- Candidates will now be able to sit CFA UK exams from home via online system
- Online proctoring will enable candidates from around the world to earn CFA UK qualifications exams
- Updated syllabus for Certificate in ESG Investing introduced – to be effective from September
8 June 2020 – CFA UK has today announced two key changes to the exams it provides for investment professionals: the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and the Certificate in ESG Investing.
From today, all CFA UK exam candidates will have the option to register to sit their exams from home, rather than in-person at a test centre.
The move will help to support social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be a permanent offering, giving candidates more flexibility long-term. It will also enable investment professionals outside of the UK to earn the Certificate in ESG Investing qualification, without needing to travel to sit their exams.
The online testing will be delivered by CFA UK’s examination partner Pearson VUE, via their OnVUE Online Proctored Exams. Exam sessions will be monitored by online proctors in real-time, via standard computer webcam and audio equipment.
Candidates will still have the option to sit their exams at a Pearson VUE test centre should they prefer to do so, subject to availability.
Certificate in ESG Investing: new syllabus
CFA UK has also unveiled an updated syllabus for its popular Certificate in ESG Investing, reflecting developments in the investment sector.
The new syllabus – which will be effective for exams from September 2020 – features new content on climate change, following a surge of interest from both investment professionals and end investors in recent months. The course will now cover key concepts relating to climate change (including climate mitigation, and adaptation and resilience) and a range of climate change initiatives, as well as featuring more extensive study of the opportunities arising from the circular economy, green products, and clean and technological innovation.
The second version of the qualification also incorporates expanded coverage of a range of asset classes, to meet investment professionals’ needs. Learning materials have been broadened to ensure coverage of equities (listed and private), fixed income (such as corporate and sovereign debt) and alternative investments (such as real estate and infrastructure).
Says Will Goodhart, chief executive of CFA UK:
“We are delighted to be offering investment professionals the opportunity to take our exams online. With the economy suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is a key time for investment professionals to be upskilling. The online proctoring option ensures that our candidates can take our exams and earn their qualifications easily, wherever they may be, and reduces the need for unnecessary contact.
“The changes to our Certificate in ESG Investing recognise the growing impetus for investment strategies that help to address climate change. With sustainability remaining a key concern of investors, we anticipate that this is an area of investment that will continue to grow in the coming years, and are keen to equip investment professionals with the knowledge and skills they need.”
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Notes to editors:
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About CFA UK
Part of the worldwide network of member societies of CFA Institute, CFA UK represents the interests of 12,000 investment professionals in the UK.