How to Pass the CFA Institute’s Sustainable Investing Exam: Study Plan + Resources

Kateryna Myrko
Apr 24
4 min read

The CFA Institute’s Sustainable Investing Certificate is rapidly becoming a must-have credential for finance professionals seeking expertise in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. With its comprehensive curriculum, global recognition, and practical relevance, passing this exam can open doors to new career opportunities and deepen your impact in sustainable finance. This guide provides a professional, actionable blueprint to help you confidently prepare for and pass the CFA Sustainable Investing Exam.

Understanding the Exam: Format and Content

Before you start studying, it’s crucial to understand what the exam entails. The CFA Sustainable Investing Exam is a foundational-level, computer-based test comprising 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours and 20 minutes. The exam covers a broad range of ESG topics, including:

Responsible investment approaches and ESG market
Environmental, social, and governance factors
ESG integration and valuation
Portfolio management
Investor engagement and stewardship
Mandate construction and reporting

The CFA Institute recommends at least 100 hours of study, and you have six months from registration to complete the exam.

Step 1: Build Your Study Plan How to Pass the CFA Institute’s Sustainable Investing Exam

1. Start Early and Set a Timeline

Begin your preparation at least three to four months before your planned exam date. Map out your study schedule, breaking the curriculum into manageable weekly goals. Allocate more time to complex topics, and ensure your plan includes dedicated revision and practice periods.

2. Allocate Time Efficiently

Week 1: Familiarize yourself with the exam structure and curriculum.
Weeks 2–8: Deep-dive into each curriculum section, one topic at a time.
Weeks 9–10: Focus on ESG integration, valuation, and portfolio management—these are heavily weighted areas.
Weeks 11–12: Review, practice mock exams, and revisit challenging topics.

3. Balance Work and Study

If you’re working full-time, schedule study sessions during evenings or weekends, and set realistic weekly targets to avoid burnout.

Step 2: Leverage Official CFA Institute Resources

The CFA Institute provides a comprehensive digital curriculum, self-assessment questions, and a mock exam—all included in your registration fee. These resources are meticulously aligned with the actual exam and should form the backbone of your preparation.

Read the Official Curriculum Thoroughly: Don’t skip any chapters. Focus on understanding key concepts, definitions, and frameworks.
Complete All Self-Assessment Questions: These are crucial for reinforcing learning and identifying weak areas.
Attempt the Official Mock Exam: Take this under timed conditions to simulate the real test environment and assess your readiness.

Step 3: Supplement with Third-Party Study Tools

While the CFA Institute’s materials are essential, many candidates benefit from additional resources:

Question Banks: Providers like FutureGreenWorld offer extensive question banks (over 1,000+ practice questions) to help you drill key concepts and improve exam technique.
Mock Exams: Complete several full-length mock exams from third-party providers to build confidence and improve time management.
Summary Notes and Flashcards: Use concise notes and flashcards for quick revision of formulas, definitions, and frameworks.
Online Forums and Study Groups: Engage in discussion forums or join study groups to clarify doubts, share insights, and stay motivated.

Step 4: Active Learning and Application

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Regularly attempt practice questions and mock exams. Review your answers, especially mistakes, to understand the rationale and avoid repeating errors.

2. Focus on Application, Not Just Memorization

The exam tests your ability to apply ESG concepts to real-world scenarios. Work through case studies and practical examples, especially in areas like ESG integration, climate risk assessment, and reporting standards.

3. Use a Variety of Learning Formats

Supplement reading with podcasts, webinars, and articles on ESG investing. This keeps your studies engaging and exposes you to current trends and practical perspectives.

Step 5: Master Key Topics

Certain areas consistently challenge candidates and are heavily weighted:

ESG Integration and Valuation: Understand how ESG factors impact company valuation and investment decisions. Practice identifying material ESG issues and their implications.
ESG Reporting Standards and Frameworks: Stay updated on the latest reporting standards and how they influence investment analysis.
Portfolio Management and Stewardship: Know how ESG considerations are integrated into portfolio construction and investor engagement strategies.

Step 6: Exam-Day Preparation

1. Manage Your Time

During practice exams, use a timer to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time. Develop strategies to quickly answer straightforward questions and flag tougher ones for review.

2. Stress and Well-being

Incorporate relaxation techniques, regular breaks, and adequate sleep into your routine, especially as the

exam approaches. A clear, rested mind improves retention and performance.

3. Logistics

Familiarize yourself with the online exam platform or testing center procedures ahead of time. Ensure your computer, internet, and environment are ready for test day.

Sample Weekly Study Plan

Week	Focus Area	Key Activities
1	Orientation & Exam Structure	Read syllabus, plan schedule
2–3	Responsible Investment & ESG Market	Study, self-assessment questions
4–5	Environmental, Social, Governance Factors	Deep-dive, practice questions
6	Investor Engagement & Stewardship	Study, case studies
7–8	ESG Integration & Valuation	Application exercises, practice sets
9	Portfolio Management, Mandate Construction	Study, practice questions
10	ESG Reporting Standards	Focus on frameworks, real-world cases
11	Revision & Practice Exams	Mock exams, review weak areas
12	Final Review & Exam Readiness	Flashcards, summary notes, rest

Final Tips for Success

Consistency beats cramming: Spread your study sessions over weeks, not days.
Apply concepts: Use real-world examples to deepen understanding.
Track progress: Regularly assess your strengths and address weaknesses.
Stay positive: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and maintain a growth mindset

With a structured plan, the right resources, and disciplined execution, passing the CFA Institute’s Sustainable Investing Exam is an achievable goal. This credential will not only validate your ESG expertise but also position you as a leader in the evolving world of sustainable finance. Good luck!