1st Edition
ESG Certification Exam Study Guide
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author Biographies
Introduction
1. Exam Format and Structure
2. Successfully Passing Multiple‑Choice Exams: Principles and Strategies
3. Reading for Comprehension and Understanding: Principles and Strategies
4. Executive‑Level Sample Questions
5. Generalist‑Level Sample Questions
6. Executive‑Level and Generalist‑Level Sample Questions: Correct Answers and Substantiation
Appendix 1: Sample Practice Question Answers for Chapter 3: Reading for Comprehension and Understanding: Principles and Strategies
Appendix 2: ESG Certification Study Guide Resources
Appendix 3: Glossary of ESG Terms and Definitions
Appendix 4: ESG Acronyms
Index
Biography
Albert Marcella, Ph.D., CISA, CISM, President of Business Automation Consultants (BAC) LLC, is an internationally recognized public speaker, researcher, IT consultant, and workshop and seminar leader with 46 years of experience in IT audit, risk management, IT security, and assessing internal controls, having authored numerous articles and 30 books on various IT, audit, and security related subjects. Dr. Marcella’s clients include organizations in financial services, IT, banking, petrol-chemical, transportation, services industry, public utilities, telecommunications, and departments of government and nonprofits.
Madeline Parisi, M.Ad.Ed., Principal, founded Madeline Parisi & Associates LLC (MPA) in 2013, as an international organization providing business training content and training material, after a distinguished career working with professional associations. MPA assists organizations through the development of business training materials, in‑house and virtual training, white‑label writing services, and professional certification training and certification exam question development services.
“I am in love with the way this ESG Program focuses on the business… taking care of the business from the perspective of responsibility, social impact and governance factors. Instrumental dimensions for the society we should and can become. This ESG Certification program is structured in a way that the certified professional in me fully understands: Risk Management, Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Decision Making, Culture… A not‑to‑be‑missed certification program!”
--Ramsés Gallego, CISM, CGEIT, Chief Technologist,
Cybersecurity, DXC Technology, Barcelona, Spain“ESG is more than an ethical imperative—it is a strategic necessity. Responsible governance ensures that innovation serves humanity, privacy is protected, and technology advances with accountability at its core. Recognising this importance, the authors have constructed a comprehensive and structured guide to ESG certification, using real world insights and strategies. ESG certification isn’t just a credential—it’s a commitment to responsible leadership, sustainable innovation, and ethical governance. In a global context, where trust, transparency, and impact matter, certification sets you apart as a steward of a better future. This study guide is your essential resource as you prepare for the exam.”
--Valerie Lyons, PhD, CISSP, Chief Operating Officer,
BH Consulting, Greater Dublin“Most ESG efforts are about attending to the pillars for the benefit of growing the client base. In this program you achieve a certification after bringing you through lasting and impactful learning for the lifetime of your career. If you have wondered about the value of ESG, this ESG Certification Program will provide you with applicable and comprehensive information on all three pillars.”
--Judy Hissong, President, Nesso Strategies,
San Diego, California






