CSFA™ Standard Program Setup
Step 1: Taking Classes
The CSFA™ Standard provides candidates with exposure, knowledge and practice to this high-growth, fast-evolving sustainable finance sector.
CSFA™ Standard candidates are required to take a total of 24 credit hours of online live zoom classes taught by leading faculties from our training partner: the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI).
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 readings.
* Please contact CSFA@sfini.org for qualified locations in your region.
Step 2: Assignments and Class participation
CSFA™ Standard candidates are required to complete all class assignments and actively contribute to discussions and interact with classmates, instructors and guest speakers.
Candidate are required to finish all class assignments including:
- Investor compare and contrast (15%),
- Short essay (10%),
- Elevator pitch presentation (10%),
- Class portfolio presentation (25%),
- Final essay (20%).
As an interactive program, candidates are held to a high expectation of being active contributors to discussions (20%), particularly since there will be guest speakers. Students should be prepared to answer questions about assigned case studies and readings. Absences must be reported in advance. Your participation grade will be affected beyond one excused absence. Students are expected to question one another and the lecturers.
Step 3: Get Certified
Certification will be provided, based on a minimum achieved grade of 80, based on the percentages below, across these three areas:
- Class participation (20%)
- Essays and readings (30%)
- Papers and presentations (50%)
CSFA™ Standard candidates who score 80 or above will be certified as “Certified Sustainable Finance Analyst™: CSFA Standard” professional.
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.
1. The cost of this online CSFA™ Standard program is $2,390 per candidate.
2. Each class lasts for 1.5 - 3 hours, plus a graduation ceremony and community-welcoming session where candidates will meet fellow alumni in the certified community.
3. Candidate are required to finish all class assignments including:
- Investor compare and contrast (15%),
- Short essay (10%),
- Elevator pitch presentation (10%),
- Class portfolio presentation (25%),
- Final essay (20%)
4. As an interactive program, candidates are held to a high expectation of being active contributors to discussions (20%), particularly since there will be guest speakers. Students should be prepared to answer questions about assigned case studies and readings. Absences must be reported in advance. Your participation grade will be affected beyond one excused absence. Students are expected to question one another and the lecturers.
5. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum grade of 80% in order to receive an official “Certified Sustainable Finance Analyst™: CSFA Standard” certificate within 5 days of completion of program.
6. This program can also be customized to be taught online by WSFA-approved, SFI-certified faculties in a concentrated format. The minimum number of students for a customized class is 10. Please contact CSFA@sfini.org for class availability.
7. 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 $239 certification fee. Please fill out your application of waiver form here. 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 - 45 days. We recommend candidates to register at least 15 days prior to the intended starting date.