Certified ESG Analyst

Global social and environmental challenges, regulatory and reputational risks, and new market opportunities make the set of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information an increasingly important source of data for the community of Financial Analysts and for investments in general.

In this context, the integration of ESG into the investment process chain and in valuation is essential. So far, only a few approaches, and few solutions, exist to support investment professionals in ESG integration. Although considered increasingly relevant to investment decisions, it is estimated that less than 15% of investment professionals receive some form of ESG training.

This information is confirmed by the World Economic Forum, which considers that inadequate ESG valuation models are one of the most important barriers to the integration of ESG variables in the mainstream of investment decisions.

The CESGA Program – Certified ESG Analyst – organized by EFFAS European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies, aims to overcome this challenge, providing the necessary training for the efficient assessment, measure, and integration of ESG criteria in investment analysis.

While this program is relevant to developing a better understanding of the needs of capital markets in terms of ESG information, it is also important for those who wish to adopt ESG integration in their investment process, within the scope of their professional or professional skills.

 

This program is particularly interesting for:

  • financial analysts
  • corporate sustainability professionals
  • investor relations
  • portfolio managers
  • auditors and consultants
  • financial directors and technical staff in the financial area

who wish to integrate ESG factors, criteria and data into their analysis, decision or capital allocation processes.

It is recommended that you check the link to watch the presentation video of the CESGA Program.

 

Programme

To obtain CESGA Certification, enroll in the CESGA program promoted by APAF - Portuguese Association of Financial Analysts.

The CESGA Program is exclusively online through the EFFAS Platform, in which you will have all the study material, which includes:

  • E-seminars for each module (recorded videos for e-learning)
  • Course slides 
  • Further reading and “working documents” 
  • Case study 
  • Self-Assessment Center - multiple choice questions

* Estimated time duration 120/150 hours

 

You can access here the complete program of CESGA.

 

Enrollment

To enroll in the CESGA Program, you must contact APAF through the email apaf@apaf.org.pt with your personal information: name, email, address, date of birth and ID nr (NIF). You will then receive the EFFAS form for filling.

After receiving the corresponding payment, EFFAS will send the access details to the CESGA Program.

Access to the CESGA Program online on the EFFAS Platform will be available for 6 months.

 

Exam

The CESGA Exam takes place on dates fixed by EFFAS and has a duration of 150 minutes.

Exam schedule:
September 27th, 2024
December 13th, 2024

During the registration process, you are automatically registered for the chosen exam session. Any change/postponement must be communicated to APAF up to 45 days before the exam date.

The CESGA exam will be online, with active monitoring.

 

Price

The CESGA Program has a cost of €1350 for APAF Associates and €1450 for other candidates.

If you register until 12th August 2024, the cost will be €1250 for APAF Members and €1350 for other candidates.

 

    Member

   Non Member

CESGA Programme

     1 350,00 €

     1 450,00 €

Early-bird fee

     1 250,00 €

     1 350,00 €

To these values, VAT must be added at the legal rate in force.

If you meet the requirements and wish to become an APAF Member, benefiting from the various advantages, you may submit your application via email to apaf@apaf.org.pt. It will be sent to the APAF Board, which will evaluate and communicate the decision.

If you do not pass the certification exam, you can re-enroll in the course with an extension of access for another 6 months, if necessary, at the following cost:

 

 

     Member

   Non Member

Platform access extension

          250,00 €

            350,00 €

Risitting the Exam

          100,00 €

            100,00 €

To these values, VAT must be added at the legal rate in force.

 

For future exams, discounts will apply on dates that are announced early-bird.

1. Who organizes the CESGA Program – Certified ESG Analyst?

The CESGA program is organized by EFFAS – European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies and promoted by APAF – Portuguese Association of Financial Analysts, in Portugal.

2. Who can apply to the CESGA Program?

The CESGA program is aimed at all investment professionals committed to ESG, who have higher education.

3. How can I enroll in the CESGA Program?

To enroll in the CESGA Program, you must send an email to apaf@apaf.org.pt with your personal information (name, email, address, date of birth and ID nr) and you will receive an email with the EFFAS form for submission.

4. How will I access the CESGA Program?

After validating your registration and payment, EFFAS will send the access details to the online platform.

5. When will the CESGA Exam take place?

The exam will take place on the dates pre-established by EFFAS, with the next scheduled to September 27th, 2024.

6. How can I enroll in the CESGA Exam?

When enrolling the CESGA Program, you are automatically registered for the next exam (choose date on the EFFAS form). Any change must be communicated in writing to APAF up to 45 days before the Exam date.

7. Can I register for the CESGA exam of any date?

Yes. You should consider that online access to the CESGA Program has a duration/validity of 6 months.

8. In case I have not taken the Exam or had a negative evaluation, can I extend access?

Yes. If you have a negative assessment, you can register for the next exam, and we recommend extending the access to the platform at the same time. The cost to extend access to the online platform for another 6 months and take a new Exam is 350€ for APAF Members and 450€ for other candidates (plus VAT at the legal rate in force).
In case you fail to attend the exam, you will have an additional fee to re-acquire the exam rights.

9. I would like to become an APAF Member and benefit from the Membership discount. What to do?

If you meet the requirements and wish to become an APAF Member, you may submit your application via email apaf@apaf.org.pt. It will be sent to the APAF Board, which will assess and communicate the decision.

10. What is the advantage, in the CESGA Program, of being an APAF Member?

If you are an APAF Member, you will have a discount, which you can automatically take advantage of upon initial registration.

11. Do I have an advantage in signing up earlier?

Yes, if you enroll in the CESGA Program until 12th August 2024, the price will be €1250 for Members and €1350 for other candidates (plus VAT at the legal rate in force).

12. Is this Diploma recognized in any way?

There is still no official recognition of any ESG Diploma/Certification in Portugal, however the regulatory authority of this sector is aware of the launch of this Program within the scope of APAF Activities.

13. Is CESGA Certification already in operation in any country?

Yes, in several countries: France, Spain, Germany, Finland, Italy, Hungary, and Sweden. The respective National Associations provide identical Certification with identical syllabus.