Latest Curriculum Updates to CFA Institute's Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing)

This article breaks down the latest updates to the curriculum of the CFA Institute's Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) program. Will also explain why ESG integration into the curriculum is important, which topics are covered, and the potential impact it holds for aspiring investment professionals striving to make a positive difference in the world of finance.

Table of Contents

• 2026 Curriculum Topics and Weights

• Syllabus Changes in 2026

• Who Makes Changes to the Curriculum

• How To Prepare For CFA Institute's Sustainable Investing Certificate Exam

2026 Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) Exam Topics and Weights

Below are the syllabus topics and learning modules for the Sustainable Investing Certificate.

Detailed Updates For the 2026 Sustainable Investing Certificate Curriculum

The 2026 Sustainable Investing Certification curriculum had its introductory material consolidated compared to the 2025 syllabus. Besides that, no major changes were introduced in the 2026 syllabus. 

Below are summaries of what changed in the latest version of the Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) curriculum for 2026 compared to the 2025 curriculum.

Topic 1: Introduction to Sustainable Investing

This topic was renamed to “Introduction to Sustainable Investing” from “Introduction to ESG Investing”. The focus was shifted slightly from ESG investing to Sustainable investing. This curriculum topic was significantly expanded to include content from the former two learning modules "Introduction to ESG Investing” and “The ESG Market”. 

Topic 2: Environmental Factors

This syllabus topic is mostly the same in 2026 but was renumbered. There were some minor adjustments in the learning outcomes, such as removing the specific list of opportunities (e.g., circular economy, blue economy) from the final learning outcome.

Topic 3: Social Factors

There were no changes to the learning outcomes for the social factors topic in 2026.

Topic 4: Governance Factors

The learning outcomes in this curriculum topic about key characteristics of effective corporate governance (LO 4.2) was slightly simplified by removing explicit mentions of 'reporting and transparency,' 'financial integrity and capital allocation,' and 'business ethics' from the learning outcome description.

Topic 5: Engagement and Stewardship

There were no changes to the learning outcomes for the Engagement and Stewardship topic in 2026.

Topic 6: ESG Analysis, Valuation, and Integration

There were no changes to the learning outcomes for the ESG Analysis, Valuation, and Integration topic in 2026.

Topic 7: ESG Integrated Portfolio Construction and Management

There were no changes to the learning outcomes for the ESG Integrated Portfolio Construction and Management topic in 2026.

Topic 8: Investment Mandates, Portfolio Analytics, and Client Reporting

There were no changes to the learning outcomes for the Investment Mandates, Portfolio Analytics, and Client Reporting topic in 2026.

Who Makes Changes To The CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate Exam Curriculum?

The CFA Institute makes changes to the curriculum for the Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) exam annually.

How To Prepare For CFA Institute's Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing) Exam Curriculum Changes

As you get ready for the CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate exam, make the Kaplan Schweser Sustainable Investing Certificate Exam Prep Package (formerly Certificate in ESG Investing)—complete with ondemand videos, practice questions, and mock exams—the centerpiece of your mission to earn a passing score.