Top 11 Investment Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for an investment specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers value. By obtaining certifications, investment specialists can demonstrate to employers that they have an understanding of the complex concepts and strategies involved in the financial markets. Certifications can also be used to distinguish one candidate from another, as some certifications may offer specialized knowledge and skills that are not widely available. Additionally, certifications are often required for certain positions or promotions within a company and can increase an individual’s chances of success when applying for such positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Investment Specialists and explain how they can enhance an investment specialist's career.

What are Investment Specialist Certifications?

Investment specialist certification is a type of professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of investment management. This certification allows individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the area of investments, which can be beneficial to both employers and clients.

The certification process typically involves completing a program offered by an accredited institution or taking part in an exam administered by a professional organization. This program or exam will evaluate the individual's understanding of the principles and techniques used in managing investments, as well as their ability to identify, analyze, and make decisions related to investments.

By obtaining investment specialist certification, individuals demonstrate they have the necessary skills and knowledge required to effectively manage investments for clients. This can be especially beneficial for those seeking employment in financial services firms such as banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, or other organizations offering investment advice and services. Additionally, it can help individuals build credibility among potential clients because it shows they are knowledgeable about investment management practices. Furthermore, having this certification may also qualify an individual for higher salaries or other job opportunities within the finance industry.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various investment specialist certifications available and determine which one best meets your needs. Many certifications require a certain amount of experience, so make sure you are prepared to meet any requirements before enrolling in a program. Additionally, look for programs that offer continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes.

Related: What does an Investment Specialist do?

Top 11 Investment Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Investment Specialists today.

1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a professional certification offered by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA credential is widely recognized as the highest standard of excellence in the finance and investment industry. It is designed to help financial professionals gain expertise in areas such as portfolio management, risk management, financial analysis, and ethical and professional standards.

It typically takes four years to complete all three levels of the CFA program. Each level requires passing an exam that covers topics such as economics, accounting, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management, and wealth planning.

To become a CFA charterholder you must:

1) Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent;

2) Pass all three levels of the CFA Program exams;

3) Have at least four years of qualified work experience in the investment decision-making process; and

4) Become a member of the CFA Institute.

The cost for each level of the exam varies depending on when you register. The cost for Level I ranges from $650-$1,400 USD while Level II and III range from $700-$1,500 USD each. Additionally there are membership fees associated with becoming a member of the CFA Institute which range from $220-$420 USD depending on your location.

2. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to individuals who have met certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. The CFP designation is recognized as the highest standard in financial planning and is held by more than 80,000 professionals worldwide.

To become a CFP professional, one must complete an approved college-level education program that focuses on financial planning topics such as investments, taxes, retirement planning, estate planning and risk management. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass the CFP Certification Examination which consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The exam covers topics such as investments, tax planning, retirement planning, insurance planning and estate planning.

In addition to passing the exam and completing the educational requirements, individuals must also meet certain experience requirements before they can be awarded the CFP designation. Individuals must have at least three years of full-time personal financial planning experience or equivalent part-time experience with a minimum of 1,500 hours per year during this period.

The cost to take the CFP Certification Examination varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $695-$795 USD for members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). The cost for non-members is typically higher. Additionally there are other costs associated with becoming a CFP professional such as application fees and continuing education credits that need to be completed each year in order to maintain your certification status.

Overall it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to become a Certified Financial Planner depending on how quickly you complete your educational requirements and pass the exam.

3. Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC)

Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation awarded by the Canadian Securities Institute. It is designed for experienced financial advisors who want to specialize in providing advice on investments and portfolio management.

To become a CIC, an individual must have at least three years of experience as a registered representative with a securities dealer, and must pass the Chartered Investment Counselor Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as portfolio management, securities analysis, taxation, and ethics.

The exam fee is $395 plus applicable taxes. The exam can be taken online or in-person at one of CSI's designated testing centers across Canada. It typically takes between four to six hours to complete the exam.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their CIC designation from CSI. They will also need to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their designation.

4. Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) is a professional designation offered by the Investments & Wealth Institute, formerly known as the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have expertise in investment management and financial planning.

