Top 10 Client Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for a client associate in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has obtained specific knowledge and skills to perform their job, as well as a certain level of expertise. Certifications provide assurance to employers that the individual understands their role and can meet expectations. Additionally, certifications may also be required by some employers, so having them can increase an individual’s chances of obtaining a job. Finally, certifications help to differentiate individuals from other applicants and may even lead to higher pay or better job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the benefits and value of some of the top certifications for Client Associates, and to explain how they can contribute to a successful career.

What are Client Associate Certifications?

Client Associate Certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who demonstrate a thorough understanding of the financial services industry, and have demonstrated the ability to provide clients with quality service. This certification is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as securities markets, regulations, portfolio management, and ethical practices.

This certification demonstrates to potential employers that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry and can serve their clients in a responsible manner. It also shows employers that the individual is knowledgeable about FINRA regulations and has been tested on their knowledge. Further, this certification provides job seekers with an advantage when competing for positions within the financial services industry.

In addition to helping job seekers stand out from other applicants, Client Associate Certification can help individuals develop their skills and increase their marketability. By taking the exam required for certification, individuals can become more knowledgeable about different aspects of finance, including investments, portfolio management strategies, banking products and services, risk management techniques, customer service principles, ethics in finance, and marketing tactics.

Overall, Client Associate Certification provides many benefits to those seeking employment within the financial services industry. It not only helps job seekers stand out from other applicants but also gives them an opportunity to broaden their knowledge base in order to become more marketable in today’s competitive employment landscape.

Pro Tip: When considering a Client Associate Certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and qualifications that are necessary in order to obtain the certification. Additionally, take advantage of any available resources such as webinars, online courses, and practice exams to help you prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Client Associate do?

Top 10 Client Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Client Associates today.

1. Certified Client Associate (CCA)

Certified Client Associate (CCA) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Certified Client Associates (IACCA). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in client-facing roles within the financial services industry.

The CCA certification requires successful completion of an online exam that tests knowledge and skills related to client service, communication, and compliance. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pay a one-time fee of $175 USD. You must also agree to abide by IACCA's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the exam through IACCA's website. After passing the exam, you will receive your CCA certificate and be able to use the CCA designation on your business cards and other professional materials.

2. Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) is a professional certification offered by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). It is designed to provide financial advisors and other investment professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage client portfolios.

The CIMA designation requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as asset allocation, portfolio management, risk management, and financial planning. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion is composed of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The oral portion consists of case studies and takes approximately two hours to complete. Both portions must be passed in order to receive the CIMA designation.

In order to sit for the CIMA exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of relevant experience in the investment industry or having completed IMCA's Certified Investment Management Analyst Program (CIMAP). In addition, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

The cost of obtaining the CIMA certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or retaking it for recertification purposes. For first-time test takers, the fee is $1,395 plus applicable taxes; for recertification test takers, the fee is $695 plus applicable taxes.

3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. It is an advanced credential that signifies expertise in financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethical and professional standards. The CFA program consists of three levels of exams that test candidates on their knowledge of investments, economics, accounting, ethics, and other related topics.

It typically takes four to five years to complete the CFA program. Candidates must pass all three levels of exams within a six-year period in order to become a CFA charterholder. To get started with the CFA program, candidates must have at least four years of professional experience in finance or related fields such as accounting or economics.

The cost of the CFA program varies depending on the candidate’s location and level of study. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 - $2,500 for the registration fee plus exam fees for each level which range from $650 - $1,200 per exam. Additionally, there are costs associated with study materials such as textbooks and practice exams which can add up to several hundred dollars more.

4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have met the education, examination, experience and ethical requirements established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. A CFP® professional has the knowledge and skills to help clients make sound financial decisions.

It typically takes approximately three years for an individual to become a CFP® professional. The process involves completing a bachelor’s degree, taking courses in financial planning, passing the CFP® Certification Examination, and obtaining relevant work experience in the field.

To become a CFP®, an individual must first complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing the educational requirements, applicants must then take courses in financial planning and pass the CFP® Certification Examination administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Once these requirements are met, applicants must obtain at least three years of relevant work experience in financial planning before they can be certified as a CFP® professional.

The cost of becoming a CFP® varies depending on factors such as course fees and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for tuition and exam fees alone. In addition to these costs, applicants may also need to pay for additional materials such as study guides or practice exams.

5. Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)

Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) is a professional designation offered by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to recognize financial professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in asset management. The AAMS program focuses on portfolio construction, asset allocation, and risk management.

The AAMS program consists of four courses: Financial Planning Process, Investment Principles and Risk Management, Portfolio Construction and Evaluation, and Behavioral Finance. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. After completing the four courses, candidates must pass an exam administered by the College for Financial Planning in order to earn the AAMS designation.

To get the AAMS designation, you must first complete the four required courses. Each course costs $395, so the total cost of obtaining the AAMS designation is $1580. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your AAMS designation from the College for Financial Planning.

It typically takes about six months to complete all four courses and pass the exam. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete each course and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam.

6. Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) is a professional designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. The CRPC designation is designed to help financial advisors gain specialized knowledge in retirement planning and help them better serve their clients.

To obtain the CRPC designation, an individual must complete the following requirements:

1. Complete the required coursework through the College for Financial Planning. This includes completing a four-course program which covers topics such as retirement income planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax planning.

2. Pass the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Exam (CRPC). This exam tests an individual’s knowledge of retirement planning concepts and strategies.

3. Meet experience requirements set forth by the College for Financial Planning. These include having at least three years of professional experience in retirement planning or related fields such as financial advising or tax preparation.

