The Certificate in Sustainability & Climate Finance is Equalifi’s exam-based qualification for professionals who assess climate and sustainability risks, report on them, and finance the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is designed for people who lend, invest, insure, advise, regulate or report in a world where climate change has become a financial issue. It recognises a sound command of climate science, climate risk, disclosure standards, emissions measurement, scenario analysis and sustainable finance instruments. It also recognises the judgement to apply this knowledge credibly, without overstating impact or understating risk.

Climate change affects asset values, credit quality, insurance losses, supply chains and public finances. Financial institutions and companies that fail to understand it face consequences. Globally, the ISSB standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2), the EU’s sustainable finance rules, carbon border adjustments and climate stress tests by central banks are changing how capital is allocated across borders.

The Certificate builds a rigorous understanding of how climate and sustainability risks arise, how they are measured, disclosed and managed, and how finance can be directed to credible climate solutions. Candidates can then help their organisations manage risk, meet regulatory expectations and identify real opportunities in the transition.

Who should take the exam?

The exam is intended for:

• risk managers, credit analysts and relationship managers in banks and NBFCs;
• portfolio managers, research analysts and ESG analysts in asset management, AIFs and wealth management;
• underwriters, actuaries and risk professionals in insurance and reinsurance;
• sustainability, ESG and corporate reporting professionals in listed and unlisted companies;
• treasury and finance teams raising green, social or sustainability-linked finance;
• chartered accountants, company secretaries, auditors and assurance professionals;
• professionals in development finance, project finance and infrastructure;
• consultants, ESG rating and data professionals, and climate-tech practitioners;
• professionals in regulators, rating agencies and policy institutions;
• graduates preparing for careers in sustainable finance.

Board members, promoters, family offices and senior executives who oversee climate strategy and sustainability disclosures will also benefit.

Career opportunities

Climate risk management · ESG and sustainability analysis · Sustainable and impact investing · Green and sustainability-linked finance · Sustainability reporting and assurance · Carbon markets and carbon accounting · Climate scenario analysis and stress testing · ESG ratings and data · Development and transition finance · Sustainability strategy and advisory

Important

The Certificate in Sustainability & Climate Finance is an educational qualification awarded by Equalifi. It does not grant any of the following:

• a regulatory licence or authorisation to provide investment advice, research or ESG ratings;
• accreditation as a sustainability assurance provider, carbon verification agency or external reviewer of green, social or sustainability-linked instruments;
• authorisation to distribute financial products.

It does not replace any qualification, certification or registration required by SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, IFSCA, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency or any professional body.

Sustainability standards, climate regulations, taxonomies and carbon market rules are changing rapidly, and many remain in draft or in phased implementation. The Certificate builds understanding and sound professional judgement. It does not recommend any investment, product, methodology or disclosure approach, and candidates should refer to the current text of the applicable standards and regulations.

Exam details

Equalifi offers the examination through an external, remote-proctored platform. Once registration and payment are confirmed, candidates receive an exam link by email. Candidates may schedule and take the exam at any time within one year of registration, subject to the platform’s requirements.

Candidates need a reliable internet connection and a computer with a working camera. A financial calculator may be used, but spreadsheets are not permitted. Please read the technical and exam-day instructions before beginning the exam.

Validity

The Certificate in Sustainability & Climate Finance does not expire.

Candidate audit

Equalifi audits a percentage of applications at random on a regular basis. Candidates are responsible for providing the requested supporting documentation to verify the education and professional background stated in their registration form. Equalifi does not contact employers or educational institutions to obtain verification documents on a candidate’s behalf.

Candidates selected for audit are notified by email and have 10 business days to respond. They must meet the audit requirements before receiving the certificate.

Failure to comply with the audit, falsification or misrepresentation of information, or any unprofessional conduct will result in denial or cancellation of the registration and/or revocation of the certificate, and all fees will be forfeited. A candidate who does not comply with an audit will also be subject to audit when reapplying in future.

Fee details

Exam fee: INR 2,360

The fee is inclusive of GST and applies to each attempt.

Access Pass benefits

Fee waiver: Equalifi Chartered, Professional and Virtual Pass holders receive a 50% waiver on the exam fee.

Exam preparation: Access Pass holders receive exam preparatory material on the Equalifi portal. Candidates are also encouraged to attend Equalifi’s executive education programmes and masterclasses on sustainable finance, climate risk and ESG investing. Access Pass holders receive a 10% to 50% fee waiver based on their pass category.

Learn more about the Equalifi Access Pass.