What Is a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)?

If you’re a socially conscious person, it can affect every aspect of your life, from the car you drive to where you shop. It can also influence which companies you choose to invest in, with many investors choosing a socially responsible investing (SRI) strategy for their portfolios. If you’re considering socially responsible investments, a Chartered SRI Counselor is an investment advisor who can help you focus your investment strategy on these areas. First, this is what you need to know about the certification and requirements.

Consider asking a financial advisor about the best investment strategies based on your socially responsible investment preferences and long-term goals.

What Is a Chartered SRI Counselor?

Designed for experienced financial professionals, the Chartered SRI Counselor designation is an initial step toward responsible investing. It provides a financial professional with the background, knowledge and situational awareness required to help clients invest in sustainable, responsible and impact investments (SRI).

But what constitutes this type of investment? S&P Global explains SRI as “accounting for climate risks and environmental challenges, investments in physical and human capital, and good governance characteristics, among other factors.”

However, this does not cover all investments, S&P Global warns, saying that CSRICs actively avoid “companies or organizations whose businesses run counter to their non-financial values and ethical principles or those they perceive to have negative effects on society; including businesses across the alcohol, tobacco, fast food, gambling, weapons, fossil fuel or defense industries.”

The Chartered SRI Counselor designation is no longer actively issued by the College for Financial Planning (now under the Kaplan umbrella), but existing designations remain renewable and supported by the organization.

Services Offered By a Chartered SRI Counselor

Chartered SRI Counselors often help clients build investment strategies that reflect environmental, social and governance (ESG) values. These advisors may evaluate investment options based not only on financial performance but also on factors such as corporate responsibility, environmental impact and ethical practices. Their goal is to help clients align their portfolios with personal values while pursuing long-term financial objectives.

A CSRIC professional may assist clients in constructing portfolios that incorporate ESG-focused investments. This can include evaluating mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or individual securities that prioritize sustainable or socially responsible practices. Advisors often work to balance these values-based investments with diversification and overall portfolio risk management.

In addition to investment selection, CSRIC advisors may help clients incorporate personal beliefs and priorities into broader financial plans. For example, clients may want to avoid certain industries or focus on companies that support environmental sustainability or social initiatives. A CSRIC professional can help translate those preferences into investment strategies that fit within a long-term financial plan.

Another service offered by CSRIC professionals is researching and screening investments using ESG criteria. This process may involve reviewing corporate governance policies, environmental practices or social impact metrics. By analyzing these factors, advisors can identify investments that align with both financial goals and ethical considerations.

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Requirements to Renew a CSRIC

The CSRIC designation is no longer available as a new designation, but existing professionals can still renew their designations every two years. Instructions are available by logging in to your student account, but in general, you must complete 16 hours of Continuing Education (CE) within each two-year period before renewal. You must then submit a renewal application, accept the terms and conditions and finally, pay a non-refundable $100 fee.

How the CSRIC Fits Into SRI Portfolio Construction

A group of advisors reviewing investments.

Professionals who hold the CSRIC designation often apply its training directly when building or reviewing client portfolios.

The curriculum covers several frameworks for analyzing companies using environmental, social and governance data, helping advisors to better interpret how these factors affect available funds, indexes or individual securities. This can support investors who want their portfolios to reflect specific values, exclusions or impact goals while still focusing on long-term financial performance.

Many SRI portfolios rely on screening tools to include or exclude companies based on set criteria. CSRIC-trained advisors learn how different screening approaches work, how they may affect diversification and how funds apply those screens in practice. This can help clients compare investment products that appear similar but use different methodologies beneath the surface.

Shareholder engagement is another component of SRI that the CSRIC program discusses. Some funds pursue proxy voting or company engagement as part of their strategy. Advisors who understand these methods can explain how they may influence portfolio behavior or align with a client’s preferences.

Since the SRI space continues to evolve, the designation’s continuing education requirement helps advisors stay current on changes in ESG reporting, new fund structures and emerging regulatory considerations. This can be useful for clients who want clarity on how newer SRI trends may affect available investment choices.

For clients who aim to integrate value-based investing into their portfolios, the designation can signal that the advisor has specialized training in this area. While it does not replace broader investment experience, it can complement an advisor’s existing skills when helping clients weigh screened funds, thematic strategies or impact-focused investments.

How to Find a CSRIC

One way to find a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) is by using financial advisor directories that allow you to search by credentials and investment specialties. Many advisor search tools include filters for sustainable, responsible or ESG-focused investing. Reviewing advisor profiles can help you identify professionals who list the CSRIC designation and specialize in values-based investment strategies.

The CSRIC designation is offered by the College for Financial Planning, which provides training in sustainable and responsible investing. Before working with an advisor, you can verify that they hold the credential and have completed the relevant coursework. Confirming the designation helps ensure the advisor has received formal education related to ESG and values-based investment strategies.

During an initial consultation, consider asking how the advisor incorporates ESG or socially responsible investing principles into portfolio strategies. Advisors may use different screening methods or research approaches when evaluating sustainable investments. Understanding how a CSRIC professional builds and manages ESG portfolios can help determine whether their approach aligns with your financial goals and personal values.

Bottom Line

A Chartered SRI Counselor is a financial professional who specializes in sustainable and responsible investing. Advisors with this credential help clients integrate environmental, social and governance considerations into their investment strategies while still working toward long-term financial goals. By evaluating investments through both financial and ethical lenses, CSRIC professionals help clients build portfolios that reflect their values.

Responsible Investing Tips

If you’re not sure how to diversify your portfolio in a socially responsible way, a financial advisor may be able to help. Finding the right financial advisor that fits your needs doesn’t have to be hard. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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