The CIMA certification requires a comprehensive course of study that covers topics such as portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, performance measurement and evaluation, investment strategies and tactics, and fiduciary responsibilities. The program also includes an extensive exam that tests knowledge of the subject matter.

To obtain the CIMA certification, candidates must complete a series of educational requirements including: completing a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education credits each year; passing two exams administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute; and meeting experience requirements for their specific role in investment management.

The cost to obtain the CIMA certification varies depending on whether you are an IMCA member or non-member. For IMCA members, it costs $1,995 to enroll in the program plus $595 for each exam. For non-members, it costs $2,495 to enroll plus $795 for each exam. The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you can complete all of the required components.

5. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is a professional designation awarded by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA). It is the world's first and only alternative investment designation, and it is designed to provide financial professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyze alternative investments.

The CAIA program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. Level I focuses on basic concepts in alternative investments, while Level II covers more advanced topics such as portfolio management, risk management, and derivatives. To obtain the CAIA designation, candidates must successfully pass both levels of the exam.

The total time required to complete the program depends on how quickly you can study for and pass each level of the exam. Generally speaking, it takes about six months to one year to complete both levels of the exam.

To get started with studying for the CAIA exams, you will need to register with CAIAA and purchase their official study materials. You can also find numerous additional resources online that may help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of obtaining the CAIA designation varies depending on where you live. In general, it costs around $2,000 USD for both levels of the exam plus any additional study materials or resources that you may choose to purchase.

6. Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)

Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) is a professional designation offered by the International Association of Financial Planners (IAFP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of international wealth management. The CIWM credential demonstrates that an individual has attained a comprehensive understanding of international financial markets, global investments, and strategies for managing cross-border wealth.

In order to become a Certified International Wealth Manager, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. They must have at least five years of experience in international finance or investments, as well as hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must pass the CIWM exam administered by the IAFP.

The CIWM exam consists of two parts: the written portion and the practical application portion. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as international investment principles, global capital markets, asset allocation strategies, and portfolio management techniques. The practical application portion requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations through case studies and simulations.

The cost for taking the CIWM exam varies depending on where you take it and how many times you take it. Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $300-$500 USD per attempt. Additionally, there are some additional costs associated with becoming certified such as membership fees for IAFP and other related organizations.

Overall, it typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements necessary to become a Certified International Wealth Manager.

7. Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) is a professional designation that signifies a high level of expertise in the field of investment management. The AIF designation is awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, an affiliate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. To earn the AIF designation, individuals must complete a rigorous program and pass a comprehensive exam.

The AIF program consists of four courses: Investment Basics, Investment Policy Statements, Risk Management and Portfolio Construction, and Investment Manager Selection. Each course requires approximately 40 hours to complete, so it takes about 160 hours to finish the entire program.

To get started on the AIF program, you must first register with the Center for Fiduciary Studies and pay an enrollment fee of $1,500. Once registered, you will have access to all four courses online and can start studying right away. After completing each course, you will take an exam that covers material from all four courses. You must pass each exam with at least 70% accuracy in order to receive your AIF designation.

Once you have passed all four exams and earned your AIF designation, you will be eligible to use the AIF logo on your business cards or website as proof of your credentials as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF).

8. Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM)

Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM) is a professional designation awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) to individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of wealth management, investment advice, and financial planning.

The CWM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of an examination as well as a minimum number of years of experience in the field. In order to qualify for the Advanced Level, candidates must have completed both the Professional and Foundation Levels.

The CWM program takes approximately two years to complete if you are studying full-time. However, it can take longer if you are studying part-time or taking time off from work to study. The cost of the CWM program varies depending on your choice of institution but typically ranges from £2,000 - £4,000 per year.

9. Professional Risk Manager (PRM)

Professional Risk Manager (PRM) is a professional designation awarded by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA). The PRM designation is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of risk management.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the requirements for the PRM designation. To become a PRM, one must first pass two exams: the PRM Foundation Exam and the Advanced Topics Exam. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and require a minimum passing score of 70%. Once both exams have been passed, applicants must submit their application for review by the PRMIA Board of Examiners.

The cost for taking the PRM Foundation Exam and Advanced Topics Exam is $595 each. If an applicant passes both exams, they will then need to pay an additional fee of $395 for processing their application.

