The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognizing achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG's Energy Modelling Platform events, and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN - Gold Proficiency Badge

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN - Gold Proficiency Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1. Design, develop, and customise a complex FINPLAN model, extending beyond utility-scale power plants
2. Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.
3. Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues.
4. Communicate model results and explain their broader implications.

5.     Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced FINPLAN models.

Applicant needs to provide evidence of the following activities:

• 5 years work/project experience with FINPLAN OR PhD plus 2 years project experience
• Demonstrate at least two of the following skills
• Create innovative improvements and critical assessments of relevant financial modelling techniques and methodologies
• Manage and develop highly complex energy/finance models that are able to solve critical real-world problems
• Apply advanced coding and debugging skills to resolve intricate modelling challenges
• Translate complex modelling results into actionable policy recommendations for senior decision-makers

Evidence required:

Submit one of the following:

• A CV demonstrating the required experience
• Provide links to 2 peer-reviewed academic publications or policy papers, as lead author, showcasing at least two of the above skills 
• OR Documentation of a conference presentation demonstrating 1 of the above skills and a peer-reviewed academic publication or policy paper, as lead author, demonstrating another one of the above skills.