150 certification fee. Please send the following information to CSFA@sfina.org:

- Candidate’s Name,

- Date of Birth,

- University/College attended,

- Course #,

- and the Semester/Year where this study took place.

Upon verification, WSFA will send out certification within 15 days.

Noted: Since the certification education process is based on live teaching and group learning, SFI will pool a minimum of 10 candidates from around the world to form a Certification Training Class (CTC). Any candidate meeting the following criteria (see next section) should send an email to: CSFA@sfini.org to confirm a slot in a Class. The Classes are normally given every 30 days. We recommend candidates to register at least 30 days prior to the intended starting date.