In addition to these fees, applicants may also be required to pay annual membership dues in order to maintain their PRM designation. These dues vary depending on which type of membership is chosen but typically range from $95-$495 per year.

10. Certified Private Equity Professional (CPEP)

The Certified Private Equity Professional (CPEP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the private equity industry. It is awarded to those who have completed a comprehensive course of study and passed an examination administered by the Association for Private Equity and Venture Capital Professionals (APECV).

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the CPEP program, depending on the individual's level of experience. To become certified, individuals must first complete an online application, which includes submitting proof of education, work experience, and other relevant information. Once approved, they can begin studying for the exam. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Private Equity & Venture Capital; Financial Modeling & Valuation; Investment Analysis & Due Diligence; and Fundraising & Exit Strategies.

To get certified, individuals must pass all four courses and the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the CPEP program varies depending on the institution offering it but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 USD.

11. Chartered Market Technician (CMT).

Chartered Market Technician (CMT) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in technical analysis of financial markets. CMTs are trained to interpret and analyze market data, identify trends and patterns, and develop strategies to help investors make informed decisions.

The CMT program is administered by the Market Technicians Association (MTA) and consists of three levels of exams: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires a minimum number of hours of study and passing an exam. The Level III exam must be taken at an MTA-approved testing center.

It typically takes two years or more to complete the CMT program depending on the amount of time available for studying. It is recommended that candidates begin their studies with Level I before proceeding to Levels II and III.

The cost of taking the CMT exams varies depending on the level being taken, but generally ranges from $400-$600 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. The cost also includes access to practice materials, such as sample questions, study guides, and other resources provided by the MTA.

In addition to passing all three levels of exams, candidates must also meet certain professional experience requirements in order to become certified as a Chartered Market Technician. This includes having at least three years of relevant work experience in technical analysis or related fields such as finance or economics.

Do You Really Need a Investment Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual goals and aspirations. A Certificate in Investment Specialist can be a great way to gain additional knowledge and skills that could help you advance in the field of investments, but it may not be necessary for everyone.

If you are already working in the investment industry or have an extensive background in finance, an Investment Specialist Certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to break into the investment industry or want to learn more about investments, then an Investment Specialist Certificate could provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that would give you a competitive edge.

When considering whether or not to pursue an Investment Specialist Certificate, consider what specific areas of investments you would like to learn more about and how this certificate will help you achieve your goals. Depending on your specific interests, there are many different types of certificates available that can provide specialized training in certain areas such as financial planning, portfolio management, security analysis, and risk management. These certificates can also help build confidence in your ability to evaluate potential investments and make sound decisions when it comes to managing a portfolio.

Additionally, having an Investment Specialist Certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the field of investments and increase your chances of being hired by employers who specialize in this area. In addition to increasing your knowledge base, these certificates can also show prospective employers that you have taken initiative by investing time and energy into learning more about investments.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to pursue an Investment Specialist Certificate should depend on what type of career path you want to take within the investment industry and how much additional knowledge and experience you need before making a successful transition into this area.

Related: Investment Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Investment Specialist Certifications

1. What is an Investment Specialist Certification?

Answer: An Investment Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of investments. It is awarded by various organizations, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Institute for Financial Markets (IFM).

2. How do I obtain an Investment Specialist Certification?

Answer: Generally, you will need to complete relevant courses or pass exams to obtain an Investment Specialist Certification. Depending on the organization awarding the certification, you may need to have a certain amount of experience in investments or demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in order to qualify for certification.

3. What are the benefits of having an Investment Specialist Certification?

Answer: Having an Investment Specialist Certification can help you stand out among other potential job candidates and show potential employers that you have a comprehensive understanding of investment principles and practices. Additionally, it can give you access to career opportunities with higher salaries and greater responsibility.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining an Investment Specialist Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Investment Specialist Certification varies depending on which organization is offering it, as well as whether or not you choose to take additional courses or pay for any exam-prep materials. Generally speaking, however, most certifications range from $500-$2,000 USD.

5. How long does it take to get certified as an Investment Specialist?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified as an Investment Specialist will vary depending on which certification program you choose and how quickly you complete the necessary coursework and exams. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months if all requirements are met in a timely manner.