Level I exam
The FSA Credential Level I exam is two hours long and consists of 110 multiple choice questions that test candidates’ understanding of the principles and practices of sustainability accounting.
How to prepare
Upon registering for the FSA Credential Level I exam with Pearson VUE, candidates receive a link to download the Level I study guide for self-study. The study guide contains the full body of testable material, defined by 20 Learning Objectives. The study guide also provides a set of practice questions with explanations of correct and incorrect answers. It is recommended that candidates spend about 30 hours preparing for the exam. For additional exam preparation support, explore the Approved Education Providers program.
What you will learn
The FSA Credential Level I curriculum consists of three parts:
Part I: The Need for Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Provides the historical rationale for sustainability accounting and standardised disclosure; describes how materiality has traditionally been understood in the capital markets and how it is applied to sustainability information; and describes the sustainability disclosure ecosystem and the factors that influence the supply and demand of sustainability data across capital markets.
Part II: Understanding SASB Standards
Describes why an industry-based approach to identifying the sustainability information relevant to financial performance helps companies, investors, and global capital markets; provides examples of SASB disclosures.
Part III: Using SASB Standards
Explores how businesses and investors use financially material sustainability information and outlines considerations for using SASB Standards.
Study guide
Registrants can download the study guide at any time. Simply enter the code received upon registration below.
Get ready for exam day
Confirm the exact time and location of the exam by referring to the registration confirmation email received upon payment and initial scheduling.
Requirements for exam day will vary depending on your type of exam (remote or in-person) and testing location. For guidance on what to expect from the registration process and testing environment, view this Testing Tips and How-To Guide.
FAQs
The study guides are automatically sent to each candidate after they register for an exam in an email with the subject line “Confirmation of Pearson Exam Appointment.” Registrants can also download the study guide at any time using the code received upon registration.
On any day of the year, you may register for the FSA Credential exams and choose an exam date within one of three exam periods: January-February, May-June, and September-October. Multiple test times are available on whatever exam day you choose. Please note that Level I testing for 2023 has been extended through 31 December due to upcoming updates to the Level I curriculum and exam. Those who would like to test using the current curriculum should do so before 31 December 2023.
While it varies for each candidate, 30 hours of preparation is recommended for each of the FSA Credential exams. The Level I exam covers essential concepts and emerging practices and some of the content may be familiar to certain individuals, reducing their study time. Every candidate should review the curriculum in its entirety and utilise the practice exercises and questions provided in each study guide.
Yes. Both in-person and online exams are monitored by a Pearson Vue proctor. Each candidate must verify their identity and meet requirements to ensure the integrity and security of the testing experience.
Candidates can reschedule their exam with more than forty-eight (48) hours notice by logging in to the Pearson VUE online portal or by contacting Pearson VUE.
If exam rescheduling is not complete and confirmed with more than 48 hours of advanced notice, the candidate will face a reschedule fee of $60. If a candidate needs to reschedule within the 48 hours, they can do so by contacting Pearson VUE.
Candidates must pass the Level II exam within two years of passing Level I. If a candidate does not pass the Level II exam within two years, they must retake the Level I exam and then pass the Level II exam to earn the FSA Credential.
You can email us at [email protected] or call 424-261-9930 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Register now
You must pass both exams to earn the FSA Credential |
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Register now | Level I exam | Level II exam |
What’s covered? | Learn how sustainability factors impact enterprise value and investment performance | Gain skills to evaluate corporate performance on sustainability factors |
Next testing window if you sign up today | September 1st - December 31st | September 1st - October 31st; January 1st - February 28th |
Non-members | $450 | $650 |
Alliance members | $400 | $500 |
Prerequisite | None | Passing Level I |
You can reschedule or cancel up to 48 hours before the exam via the Pearson Portal. | ||
For more information about Alliance Membership, visit the IFRS Sustainability Alliance page. |
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Group registrationBusinesses can pre-purchase FSA Credential registrations for a group of staff. Organisations that choose this path are eligible for discounts based on the number of employees registered (see below), gain access to an expanded testing calendar, and have the option to participate in a group Q&A session with a staff member. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in purchasing group registration for your organisation. |
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Number of candidates | Amount per person for Level I + Level II | Discount |
5-29 candidates | $900 (Level I and II can be purchased separately: $400 and $500, respectively) | 18% |
30-49 candidates | $850 (combined price for Level I and II, purchased as package) | 22% |
50+ candidates | $800 (combined price for Level I and II, purchased as package) | 27% |
Register through an approved education provider |
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Attend live | On - demand |
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Candidates can choose from a range of options for additional exam preparation support beyond self-study. Attend a self-paced online course, work with an instructor in real-time or earn the Credential as part of a degree or executive education track via the Approved Education Providers. The exam registration fee is included in the price of each course. The Approved Education Provider will supply course details, additional study materials, and a voucher to register for the exam with Pearson VUE. Pricing, additional resources and time commitment vary by Provider. | Colorado State University Open to all | Earth Academy Open to all |
Fordham University For degree-seeking students Course page coming soon! | Marquette University For executive education students |
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ISOS Group Open to all | ||