Top 11 Securities Analyst Certifications

Certifications for securities analysts are important in the job market for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of a specific area of expertise. This can be beneficial when competing against other applicants for positions as it shows employers that the candidate is committed to staying current with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, certifications may provide access to exclusive job postings and networking opportunities. Finally, some employers may require certain certifications in order to be considered for a position. Therefore, having a certification can make the difference between getting an interview or not.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Securities Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a securities analyst's career.

What are Securities Analyst Certifications?

Securities analyst certification is a professional designation that provides financial professionals with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to analyze securities. The certification is granted by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute after passing three rigorous exams.

The CFA program enables analysts to develop a deep understanding of financial analysis, portfolio management and ethical standards. It is designed to provide analysts with a comprehensive view of all aspects of security analysis, including fundamental and technical analysis, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting, corporate finance and investment management. This knowledge helps analysts make informed decisions when buying or selling securities.

The CFA certification also enhances an analyst's credibility in the eyes of employers and clients. Companies are increasingly relying on CFA certified analysts to assess potential investments because they know that these professionals have obtained the highest level of education available in their field. Furthermore, many employers prefer to hire those with the CFA designation because it demonstrates commitment to professional development and continuing education.

In addition, CFA certified analysts often find themselves in higher-level positions within financial organizations due to their extensive training and expertise in security analysis. This can result in better job opportunities and higher salaries than those who do not have a credential like the CFA designation.

Overall, becoming a Certified Financial Analyst can give an individual an edge over other applicants when seeking employment or advancing their career in the finance industry. It also provides them with the tools needed to make sound investment decisions that will benefit their clients as well as themselves.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in securities analyst certification. It is important to stay informed on the requirements and changes in the industry to ensure that you maintain your certification and remain competitive.

Related: What does a Securities Analyst do?

Top 11 Securities Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Securities Analysts today.

1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation offered by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA designation is widely recognized as the highest standard of excellence in the investment management industry. To earn the CFA designation, candidates must pass three levels of exams and have four years of qualified work experience in the investment field.

The CFA program typically takes three to four years to complete. Candidates must pass all three levels of exams within a six-year period to receive their charter. Each level consists of 10 topics that cover a wide range of investment topics, including financial analysis, portfolio management, ethics, and economics.

To become eligible for the CFA program, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in finance or related fields. They must also be members in good standing with the CFA Institute and pay an annual membership fee.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on when you register and your country/region. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD per exam plus additional fees for study materials and registration fees.

2. Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)

Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) is an internationally recognized designation for financial professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competence in the area of investment management. The CIM designation is awarded by the Chartered Investment Management Institute (CIMI), a non-profit organization that provides education and certification for financial advisors, portfolio managers, and other professionals in the investment industry.

To obtain the CIM designation, applicants must first complete a minimum of four courses from CIMI's curriculum. These courses cover topics such as portfolio management, risk management, financial statement analysis, and economics. After completing these courses, applicants must pass an examination administered by CIMI to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the material.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual's study habits and availability. Applicants may take up to two years to complete the program if needed.

The cost of obtaining the CIM designation varies depending on which courses are taken and how many times they are taken. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 USD to $2,000 USD or more depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional accountant who has met the education, experience and examination requirements of the state in which they practice. CPAs are licensed by their respective state boards of accountancy to provide accounting services to the public.

The process of becoming a CPA varies by state but generally requires at least 150 semester hours of college coursework, including a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field; passing the Uniform CPA Examination; and completing one to two years of professional experience in accounting or related fields.

To become a CPA, you must first meet your state's educational requirements. Most states require that you have at least 150 semester hours of college coursework, including a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. In addition, some states may require that you complete additional coursework specific to their jurisdiction.

Once you have met your educational requirements, you must then pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). This exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The exam is administered over two days with each section taking approximately four hours to complete.

After passing the exam, most states require that you also complete one to two years of professional experience in accounting or related fields before applying for licensure as a CPA. This experience can be obtained through internships or full-time positions with public accounting firms, private companies or government agencies.

