Is the YSA Certified Sustainability & ESG Professional Program Right for You?

If you are exploring a career in sustainability or ESG, you have likely realised that enthusiasm alone is not enough. While passion for sustainability is important, organisations increasingly require professionals who understand how corporate sustainability works in practice.

This is exactly the gap the YSA Certified Sustainability & ESG Professional Certification is designed to address.

Why this certification exists

Across industries, companies are facing growing expectations related to sustainability, ESG, and reporting. At the same time, many professionals struggle to enter or transition into sustainability roles because they lack the technical, business-relevant competencies employers are looking for.

Recruiters are rarely searching for candidates who simply “care about the planet.” They are looking for individuals who understand frameworks, reporting logic, climate risk, emissions accounting, and the practical mechanics of corporate sustainability.

The YSA Certification was built to close this skills gap.

Who the program is designed for

The certification program is designed primarily for two groups of professionals.

First, it supports individuals who want to build a career in sustainability or ESG. This includes early-career professionals, career switchers, and those actively pursuing ESG-related roles.

Second, it supports professionals who want to upskill or reskill into sustainability and ESG functions within their existing careers.

What you learn inside the program

The YSA Certification focuses on practical, hard skills required in corporate sustainability and ESG reporting.

Participants work through structured courses covering topics such as greenhouse gas accounting, climate risk analysis, materiality assessments, and sustainability reporting logic. The emphasis is on tools, frameworks, and decision-relevant knowledge rather than abstract theory.

How the learning experience works

The certification is delivered fully online and is self-paced, allowing participants to progress according to their schedules.

Throughout the courses, knowledge checks help reinforce understanding, while integrated discussion functions allow participants to ask questions directly within modules.

New courses are continuously added, and certification candidates gain access to all updates without additional cost.

Maintaining a strong human element

Although the program is digital and flexible, maintaining a strong human element is central to the learning experience.

Participants gain access to weekly live office hours, where they can ask questions, discuss challenges, and engage directly with ESG experts. The program also includes a one-on-one guided session designed to help participants maximise the value of their learning journey.

The certification exam and recertification

To earn the certification title, participants complete a multiple-choice exam consisting of 90 to 100 questions covering the program content.

A minimum score of 80 percent is required to pass, and participants are provided with three attempts.

The certification remains valid for one year, after which a recertification exam ensures that credential holders remain aligned with evolving ESG and sustainability practices.

Skills versus experience

As with any professional field, practical experience remains invaluable. No certification can replace hands-on work.

However, certifications play a critical role in helping professionals build the foundational competencies required to enter the field. While experience may be the strongest signal on a CV, structured, business-relevant knowledge is often the gateway to obtaining that experience.

Final thoughts

The YSA Certified Sustainability & ESG Professional Certification is designed to equip professionals with the practical knowledge required to operate in the corporate sustainability landscape.

For individuals serious about building or transitioning into ESG and sustainability roles, it provides structured learning, expert guidance, and verified credentials aligned with real-world business needs.

👉 Learn more about the certification here:
https://www.you-sustain.com/YSAcertification