What is the Certified ESG Risk Specialist?

The Certified ESG Risk Specialist is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Finance & Accounting.

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 22 Week and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Advanced Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@certifications.ac, contacting us via WhatsApp at +254 722 223 084, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified ESG Risk Specialist (CERS2)

Executive Summary

Certified ESG Risk Specialist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified ESG Risk Specialist (CERS2) delivers a rigorous Advanced-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability.

This 22 Week programme is structured around OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CERS2 holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified ESG Risk Specialist

Acronym

CERS2

Who Should Enrol?

Governance and Compliance Officers
Policy and Regulatory Analysts
Risk and Audit Professionals
Company Secretaries and Board Advisors

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards senior governance, compliance and policy-leadership roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex corporate governance functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement corporate governance systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to corporate governance

Global Employability

Qualify for corporate governance roles across corporates, critical infrastructure, government and protective services worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Security Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis

✦Physical Security and Access Control

✦Investigations, Intelligence and Forensics

✦Crisis, Emergency and Incident Response

✦Security Operations, Technology and Surveillance

✦Professional Ethics and Governance

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

Click any module to explore the detailed curriculum topics included in this certification.

Foundations and Strategic Context of Certified ESG Risk Specialist

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Corporate governance principles and purpose
Governance, risk and compliance (GRC)
The regulatory and legal environment
Stakeholders, agency and accountability
Codes, standards and best practice (OECD)

Boards, Structures and Corporate Governance

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Board structure, roles and composition
Board effectiveness and evaluation
Directors' duties and responsibilities
Committees: audit, risk, remuneration
Shareholder and stakeholder rights

Regulatory Compliance and Risk

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Compliance frameworks and programmes
Regulatory mapping and obligations
Enterprise risk management (ERM)
Risk appetite and tolerance
Internal controls and assurance

Policy Analysis, Research and Development

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Policy cycle and evidence-based policy
Problem definition and analysis
Research methods for policy
Stakeholder and impact analysis
Options appraisal and cost-benefit

Ethics, Integrity and Anti-Corruption

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Business ethics and ethical frameworks
Codes of conduct and values
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
Conflicts of interest management
Fraud prevention and detection

Consumer Protection and Stakeholder Rights

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Consumer rights and protection law
Fair treatment and market conduct
Competition and antitrust
Complaints and redress mechanisms
Data protection and privacy

Governance Technology, Data and Assurance

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
GRC platforms and technology
Compliance monitoring systems
Data analytics for assurance
Regulatory technology (RegTech)
Reporting and disclosure tools

Audit, Assurance and Internal Control

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Internal control frameworks (COSO)
Risk-based internal audit
Assurance mapping and three lines model
Audit planning and execution
Control testing and evidence

Sustainability, ESG and Corporate Responsibility

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
ESG principles and frameworks
Sustainability strategy and materiality
Environmental governance and climate risk
Social responsibility and human rights
Governance of ESG and reporting

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Stakeholder mapping and engagement
Board and executive reporting
Regulator and investor relations
Policy and public engagement
Professional writing and briefings

Leading Change and Institutional Reform

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Governance transformation and reform
Building governance maturity
Change management and adoption
Institutional strengthening
Culture, ethics and behaviour change

Professional Ethics, Standards and Governance

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Professional ethics and integrity
Independence and objectivity
Confidentiality and information handling
Accountability and transparency
Conflicts of interest

Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Governance and compliance KPIs
Risk and control effectiveness metrics
Benchmarking against standards
Maturity and capability assessment
Root-cause analysis and problem solving

Data Governance, Privacy and Digital Ethics

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Data governance frameworks and roles
Data privacy law and compliance (GDPR)
Information lifecycle and records management
Data quality and stewardship
Consent, rights and data subject requests

Advanced Professional Practice: Consulting and Advisory Excellence

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
The consulting mindset and trusted advisor positioning
Diagnosing client problems before prescribing solutions
Structuring engagements: scope, deliverables and expectations
Discovery interviews and evidence gathering
Root cause analysis frameworks in advisory work

Data, AI and Digital Tools for the Modern Professional

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Data literacy: reading, questioning and using data
Descriptive statistics for everyday professional decisions
Data visualisation and dashboards that inform
Generative AI as a professional productivity tool
Automation, workflows and no-code tools

Professional Communication, Influence and Negotiation

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Active listening and attending
Influencing and negotiation with stakeholders
Cryptography and secure communications
Offer management, negotiation and pre-boarding
Integrated marketing communications (IMC)

