What is the CSRIC™ Designation?

Demand for “responsible” investment options has never been higher. In fact, at the end of 2019, more than one out of every three dollars that were being professionally managed in the United States—$17.1 trillion or more—was invested according to sustainable, responsible, impact (SRI) strategies. Industry experts also confirm that a majority of investors want their investments to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.

For financial advisors, this demand presents several challenges. 

First, how can they acquire the insight and expertise to competently guide their clients towards ESG investments that fit their priorities? Second, how can they provide those clients with tangible evidence that they have genuine SRI expertise? 

Recognizing these challenges, the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company created the Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC®) professional designation program for personal financial advisors who provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future. This article provides an overview of the program.

Becoming a Chartered SRI Counselor 

Developed in partnership with US SIF, The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, the CSRIC® designation program is a unique program that blends SRI foundational knowledge and scenario learning. As a leading major financial credential dedicated specifically to SRI, the CSRIC® designation is supported by top financial firms. 

Who Should Enroll in the CSRIC® Professional Designation Program?

The CSRIC® Professional Designation Program is for advanced financial advisors who wish to obtain foundational knowledge and best practices for advising clients on SRI to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future, including

• Experienced advisors who desire financial planning credentials to advance their career
• Advisors who wish to specialize in SRI investing for new or existing clients
• Advisors who wish to pursue a Master of Science degree at a later date

Students enrolled in the program will learn the history, definitions, trends, portfolio construction principles, fiduciary responsibilities, and best practices of SRI investments.

The CSRIC® Program Curriculum

The CSRIC® Professional Education Program is a graduate-level course. 

The seven-course modules, which are offered as Live Online or OnDemand are:

• The Foundations and History of SRI
• Approaches to SRI 
• Shareholder Advocacy, Community Investing, and Corporate Responsibility
• Portfolio Construction and Incorporating SRI into Financial Advising
• ESG Performance, Risk, and Rating Metrics
• The Fiduciary Standard and Communicating the Value of SRI
• Current and Future Opportunities

How Long to Study for the CSRIC® Professional Designation Program

The typical student should expect to spend approximately 135 hours in course-related activities to study and prepare adequately for the program’s examination. The CSRIC® program also does “double-duty” for professionals who are considering a master’s degree: designees receive direct credit for one course in the College’s MS in Personal Financial Planning program, saving them time and money while pursuing multiple credentials.

Certificate in ESG Investing vs. CSRIC® Professional Designation Program

Start Earning the CSRIC® Professional Designation Today 

U.S. SIF members receive a 15 percent discount on the CSRIC® course and course-related materials. In addition, many leading financial advisory firms endorse the CSRIC® designation and will reimburse advisors for course-related expenses.