EFFAS & hku
EFFAS & HKU: Exclusive CESGA Access
Advance your expertise in sustainable finance and ESG investment analysis with the EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA).
Through the collaboration between EFFAS and The University of Hong Kong, eligible HKU students, alumni and staff can access preferential conditions for the EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) programme.
eligible HKU students, alumni and staff can access:
€1,150 / 23.3% Discount*
*Please have your HKU email address ready for verification. Eligible email domains are user@hku.hk or user@connect.hku.hk
EFFAS CESGA
Transform ESG and Sustainability Information into Business Insights
The EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) is a comprehensive professional qualification designed to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to understand, analyse and integrate Environmental, Social and Governance factors into investment and financial decision-making.
CESGA takes a practical, investment-focused approach to ESG. The programme goes beyond understanding sustainability concepts and reporting requirements, showing participants how ESG factors can influence company analysis, valuation, portfolio construction and investment decisions.
The programme covers areas including:
- Global recent developments and market drivers in ESG integration
- The regulatory environment and international developments
- ESG investment strategies
- Responsible investing across asset classes
- ESG and sustainability reporting
- ESG integration throughout the investment process
- Qualitative ESG analysis and identification of ESG value drivers
- Quantitative ESG integration and valuation
- Practical ESG integration through case studies
CESGA is delivered in an immersive online format combining recorded lectures, comprehensive learning materials, interactive questions, self-assessment resources, practical cases and specimen examinations.
Estimated learning time: 120–150 hours
Format: Online, self-paced learning
Certification Exam: 150 minutes
Exam structure: 20 Multiple Choice Questions + Practical Case Study with 9 open questions
Exam sessions: Four sessions per year (March, June, September & December)
SUPPORT SCHEME
The EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) is an Eligible Programme under the Hong Kong Government’s Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme.
CESGA Programme Identification Code: GTP-260223
The Scheme was introduced by the generosity of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR to support talent development in green and sustainable finance by encouraging market practitioners and prospective practitioners to undertake relevant professional training and qualifications.
The Scheme has been extended until 2028.
Subject to the eligibility requirements and conditions established by the Scheme, applicants who successfully complete an eligible programme may apply for reimbursement of relevant programme fees.
Eligible applicants may generally claim up to 80% of reimbursable fees, while eligible full-time students may claim up to 100%, subject to the Scheme’s overall reimbursement ceiling of HK$10,000 per applicant.
Eligibility for reimbursement is determined by the Hong Kong Government and is subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the Scheme.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Obtaining CESGA Certification
Successful completion of the CESGA programme requires candidates to pass the CESGA Common Exam.
The examination is offered four times per year and can be taken online, allowing candidates in Hong Kong to participate remotely.
Candidates should register sufficiently in advance for their preferred examination session
Results and Certification
CESGA examination results are normally released approximately 6–8 weeks after the examination.
Candidates who successfully complete the certification requirements receive an official EFFAS e-Diploma confirming their CESGA qualification.
Date of Completion
For candidates applying under the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme, particular attention should be paid to the Date of Completion stated on the CESGA diploma.
The Date of Completion is the official programme completion date used for certification purposes.
It should not be confused with the date on which the examination was taken or the date on which the diploma was subsequently downloaded or printed.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their reimbursement application complies with the deadlines and requirements established by the Scheme.
CESGA
Integrate ESG insights into financial, investment and strategic analysis
CESGA was created specifically to bridge the gap between ESG knowledge and real-world business analysis.
Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone subject, CESGA focuses on how ESG information is analysed and incorporated throughout the investment process — from sustainability reporting and fundamental research to valuation, portfolio construction and investment decision-making.
The programme combines:
CESGA stands apart as one of the most comprehensive ESG certification programmes available today, covering the essential knowledge and practical skills required by modern investment professionals.
Financial perspective
Understand ESG from the perspective of investors, analysts and financial-market professionals.
Practical application
Move from ESG concepts to company analysis, valuation and investment decisions.
International perspective
Explore European and international sustainability frameworks and developments relevant to global financial markets.
Professional certification
Successful candidates earn the EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® designation and may use CESGA after their name.
Flexible online learning
Study at your own pace through the EFFAS Academy and sit the certification examination online.
EFFAS
Turn ESG information into investment insight
The European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS) is an international professional organisation bringing together investment professionals and national analyst societies.
Since its foundation in 1962, EFFAS has developed professional qualifications and educational standards for financial and investment professionals, combining academic expertise with practical industry knowledge.
EFFAS has been delivering structured professional education in ESG since 2014, with CESGA becoming one of its flagship international qualifications in sustainable finance.
Through its professional qualifications, academic faculty, National Member Societies and international partners, EFFAS connects financial education with the evolving needs of investment professionals around the world.
How to access your exclusive HKU rate
To access the special CESGA rate for HKU students, alumni and staff:
Create your account at EFFAS Academy.
Once registered, go to Products and select CESGA.
Enter the coupon code DISCOUNT and your HKU email address when prompted.
Your exclusive HKU price will be applied automatically.
Eligible HKU email domains are @hku.hk and @connect.hku.hk.