Top 10 Assistant Portfolio Manager Certifications

Certifications are essential for assistant portfolio managers in the job market. They demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when hiring new staff. Certifications give potential employers assurance that the individual has the skills and qualifications necessary to effectively manage portfolios and provide quality advice to clients. In addition, certifications can give assistant portfolio managers an edge over other applicants who may not have the same level of knowledge or experience. Certifications can also be used as a benchmark for performance, allowing employers to track and measure an individual’s progress over time. Finally, certifications can be used as evidence of commitment to professional development, which is often seen as an indication of success in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Assistant Portfolio Managers, and explains how they can help advance an assistant portfolio manager's career.

What are Assistant Portfolio Manager Certifications?

Assistant portfolio manager certification is a professional designation granted to individuals who have completed an accredited course of study related to portfolio management. This certification demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of investment strategies, asset allocation, risk management, and performance measurement. It is designed to help those in the financial services industry become more knowledgeable about portfolio management and better qualified for positions involving portfolio decision-making.

The certification provides a formal recognition of the knowledge and skills acquired by an individual in the field of portfolio management. It also indicates that the individual has met certain standards set by the certifying body and has demonstrated proficiency in key concepts such as security selection, asset allocation, risk management, and performance evaluation. With this background, assistant portfolio managers are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding investments on behalf of clients or employers.

In addition to increasing their credentials and marketability, assistant portfolio managers who hold this certification may benefit from increased job opportunities in both traditional and alternative investment firms. The credential can also be used as a stepping stone into other roles such as senior research analyst or fund manager. Finally, having this certification may give them access to exclusive resources or training opportunities that otherwise would not be available without it.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an assistant portfolio manager certification, focus on developing your understanding of financial markets, risk management strategies, and portfolio analysis techniques. Additionally, gaining experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis will be beneficial in achieving success in the certification process.

Related: What does an Assistant Portfolio Manager do?

Top 10 Assistant Portfolio Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Portfolio Managers today.

1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, an international non-profit organization that sets standards for investment professionals. The CFA Program is a globally recognized, graduate-level curriculum that provides a strong foundation of real-world investment analysis and portfolio management skills. It consists of three levels of exams that must be completed in order to obtain the CFA charter.

The program takes approximately two to four years to complete depending on the individual’s study schedule and dedication. In order to become a CFA charterholder, one must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least four years of professional experience in the investment industry or a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university.

Once eligible, one must then register with the CFA Institute and pay an enrollment fee which varies depending on when you register for each level exam. After registering, one can begin studying for each level exam which consists of 10 topics covering areas such as ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance and portfolio management.

Once all three levels are passed successfully and all other requirements are met (such as completing 4 years of professional experience), one will receive their official CFA charter from the CFA Institute. The cost of obtaining a CFA charter generally ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on when you register for each level exam.

2. Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) is a professional designation offered by the Investments and Wealth Institute, formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). It is designed to provide financial advisors with specialized knowledge in investment management and wealth planning.

The CIMA certification program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course covers topics such as portfolio management, asset allocation, investments selection, risk management, and financial planning. The exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of these topics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the self-study course and pass the exam. During this time, applicants must complete at least 120 hours of study, including 60 hours of online instruction and 60 hours of independent work.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive three-hour exam administered by IMCA or its affiliates. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an annual fee to maintain their certification status.

3. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is a professional certification program designed to provide financial professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and analyze alternative investments. The CAIA designation is administered by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA). It is the first and only global credential for alternative investment professionals, and it is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field.

The CAIA designation requires two levels of examinations, which are administered twice per year in March and September. To be eligible to take the exams, applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience or an advanced degree in finance or economics. The Level I exam covers topics such as private equity, hedge funds, real estate investments, commodities, structured products, and risk management. The Level II exam focuses on portfolio construction and asset allocation using alternative investments.

The cost of obtaining the CAIA designation depends on whether you are taking self-study or classroom courses. Self-study costs range from $1,495-$2,495 depending on which package you choose. Classroom courses range from $5,000-$7,500 depending on location and provider.

In order to obtain the CAIA designation, candidates must pass both levels of exams within five years of passing their first exam. Candidates must also complete 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years to maintain their status as a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). The CFP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have met rigorous professional standards and have demonstrated the ability to provide competent financial planning advice. To become a CFP, an individual must meet certain educational, experience and ethical requirements.