The cost to become a CPA varies depending on your state's requirements but typically includes application fees, licensing fees, examination fees and continuing education costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 to become licensed as a CPA depending on your individual circumstances.

4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to those who have met certain educational, experience, and ethical requirements. The CFP designation signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of competency in financial planning and is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

It usually takes about three years to obtain the CFP credential. To become certified, individuals must complete a college-level program in personal financial planning approved by the CFP Board; pass the comprehensive two-day CFP Certification Examination; obtain at least three years of full-time financial planning related experience; and agree to abide by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

In order to get the CFP certification, you must first meet all eligibility requirements set out by the CFP Board. These include completing an approved education program in personal financial planning, passing the two-day certification exam, obtaining at least three years of full-time financial planning experience, and agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Once all these requirements are met, you can then apply for certification with the CFP Board.

The cost for obtaining your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential depends on several factors such as which educational program you choose to take and whether or not you need additional study materials or review courses for taking the exam. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited program will range from $3,000-$7,000 depending on where you attend school and how long it takes you to complete it. Additionally, there is a $525 fee for taking the exam itself as well as annual renewal fees once you become certified ($325).

5. Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is a professional certification offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). It is the world’s leading and most respected designation for financial risk managers. The FRM certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of financial risk management, including market, credit, operational, and liquidity risks. It is intended to equip risk professionals with the tools they need to identify and manage potential risks in their organizations.

The FRM program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. Each level has its own exam which must be passed in order to obtain the certification. The exams are administered twice a year, in May and November.

In order to qualify for the FRM program, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in financial risk management or related fields. They must also complete an application process that includes submitting an essay and paying a fee.

The cost of obtaining the FRM designation depends on whether you take both levels or just one. For both levels, it will cost approximately $1,400 USD plus any applicable taxes. If you choose to only take one level, it will cost approximately $800 USD plus any applicable taxes.

Overall, obtaining the Financial Risk Manager designation can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in financial risk management as well as open up new career opportunities within the field.

6. Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)

Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) is an internationally recognized certification for financial professionals. It is a professional designation awarded by the Association of Certified International Investment Analysts (ACIIA). The CIIA certification program provides an in-depth understanding of international investment analysis and portfolio management.

The CIIA program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II and Level III. Each level has its own set of exams that must be taken and passed in order to obtain the certification. In order to become a CIIA, you must first pass all three levels of the exam within a five-year period.

Level I focuses on understanding the basics of international investment analysis and portfolio management, while Levels II and III focus on more advanced concepts such as derivatives, risk management, portfolio optimization, and asset allocation.

In order to get the CIIA certification, you must first register for the ACIIA’s online portal where you will be able to access all the necessary materials needed to prepare for the exams. You will also need to pay a fee in order to take each exam. The fees vary depending on your country of residence but typically range from $200-$400 USD per exam.

Once you have successfully completed all three levels of the exam, you will receive your official CIIA certificate which can be used as proof of your professional qualifications when applying for jobs or promotions within the financial industry.

7. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in alternative investments. It is the most widely recognized and respected credential for professionals working in the alternative investment industry. The CAIA designation is awarded by the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA).

The CAIA program consists of two levels, each with its own exam. Level I covers topics such as alternative asset classes, portfolio management, risk management and legal/regulatory issues. Level II focuses on more advanced topics such as portfolio construction, hedge fund strategies, private equity and real estate investments.

It typically takes around 18 months to complete both levels of the CAIA program. To get started, you must first become a member of the CAIAA and pay an annual membership fee of $695 USD. You then need to register for each level of the exam separately and pay an additional fee of $1,295 USD per level.

Once you have successfully completed both levels of the exam and met other requirements set out by the CAIAA, you will be eligible to receive your CAIA designation. This will allow you to demonstrate your expertise in alternative investments to employers or clients and may help open up new career opportunities in this field.

8. Professional Risk Manager (PRM)

Professional Risk Manager (PRM) is a designation given to individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of risk management. PRM certification is offered by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA). This certification program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage risk in organizations.

The PRM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as financial markets, investments, derivatives, enterprise risk management, and insurance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies. The exam fee is $995 USD.

