CFA Institute Announces Name Change for ESG Investing Certificate

CFA Institute Announces Name Change for ESG Investing Certificate

Effective April 8, 2025, the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing will be Renamed the Sustainable Investing Certificate

The CFA Institute has announced that, effective April 8, 2025, the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing will be renamed the Sustainable Investing Certificate. This change reflects the evolving nature of ESG investing and aligns the certificate’s title more accurately with its long-term investment goals and broader impact considerations.

Reason for the Name Change CFA Institute Announces Name Change for ESG Investing Certificate

Since the launch of the certificate, the concept of ESG investing has developed significantly and has taken on varying meanings across different markets. The term “sustainable investing” is now widely recognized as a more comprehensive and precise descriptor of the certificate’s purpose. The new name underscores the certificate’s role in equipping investment professionals with the knowledge and skills to incorporate sustainability factors into their investment processes effectively. CFA Institute Announces Name Change for ESG Investing Certificate

Timeline for the Change

The official name change will take effect on April 8, 2025. From this date, all references to the certificate will use the new Sustainable Investing Certificate designation.

Impact on Curriculum and Certification Process

Importantly, while the name is changing, the curriculum and examination content will remain the same. The certificate will continue to cover essential environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors that influence investment decisions. Additionally, there will be no changes to:

• The pricing of the certificate

• Certificate availability

• Testing requirements

• Learning experience

• Professional Learning (PL) credits

• Exam structure and policies

Impact on Current and Future Candidates

• Candidates Enrolled in 2024: Individuals who register for the Certificate in ESG Investing before December 31, 2024, will continue their studies under the original certificate name. When they log into the CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem, they will see the Certificate in ESG Investing title. They will have up to six months from their registration date to study and complete their examination, which will still bear the original certificate name.

• Candidates Enrolled in 2025: Individuals who register for the certificate on or after January 1, 2025, will see the original name until April 8, 2025. After that date, the name in the Learning Ecosystem and the exam itself will be updated to the Sustainable Investing Certificate.

• Candidates Taking the Exam: Regardless of the certificate name displayed on the exam, candidates will be tested on the same curriculum. Any candidate passing the exam on or after April 8, 2025, will receive the certificate under the new name.

Impact on Past Certificate Holders

For those who have already passed the Certificate in ESG Investing, CFA Institute will automatically update their digital certificate and badge to reflect the new name, Sustainable Investing Certificate, starting April 8, 2025. While the accomplishment and verification process will remain unchanged, individuals who wish to reflect the updated certificate name on their LinkedIn profiles will need to manually update their Licenses and Certifications section.

This change signifies an important step in aligning the CFA Institute’s certification with the broader trends and expectations in sustainable investing. By renaming the certificate, CFA Institute ensures that its credential continues to reflect the evolving landscape of responsible investing practices.

For more information, candidates and certificate holders are encouraged to visit the CFA Institute’s FAQ page or reach out to the organization directly.