It typically takes three to four years to complete the process of becoming a CFP. This includes completing a bachelor's degree in finance or economics, obtaining three years of full-time work experience in financial planning, passing the CFP exam and completing additional coursework on financial planning topics.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFP, you should first obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or economics from an accredited college or university. After that, you should gain at least three years of full-time work experience in financial planning. You can gain this experience through working as an intern or assistant for a financial planner or through working as an independent consultant providing financial planning services.

Once you have obtained your bachelor's degree and gained the necessary work experience, you must pass the CFP exam before you can become certified. The exam consists of two parts: the general knowledge portion and the case study portion. It costs $695 to take both parts of the exam at once; however, if you choose to take each part separately it will cost $395 for each part.

In addition to passing the exam, you must also complete additional coursework on financial planning topics such as investments, retirement planning and estate planning before you can become certified as a CFP. The cost for these courses varies depending on where they are taken but typically range from $500-$1,000 per course.

Overall, it takes approximately three to four years and costs around $2,000-$3,000 to become certified as a CFP.

5. Chartered Portfolio Manager (CPM)

Chartered Portfolio Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). It is a mark of distinction that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in portfolio management.

The CPM designation requires candidates to pass an exam, complete a coursework program, and have at least three years of professional experience in the investment management industry. Candidates must also adhere to the IMCA Code of Professional Conduct and abide by its standards.

The CPM exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers principles of portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, and performance evaluation; Part 2 covers advanced topics such as derivatives, alternative investments, and international investing. The exam is offered twice a year and typically takes about four hours to complete.

In order to become certified as a Chartered Portfolio Manager, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by IMCA. These include having at least three years of professional experience in the investment management industry and passing both parts of the CPM exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you are eligible for certification, you can apply for your CPM designation through IMCA's website.

The cost for becoming certified as a Chartered Portfolio Manager varies depending on whether you are already an IMCA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,250 plus applicable taxes; for members it is $750 plus applicable taxes.

6. Master of Science in Investment Management (MSIM)

The Master of Science in Investment Management (MSIM) is a graduate degree program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful investment professionals. The program focuses on the fundamentals of finance, investments, portfolio management, financial analysis, and risk management. It also covers topics such as derivatives, corporate finance, capital markets, and alternative investments.

The MSIM typically takes two years to complete if you are studying full time. Most programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours and include courses such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, accounting principles and practices, quantitative methods for finance and investments, portfolio theory and practice, fixed income securities analysis, equity analysis and valuation techniques.

To get an MSIM degree you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You will then need to take the GMAT or GRE exam to gain admission into the program. Once accepted into the program you will need to complete all required coursework with satisfactory grades in order to receive your degree.

The cost of an MSIM degree varies depending on the school you attend but can range from $20k - $50k for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books, fees for exams such as the GMAT or GRE and living expenses while attending school.

7. Professional Risk Manager (PRM)

Professional Risk Manager (PRM) is a certification program offered by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk in financial institutions, corporations, and other organizations. The PRM certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence for risk professionals.

The PRM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Expert. Each level requires a minimum number of hours of coursework and an exam to be taken at the end. The Foundation level is the entry-level course that provides an introduction to risk management concepts and principles. The Professional level focuses on more advanced topics such as portfolio management, derivatives, capital markets, and enterprise risk management. The Expert level covers topics such as operational risk management, credit risk management, stress testing, and advanced analytics.

The total cost for the entire program varies depending on which courses are chosen; however it typically ranges from $2,000 - $5,000 USD. The time required to complete all three levels also varies depending on individual study habits; however it typically takes between six months to one year.

To become certified as a PRM professional you must first register with PRMIA online or via mail/fax. After registration you will receive access to the PRMIA Learning Center where you can select your desired courses and start studying right away!

8. Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP)

The Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP) is a professional certification program designed to provide hedge fund professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the industry. The CHP is offered by the Hedge Fund Association (HFA), an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices and standards within the hedge fund industry.

The CHP program consists of three levels: Level 1, which covers basic hedge fund concepts; Level 2, which focuses on advanced topics such as portfolio construction and risk management; and Level 3, which covers specialized topics such as derivatives, structured products and alternative investments. Each level requires a minimum of 25 hours of study time to complete.

To obtain the CHP designation, applicants must pass all three levels of the exam with a score of 75% or higher. In addition, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a related field or have completed an approved course in hedge funds from an accredited institution.

The cost for the CHP program varies depending on the level chosen. The cost for Level 1 is $495 USD; Level 2 is $995 USD; and Level 3 is $1,495 USD. All fees are non-refundable.