Leadership, People and High-Performance Teams

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Coaching and reinforcement
Motivational interviewing spirit and skills
Leading learning projects and change
Motivation and recognition
Leading banking projects and change

Talent, Culture and the Modern Workplace

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Working with organisations on wellbeing
Wellbeing and the biopsychosocial model
Language and communication training
Belonging, culture and employee resource groups
Team diversity and inclusion

Customer, Market and Stakeholder Value

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Brand safety and responsible marketing
Sourcing plans and go-to-market
Customer loyalty and advocacy
Market and customer analysis
The marketing mix and the 7 Ps

Financial and Commercial Acumen for Professionals

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Cost, feasibility and control analysis
Revenue recognition
Fees, pricing and interchange
The banking system, intermediation and financial markets
Evidence-based financial recommendations

Evidence, Measurement and Decision Quality

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Record-keeping and data protection
Data literacy: reading, questioning and using data
Service KPIs: CSAT, NPS, CES, SLAs
Designing an evidence-based intervention or farm plan
Data quality and master data management

Strategy, Innovation and Leading Change

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Sustaining strategic customer focus
Learning transformation and modernisation
Structural and strategic approaches
Innovation and fintech collaboration
Automated testing strategies

Project and Programme Delivery Essentials

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Security programme design and budgeting
The project environment and stakeholders
Capstone scoping: a real project or programme
Project governance and assurance
Schedule development and optimisation

Quality, Process Excellence and Continuous Improvement

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Quality, accuracy and error reduction
Continuous improvement and lean HR
Design review and quality
Continuous improvement in delivery
Quality monitoring and coaching

Governance, Risk, Ethics and Compliance

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Regulatory compliance and audit
Quality management systems and audits
Operational risk and resilience
Likelihood, impact and risk rating
Legal duties and compliance

Sustainability, Safety and Responsible Practice

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Environmental monitoring
Integrating HSE and environment
Occupational hygiene principles
Environmental impact assessment
Health and safety in the warehouse

Certification Recap and Integrated Review

Your Certification in Action: 90 Days to Recertification

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Designing your first 90 days after certification
Your one-year professional development trajectory
The two-year horizon: expertise, leadership and professional standing
Recertification, CPD and staying current
Building your professional portfolio and evidence of practice

Capstone Project and Certification Readiness

Certified ESG Risk Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Capstone scoping: a real governance or policy issue
Analysis and diagnostic assessment
Designing a governance, compliance or policy solution
Risk, legal and feasibility analysis
Implementation and assurance plan

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Establish a comprehensive understanding of Certified ESG Risk Specialist principles aligned with OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards
Apply evidence-based methods to improve corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability
Master security risk assessment and threat analysis and physical security and access control
Apply investigations, intelligence and forensics and crisis, emergency and incident response in real-world settings
Lead risk management, quality and compliance relevant to your field
Design stakeholder engagement and professional communication strategies
Use data-driven decision-making and performance-measurement tools effectively
Apply internationally recognised best practice to advance your career in corporate governance

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Step 1: Choose Your Certification

You are viewing Certified ESG Risk Specialist — one of GLI's 1,990+ globally recognised professional certifications.

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Step 2: Enrol & Pay Online — Instantly

Click Enrol & Study Online to register and pay securely via Paystack, Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa or bank transfer. Access is granted the moment payment is confirmed.

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Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal

Work through 15 structured modules and 150 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

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Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified

Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

🎓 Enrol & Study Online — Instant Access

Secure checkout · Instant LMS access · Globally verifiable certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CERS2 certification?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 85+ countries and are aligned with OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

Who should enrol in the CERS2?

This certification is ideal for Governance and Compliance Officers, Policy and Regulatory Analysts, Risk and Audit Professionals and Company Secretaries and Board Advisors, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CERS2 certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 22 Week and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CERS2 internationally recognised?

What is the cost of the CERS2 certification?

The Certified ESG Risk Specialist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 449 and Live Virtual at USD 649. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CERS2 certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CERS2?

The Certified ESG Risk Specialist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CERS2?

The Certified ESG Risk Specialist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CERS2 while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CERS2?

Graduates progress towards senior governance, compliance and policy-leadership roles. The CERS2 strengthens your expertise in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability and positions you for advancement across corporates, critical infrastructure, government and protective services.

Certified ESG Risk Specialist

Certified ESG Risk Specialist

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

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