CESGA - EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst

An online training to become an EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst

The CESGA® is a comprehensive programme structured in 9 Modules plus an additional complementary Module 10.

This module gives an introduction into the current state of sustainability integration within the financial sector. It discusses the drivers of the demand for ESG, the challenges associated with ESG integration and the existing barriers, as well as an overview of empirical studies on ESG investment and the implications for sustainable investment.

This module gives an introduction into the current state of sustainability regulations in the European Union and international trends. It also describes the relevant regulations for corporations and investors and aims to present an overview of current international trends and future developments, which will shift the market landscape. It also discusses the interconnectedness between different regulations and future regulatory trends.

This module is focused on different strategies to incorporate ESG-considerations. It provides an overview of the current sustainable investment landscape and presents the different definitions and relevant terms regarding sustainable investment as well as a variety of strategies and their distinctive features.

This module concentrates on different investment assets and the different ESG-considerations for each asset class. It provides an overview of the different asset classes and their unique perspectives on ESG. It reviews how ESG-strategies can be developed according to different asset classes.

The objective of this module is to draw participants attention to the difference between reporting requirements and reporting frameworks. It aims to familiarize the participant with the key reporting frameworks and the ongoing trend toward convergence. It discusses what the main sources of ESG information are and the main ESG raw data issues as well as an explanation of the reasons why indicators are used. Additionally, it discusses the two dimensions of double materiality.

This module analyses how to integrate ESG information into investment decisions. It discusses how to identify ESG value drivers based on global megatrends, how to conduct a qualitative analysis of corporate governance, particularly board effectiveness, how to analyse sector-specific environmental and social issues on a qualitative basis and finally based on the analyses performed, learn how to conclude by assessing consistency with the business model.

The aim of this module is to discuss how to integrate qualitative analysis of material challenges into valuation models. To do so, we discuss how ESG information influences financial estimates. Furthermore, the module discusses the integration of ESG into valuation models for equities, fixed income, and other asset classes.

This Module discusses the investment decision in the context of the investment process chain. Participants learn the general steps of the investment process chain, understand the challenge of integrating ESG into the investment process and they familiarize themselves with the effect of ESG integration in the most important steps of the investment process chain. 

This practical module integrates all the knowledge and skills the students have gained in the previous eight modules to enhance the usefulness of the programme for their daily work and for them to acquire a framework to do a due diligence taking ESG into account. The module covers examples on research and portfolio management.

Trends in the regions Asia Pacific, Latin America and North America. The chapter ESG in Asia Pacific * where we stand is a summary of the regulatory Framework in the region, discussing the new developments in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asia Pacific markets. The chapter dedicated to Latin America provides an overview of the main trends in ESG related practices in the region. It highlights the main regional disparities and Focuses on: corporate ESG practices, developments in ESG risk integration by financial institutions, as well as the main regulatory approaches in Latin America.

In general, the objective is to make clear to participants the importance of ESG issues in investment processes. On completing the programme students should be able to know and understand:

ESG impacts on risk and return from various angles.

Systematization of different ESG investment approaches and strategies.

Understanding the market drivers for further ESG integration.

Embedding ESG across the whole in the investment process chain.

Integration of ESG factors in valuation models.

Responsible Investing across asset classes.

Systematically assessing different ESG Reporting standards.

The EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) programme is particularly aimed at financial analysts and portfolio managers who want to integrate ESG data in their capital allocation processes, but also, in general, all investment professionals increasingly committed to ESG issues. Other specialists such as corporate sustainability officers, investor relations, auditors and consultants will find this course interesting to develop a better understanding of the needs of capital markets in terms of ESG information. Summing up it is ideal for asset owners, asset managers, corporate consultants, financial planners, and family offices who wish to embrace ESG integration holistically.

Download the complete EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) 4.0 Syllabus HERE (PDF)

Download the EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) Expert Team (PDF) HERE (PDF)

The EFFAS e-learning platform provides the attendee with:6-months access

• 6-month access
• relevant documentation (slides and case studies) in English
• pre-readings and additional working papers
• Self-assessment sections
• 19 hours of videos/recorded seminars with commentary on the slides.

The “EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst" exam, in English, takes no more than 2,5 hours (150 minutes = 120 credits) and consists of multiple-choice questions worth 50% of the final mark.

The weight of the case study completes the remainig 50%.

The exam can be taken either online or in person (in Milan), 4 times a year (March, June, September and December).

Friday, 15 December

Friday, 15 March

Friday, 28 June

Friday, 27 September

Friday, 13 December