The CSFP is a chartered designation earned by examination. It attests technical competence in sustainable finance, transition capital, and climate risk, and commits its holders to a code of professional conduct. It is open to finance practitioners and to professionals entering the field from other disciplines.
Both levels are examined under proctored conditions, with candidate identity verified at each sitting. The pass standard is set against the competence expected of a newly qualified charterholder.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Candidates are bound by the Code from registration, and charterholders for as long as they hold the designation. A breach of examination rules is a breach of the Code.
Public Charterholder Register
Every charterholder is entered in a public register, through which employers and clients can verify standing.
ELIGIBILITY
Who May Register
Entry Requirements
A bachelor's degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in any discipline, including finance, economics, business, engineering, the humanities, and the arts.
No prior qualification in finance and no minimum work experience.
Acceptance of the IISF Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct at registration.
Employer Sponsorship
Employers may sponsor individual candidates or enrol staff as a cohort, with direct invoicing and cohort fee arrangements.
Candidates may register for one level at a time or for the full charter.
CSFP fee schedule
Item
Description
Fee
Level I
Foundations of Sustainable Finance
USD 700
Level II
Advanced Applications and Strategic Integration, including the capstone
USD 1,000
Full Charter
Both levels, paid together at registrationUSD 1,700 if the levels are paid separately.
USD 1,500
Further Attempts
Each attempt beyond the two included, at either level
USD 150
Fees are stated in US dollars and include all applicable taxes.
The charter must be completed within two years of first registration. Further attempts may be taken within that period.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for CSFP Candidates
IISF and the Sustainable Capital Research Foundation (SCRF) offer three scholarships at each intake. A scholarship application is made separately from registration.
Full scholarship · 10 awards per intake
100%
SCRF Scholarship
Covers the full CSFP fee. Ten scholarships are awarded at each intake.
Need-based
Up to 70%
Academic Partner Scholarship
For graduates of IISF academic partner institutions. The award is set according to assessed financial need.
Need-based
Up to 70%
Global South Scholarship
For candidates from countries of the Global South. The award is set according to assessed financial need.
SCRF Scholarship applications close ten days before registration closes. All deadlines are listed under Key Dates.