4. Maintain membership with the College for Financial Planning and adhere to its ethical standards and code of conduct.

The cost to obtain a CRPC designation varies depending on how you choose to pursue it; however, it typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500 USD depending on whether you choose to take courses online or in person and if you are eligible for any discounts or scholarships offered by the College for Financial Planning. It usually takes around six months to one year to complete all of the requirements necessary to obtain a CRPC designation once all materials are purchased and courses are completed.

7. Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)

Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) is a certification program offered by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of private wealth management advice. The CPWA credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex needs of high net worth clients and possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver integrated wealth management solutions.

To become a CPWA, candidates must have at least three years of experience in financial services or related fields. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge on topics such as estate planning, portfolio management, trust services, tax planning, retirement planning, philanthropy, risk management and more.

The IMCA offers several study materials for those looking to become CPWAs including textbooks, practice exams and online courses. Candidates are also encouraged to attend live seminars and review sessions hosted by IMCA.

The cost of becoming a CPWA varies depending on the study materials chosen. The exam fee alone costs $595 USD for members of IMCA and $795 USD for non-members. Additional study materials can range from $50-$500 USD depending on what is purchased.

Overall it takes around 6 months to prepare for the CPWA exam if you are studying full time with no prior experience in financial services or related fields. Those with some prior experience may be able to finish their studies sooner than 6 months.

8. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)

Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF). It is designed to provide financial professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage mutual funds and other investment vehicles. The CFS program consists of three courses covering topics such as portfolio management, economics, taxation, investment analysis, and more.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CFS program. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of mutual funds and other investments. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a series of three courses in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CFS program varies depending on which provider you choose. However, most providers charge between $1,000 and $2,000 for the entire program. This cost includes all course materials as well as any applicable fees or taxes.

In addition to completing the CFS program, applicants are also required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that financial professionals stay up-to-date on industry developments and best practices.

9. Registered Investment Advisor Representative (RIAR)

A Registered Investment Advisor Representative (RIAR) is an individual who has completed the necessary requirements to become a registered representative of a Registered Investment Advisory Firm (RIA). An RIAR is responsible for providing investment advice and services to clients.

In order to become an RIAR, individuals must pass the Series 65 or 66 securities exam, which covers topics such as investments, taxation, retirement planning, and financial planning. The exam typically takes between two and four hours to complete. After passing the exam, individuals must register with their state’s securities regulator and pay a fee. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$100.

Once registered, RIARs are required to complete continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain their license. These courses cover topics such as ethics, compliance regulations, and investment strategies. The cost of these courses vary depending on the provider but generally range from $100-$200 per course.

Overall, becoming an RIAR requires passing a securities exam, registering with the state’s securities regulator, and completing continuing education courses every two years.

10. 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 an internationally recognized standard of excellence for risk managers. The PRM certification provides assurance to employers, clients, and other stakeholders that the certified professional has met rigorous standards of knowledge and experience in risk management.

The PRM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional and Expert. Each level requires successful completion of a series of examinations. Candidates must pass all three levels in order to gain the PRM designation.

The time it takes to get the PRM designation depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying and taking exams. Generally, it takes between 6-18 months to complete all three levels.

To get the PRM designation, you must first register with PRMIA and pay the applicable fees. After registering, you will be able to access study materials and take practice exams online. When you are ready, you can then schedule your exams at one of the approved test centers located around the world.

The cost for getting the PRM designation varies based on which level(s) you are taking as well as any additional exam retake fees that may apply if needed. The total cost typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on your individual circumstances.

Do You Really Need a Client Associate Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your personal goals and the specific industry in which you wish to work. For some people, the Client Associate Certificate may be a valuable asset for their career. A Client Associate Certificate is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of client service and customer relations. This type of certification can be beneficial for those who want to pursue a career in customer service, sales, or marketing.

The Client Associate Certificate provides students with an understanding of how to manage clients, develop relationships with customers, understand customer needs and demands, communicate effectively with clients, and use technology to enhance customer service. It also helps them learn how to analyze data to better understand their customers and identify trends that could impact their businesses. Additionally, the coursework can help them develop problem-solving skills and practice negotiation techniques that will help them better serve their clients.

However, depending on the industry in which you plan to work, a Client Associate Certificate may not be necessary or even recommended. If you are looking for a job in finance or accounting, for example, this type of certification may not be necessary as long as you have other qualifications such as a degree in finance or accounting. Similarly, if your goal is simply to improve your customer service skills or gain more knowledge about working with clients in general then there may be other courses or certifications that would better meet your needs.

At the end of the day it’s important to consider what you hope to achieve from pursuing a Client Associate Certification and if it’s something that could benefit your career goals in any way. If so, then it could definitely be worth investing your time and money into obtaining this certificate as it could open up new opportunities for you down the line.

Related: Client Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Client Associate Certifications

1. What is a Client Associate Certification?

Answer: A Client Associate Certification is a professional certification for individuals working in client services roles, such as account managers and customer service representatives. The certification verifies that the individual has the knowledge and skills needed to provide superior customer service.

2. How do I get certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by a third-party organization, such as the Institute of Certified Client Associates (ICCA). The exam covers topics such as customer service principles, legal regulations, communication strategies, and problem-solving techniques.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete the certification process depends on the individual's prior experience and education level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to prepare for and successfully pass the ICCA certification exam.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to excellence in customer service, which can help you stand out from other job applicants or be eligible for promotions within your current organization. It also provides evidence that you are knowledgeable about industry standards and best practices for providing outstanding client services. Additionally, some employers may offer salary increases or other benefits to employees who have achieved this certification.

5. Does my certification expire?

Answer: Yes, most certifications have an expiration date after which they must be renewed in order to remain valid. Renewal typically requires attending additional training or passing an updated version of the original exam in order to demonstrate continued proficiency in client services roles.