All-China Environmental Federation Releases Voluntary Standard “Evaluation Criteria for Corporate ESG Practitioners” 
On April 13, 2026, the All-China Environmental Federation (ACEF) released the voluntary standard Evaluation Criteria for Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practitioners (T/ACEF 274-2026). These criteria provide objective indicators for the recruitment, promotion, and education of ESG practitioners within corporations. Evaluation is conducted based on four primary indicators: Professionalism, Professional Knowledge, Practical Ability, and Performance Contribution. Practitioners are classified into three grades: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Furthermore, the annexes clearly define the weighting of evaluation grades and assessment methods (Annex A), specific competency requirements for each grade (Annex B), and the ESG knowledge framework to be mastered at each stage (Annex C).
Evaluation Indicator System
The competency evaluation for corporate ESG practitioners comprises four indicators: Professionalism, Professional Knowledge, Practical Ability, and Performance Contribution. Assessments are conducted based on grade-specific weightings (refer to Annex A for details).
Evaluation Grade Requirements
Evaluation grades consist of three levels: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Specific evaluation requirements are established for each grade.
| Grade | Evaluation Focus | Proven Track Record | Form of Evidence (Two or more types required) | Disqualification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | Basic understanding and reliable execution. | Deep involvement in one ESG report preparation, or foundational work in disclosure and data practice. | • Work samples (must include formulas and evidence)
• Internal verification records (cross-checks, supervisor approval, etc.) • Third-party certification (verification reports from external agencies, etc.) |
No major ESG incidents in the past three years; must meet Professionalism standards (Annex B.1.1). |
| Intermediate | Systematic improvement of ESG issues and KPI achievement. | Lead role in one ESG report or deep involvement in three; or professional achievements in rating improvement or system development. | • Project deliverables
• External rating notifications • Stakeholder evaluations • Third-party audit reports |
No major ESG incidents involving the individual or their department in the past three years; must meet Professionalism standards (Annex B.2.1). |
| Senior | Strategic value creation and industry-wide influence. | Team lead for three ESG reports; or advanced professional achievements such as external certification or standard-setting. | • ESG strategy documents
• Proof of certification or standard-setting • Commendations from authorities or media • Third-party assurance reports including traceable major data |
No major ESG incidents involving the individual or their area of responsibility in the past three years; must meet Professionalism standards (Annex B.3.1). |
Evaluation Results and Grade Determination
- Evaluation Items: Evaluation results are calculated individually for the four indicators: Professionalism, Professional Knowledge, Practical Ability, and Performance Contribution.
- Grade Determination: In principle, all indicators must meet the relevant standard. If results vary across indicators, the grade corresponding to the lowest-performing indicator is applied. However, a candidate fails if they fail even one indicator or if their Professionalism score is below the Junior level.
Grade Determination Standards
| Grade | Professionalism | Professional Knowledge | Practical Ability | Performance Contribution | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | Pass in 4 items | Pass in 3+ of 5 items | Pass in 3+ of 4 items | Pass in 2+ of 3 items | ≥ 60 |
| Intermediate | Good in 4 items | Good in 4+ of 5 items | Good in 3+ of 4 items | Good in 3+ of 4 items | ≥ 75 |
| Senior | Excellent in 4 items | Excellent in 4+ of 5 items | Excellent in 3+ of 4 items | Excellent in 3+ of 4 items | ≥ 90 |
Renewal Requirements and Special Provisions for SMEs
The standard also establishes requirements for credential renewal and special provisions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Credential Renewal and Continuing Education: Evaluation certificates are valid for three years. Completion of level-specific continuing education (three-year cumulative: 180 hours for Junior, 225 hours for Intermediate, and 270 hours for Senior) is a mandatory condition for renewal or promotion.
- Flexible Provisions for SMEs: Evaluation criteria are applied flexibly to applications from SMEs. This includes allowing designated ESG training (120 hours) to substitute for educational background requirements and permitting written guarantees from company heads to substitute for proof of track record, ensuring evaluations reflect the actual circumstances of the business.
The original text of the above standard (Simplified Chinese) is available at the following URL:
https://www.acef.com.cn/a/fzzx/news/2026/0413/30025.html
