For many people who want to enter the world of sustainability and ESG investing, the ESG certificate exam can be a whole new challenge. So, just how hard is this exam?
In fact, the domestic ESG certificate exam, the CPBA-ESG certificate exam, is relatively moderate in difficulty. Considering that it is just starting out and uses Chinese as the language of the exam, it provides a relatively wide window for candidates to prepare and cope. The official recommended preparation time is between 35 and 150 hours, depending on the individual's background and experience. It is worth mentioning that, according to the data of the Exploration Diving ESG Academy, the pass rate of candidates participating in its preparation camp in the 2023 exam is as high as more than 90%, which is enough to prove that as long as you prepare carefully, the probability of passing is still quite high.
1. Examination subjects and core test points.
The CPBA-ESG certificate exam has been established since 2023, and has developed from a single "ESG Theory and Practice" subject to a new "ESG Case Analysis" subject in 2024, reflecting the gradual deepening of the content and difficulty of the exam.
ESG Theory and Practice: This subject consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 40 multiple-choice questions, with a total exam duration of 120 minutes. It mainly examines candidates' understanding of ESG theory, development trends, challenges and opportunities, stakeholder requirements and practical applications. Candidates need to have an in-depth understanding of ESG concepts, origins, drivers, and analysis points of environmental, social, and governance factors. In addition, ESG information disclosure standards, report preparation, and rating system are also important assessment contents of this course.
ESG Case Studies: This new subject will be added to the exam lineup from March 2024. It mainly examines candidates' practical abilities in ESG business analysis, reporting, rating, investment, information disclosure and corporate practice. The format of the exam is subjective, with a total of 5 questions, each question is worth 20 points, the total score is 100 points, and the passing score is 60 points. Candidates need to conduct in-depth analysis and give reasonable answers according to the requirements of the question, which requires candidates not only to have a solid theoretical foundation, but also to have certain practical experience and analytical ability.
2. Preparation for ESG certificates.
To prepare for this year's ESG certificate exams, you can follow these steps and strategies:
1.Understand the content and requirements of the exam: First, learn more about the subjects, question types, and when and where the exam will be examined. In particular, for the newly added "ESG Case Analysis" subject, understand its assessment scope and question types to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the exam requirements.
2.Make a study plan: Make a study plan that is reasonable according to your schedule and preparation progress. Allocate preparation time to different subjects and modules to ensure that each section is adequately reviewed.
3.Access to learning materials: Find reliable ESG learning resources, such as official textbooks, training courses, learning platforms, and specializations. In particular, we recommend the course materials and learning resources provided by the Exploration ESG Academy, which can help you systematically master ESG knowledge and skills.
4.Focus on theoretical learning: through reading textbooks, participating in training courses and learning, master the theoretical knowledge and core concepts of ESG. It focuses on the theoretical connotation, development trends, stakeholder requirements, and the application of ESG in investment and corporate strategy.
5.Strengthen practical exercises: For the "ESG Case Analysis" subject, do more mock questions and practical exercises. Develop your analytical and problem-solving skills through case studies. Use the case analysis questions provided by the Exploration Potential ESG Academy to conduct multiple practical exercises to accumulate problem solving ideas and analysis methods.
6.Pay attention to current affairs and industry trends: ESG is a concept that is constantly evolving and changing, so it is important to pay attention to current affairs and industry trends. Read relevant articles, attend industry conferences and discussions, and learn about current hot issues and the latest developments in the ESG field.
7.Take practice exams: While preparing for the exam, it is very beneficial to take mock exams. Mock exams can help you familiarize yourself with the exam process and time management, and test your preparation.
Finally, remember that exam preparation is an ongoing process that requires patience and persistence. Through systematic study and practice, combined with effective preparation strategies, you will be able to successfully prepare for the ESG certificate exam. Good luck with your exams!