Once you have successfully passed all three exams and met all other requirements, you will receive your official CHP certificate from HFA. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the hedge fund industry and may open up new opportunities for career advancement or consulting engagements.

9. Global Association of Risk Professionals – Financial Risk Manager Certification (GARP-FRM)

The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Financial Risk Manager Certification (FRM) is a professional certification for financial risk management professionals. It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the field of financial risk management.

The FRM certification requires two levels of exams, each with its own curriculum. The first level focuses on the tools used to measure and manage market, credit, operational, and integrated risks. The second level focuses on the application of these tools in real-world scenarios. To obtain the FRM designation, candidates must pass both levels of exams within four years.

To get started with the FRM program, candidates must register with GARP and purchase study materials from their website or an approved vendor. Candidates should also create a study plan to ensure they are adequately prepared for each exam.

The cost of obtaining the FRM designation varies depending on which materials you purchase and how long it takes you to complete the program. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to obtain your FRM designation including registration fees and study materials.

Once you have successfully completed both levels of exams within four years, you will receive your official FRM certificate from GARP as well as recognition from employers that you have achieved this prestigious designation.

10. Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA).

Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Investment and Wealth Institute (IWI). The APMA credential is designed to recognize financial advisors who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in portfolio management.

The APMA credential requires successful completion of the APMA Exam, which consists of two parts: Part 1 covers investment principles and concepts, asset allocation, portfolio construction and management, risk management, and performance measurement; Part 2 covers ethics, client service standards, communication skills, legal issues, fiduciary responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.

It typically takes about four months to complete the APMA Exam preparation process. Candidates must first register for the exam with IWI. Once registered, candidates must purchase or obtain access to an approved study material package from IWI or an approved third-party provider. After studying the material package provided by IWI or an approved third-party provider, candidates must pass a practice exam before taking the actual APMA Exam.

The cost of obtaining the APMA designation varies depending on whether you choose to purchase a study material package from IWI or an approved third-party provider. The cost of purchasing a study material package from IWI ranges from $1,450 to $2,000 USD. If you choose to purchase a study material package from an approved third-party provider such as Kaplan Financial Education or CFA Institute's Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), then the cost may vary depending on which provider you select.

In addition to the cost of obtaining a study material package for preparing for the APMA Exam, there are also fees associated with registering for and taking the actual exam. The registration fee is currently $225 USD and there is also a $95 USD fee for each part of the exam that is taken.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Portfolio Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an assistant portfolio manager certificate depends on the type of job you are seeking. If you are looking to become an assistant portfolio manager, then having a certificate may be beneficial in order to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. It can also provide proof that you have the skills necessary to work in this role.

On the other hand, if you are already working as an assistant portfolio manager and want to advance your career, having a certificate may not be necessary. Your experience and knowledge should be enough for employers to recognize your expertise and value as an employee. However, if you are looking for a new job or want to increase your chances of promotion, then obtaining a certificate could help demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not obtaining a certificate is worth your time and money. Consider the type of job you are seeking and whether or not having a certificate will truly give you an edge over other applicants. If so, then obtaining one may be worth pursuing in order to further your career goals.

Related: Assistant Portfolio Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Portfolio Manager Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Portfolio Manager Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Portfolio Manager Certification is a professional certification that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist portfolio managers in making investment decisions. It covers topics such as financial analysis, asset allocation, risk management, market analysis, portfolio construction and more.

2. How do I get certified as an Assistant Portfolio Manager?

Answer: To become certified as an Assistant Portfolio Manager, you must pass the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) exam administered by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CIMA exam consists of six sections that cover topics such as financial analysis, asset allocation, risk management and portfolio construction.

3. What is included in the CIMA exam?

Answer: The CIMA exam consists of six sections designed to assess candidates’ knowledge of investment management principles and practices. The six sections are: Financial Analysis, Asset Allocation & Risk Management, Market Analysis & Portfolio Construction, Investment Performance Measurement & Reporting, Taxation & Regulatory Compliance and Practice Management & Professional Responsibility.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on how much time you devote to studying for the exam and how familiar you are with the material covered in each section. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to a year or more for individuals to successfully complete all requirements for certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the CIMA exam?

Answer: Yes, there are prerequisites for taking the CIMA exam including holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; having two years of professional experience in investment management; and passing both a background check and ethics examination administered by IMCA prior to taking the CIMA exam.