In order to be eligible to take the PRM exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution is required, as well as three years of professional experience in risk management or related fields. Candidates must also complete an online application and submit a resume for review by PRMIA.

The entire process from application submission to receiving your results typically takes about two months. If you pass the exam, you will receive your PRM designation within four weeks of passing the exam.

The cost for taking the PRM Exam includes both the registration fee and any applicable taxes or fees associated with it. The total cost for taking the exam is approximately $1,100 USD (including taxes).

9. Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA)

A Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA) is a professional designation awarded by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA). The CM&AA designation is designed to recognize those advisors who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of mergers and acquisitions.

To become a CM&AA, an individual must first complete the AM&AA’s certification program. This program consists of three courses: Introduction to Mergers & Acquisitions, Advanced Mergers & Acquisitions, and Valuation for M&A Transactions. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. Once all three courses are completed, the individual must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CM&AA certification program is $3,000 USD. This fee covers all three courses and the final exam.

Once an individual has successfully completed all requirements for the CM&AA designation, they will be recognized as an expert in mergers and acquisitions and will be eligible to provide advice on such matters to clients.

10. Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA) is a professional designation offered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a division of fi360. This designation is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of fiduciary responsibility and the laws, regulations, and best practices associated with it.

The AIFA credential requires that candidates complete an online course as well as an in-person exam. The online course consists of six modules covering topics such as investment management, fiduciary standards of care, and retirement plan regulations. The in-person exam covers topics such as investment policy statements, asset allocation strategies, and retirement plan design.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the AIFA program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. In order to become certified, you must pass both the online course and the in-person exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the AIFA program varies depending on your country of residence but generally ranges from $1,495-$2,095 USD plus applicable taxes.

11. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP).

The Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation is a professional certification program for individuals who work in corporate treasury and financial management. It is administered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The CTP certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who manage corporate cash, investments, banking, risk management, and international finance.

To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as cash flow management, risk management, financial instruments, and international finance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the CTP exam, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least four years of experience in treasury or financial management; completion of a minimum of 40 hours of formal training in treasury or financial management; and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You may also be eligible if you have five years of experience in treasury or financial management without a degree.

Once you are eligible to take the exam, you can register online through the AFP website. The cost for the exam is $595 for members of AFP and $795 for non-members. After passing the exam, you will receive your CTP designation along with a certificate from AFP recognizing your achievement.

Do You Really Need a Securities Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A Securities Analyst Certificate can be a valuable asset for those looking to break into the securities analysis field. Those who already have experience in the field may find that they do not need the certificate.

For those who are just beginning their career, having a certificate can be beneficial. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand what it takes to be successful in it. It also demonstrates your commitment to making yourself a better analyst by investing in your education and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in securities analysis.

Having a certificate can also open up opportunities for further training and advancement within the field. Many employers prefer candidates with some sort of certification or formal training because they know these individuals will be better prepared to handle more complex tasks and make sound decisions when analyzing markets and investments.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Securities Analyst Certificate is up to them. If you feel that having one would give you an edge over other applicants or help you gain more knowledge about the industry, then getting certified may be worth considering.

Related: Securities Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Securities Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Securities Analyst Certification?

Answer: A securities analyst certification is a professional designation that demonstrates expertise in the field of securities analysis. It is typically earned through passing an exam and/or completing certain educational requirements.

2. Who should pursue a Securities Analyst Certification?

Answer: Professionals who are looking to enter or advance in the field of securities analysis, such as financial analysts, portfolio managers, and research analysts, may benefit from obtaining a securities analyst certification.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

Answer: The specific qualifications for becoming certified vary depending on the organization offering the certification. Generally, applicants must have a college degree and pass an examination demonstrating their knowledge of securities analysis topics.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: Again, this depends on the organization offering the certification; some certifications may be obtained within weeks or months while others require more intensive study and could take longer periods of time to complete.

5. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a securities analyst certification can vary widely depending on which organization you are pursuing your certification with; fees may include application fees, exam fees, and other associated costs such as study materials or classes.