Comprehensive, End-to-End Training for the FSA® Credential

Course Description

The FSA® Credential, developed by the IFRS Foundation, is the most advanced credential related to the ISSB Standards. It is a two-part exam for preparers and investors wishing to demonstrate and gain recognition for their knowledge on sustainability-related financial disclosure and analysis.

The Combined Level I & II preparation course offers an intensive, streamlined pathway to complete the full FSA® Credential journey in one track. Participants progress from foundational concepts in sustainability disclosure (Level I) to advanced applications in financial valuation (Level II), supported by extended practice sessions, case-based exercises, and mentorship.

Delivered by the University of Sarajevo — IFRS Foundation Authorized FSA Credential Education Provider (4th worldwide open to global participants), this program integrates personalized learning, one-to-one mentorship, and official preparation resources to maximize efficiency and continuity.

 

Course Agenda (4-Day Instructor-Led Format)

Days 1–2 – Level I Foundations

1. The Need for Sustainability Disclosure Standards

• Evolution of sustainability disclosure in capital markets
• Materiality as a guiding principle across frameworks
• Limits of traditional financial disclosure

2. The Sustainability Information Ecosystem

• Role of standard-setters (IFRS, GRI, ESRS, SASB, TCFD)
• Global regulatory approaches and jurisdictional differences

3. Understanding IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 & S2)

• Purpose, objectives, and structure
• Sample disclosures and conceptual foundations

4. Corporate & Investor Use of Sustainability Information

• How investors use data in equity, fixed income, and private markets
• Corporate governance, readiness, and controls for disclosure

 

Days 3–4 – Level II Advanced Application

5. Identifying & Evaluating Sustainability Issues

• Applying the Five Factors framework
• Contextualizing topics within industries and markets

6. Evaluating Comparability of ESG Data

• Normalizing, comparing, and analyzing sustainability data
• Assessing dispersion, outliers, and peer performance

7. Linking Sustainability to Valuation Models

• Financial impact channels: revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, cost of capital
• Using ESG in DCF, profitability analysis, and scenario testing

8. Exam Preparation & Case Practice

• Review of key concepts (aligned with Level I & II blueprints)
• Case-based exercises (13 structured cases)
• Personalized study plans and trainer Q&A

 

Target Audience

• Professionals ready to commit to the full FSA® Credential in one track
• Corporate finance, valuation, and sustainability specialists
• Investment professionals seeking advanced, practice-based preparation
• Consultants, auditors, and advisors seeking comprehensive expertise
• Students and early-career professionals wanting an accelerated path

 

Skills You Will Gain

• Full mastery of the ISSB Standards (IFRS S1 & S2)
• Ability to evaluate sustainability-related risks and opportunities
• Competence in normalizing and comparing ESG data across peers and industries
• Skills to connect sustainability performance to valuation and investment models
• Readiness for both Level I and Level II exams with case-based practice

 

Combined Exam Overview

• Level I: 110 multiple-choice questions
• Level II: 55 multiple-choice questions linked to 13 case studies
• Duration: 120 minutes per level
• Administration: Online, proctored (Pearson VUE test centres or remote)
• Scheduling: Three official testing windows per year (Jan–Feb, May–Jun, Sep–Oct). Candidates enrolled via an Approved Provider may take exams online year-round.

 

Note: Exam registration and credentialing are handled directly by the IFRS Foundation. The University delivers official preparation, not the exams themselves.

 

Certification Award

Participants who complete both exams earn the designation:

FSA® Credential Holder

Certified professionals are listed in the official IFRS FSA Credential Holders Directory, gaining global recognition for advanced expertise in sustainability-related financial disclosure and analysis.

 

Delivery & Format

• Language: English
• Formats: Online (Self-Paced) – Flexible, on-demand learning; Instructor-Led Remote Training – 4 full days of interactive sessions; Face-to-Face Classroom Session – 4-day intensive at the University or client site
• Duration: 16–24 hours (4 days for live formats)

What You Get (Beyond Self-Study):

• Personalized learning plan & one-to-one mentorship
• Live trainer Q&A and targeted feedback
• Exam-style practice questions & case-based exercises
• Guidance on booking and completing both exams
• Eligibility for IFRS exam fee discounts (per policy)
• Year-round exam scheduling flexibility via Pearson VUE

 

SDG Alignment (Your Impact)

• SDG 12.6 – Driving sustainable practices and transparent reporting
• SDG 13.3 – Enhancing capacity for climate-related disclosure and financial risk assessment
• SDG 17.19 – Strengthening global frameworks for measuring progress with reliable data

 

Preparation Tips

• Review IFRS S1 & S2 and familiarize yourself with sector-specific case studies
• Refresh knowledge of materiality, ecosystem, and disclosure frameworks
• Practice valuation model integration and scenario analysis
• Plan a study schedule that covers both exam levels with continuity