Tag personal finance certifications

Obtaining personal finance certifications can enhance our knowledge and demonstrate value to an employer. Choosing the right personal finance certification is dependent upon career specialization and career goals. Personal finance certifications are designations that demonstrate expertise and knowledge in a specific field. Personal finance certifications like CFP(ertified Financial Planner), CFS(Certified Fund Specialist), CGFM(Certified Government Financial Manager), CIIA(Certified International Investment Analyst), and CIMA(Certified Investment Management Analyst) will strengthen the resume of a personal finance professional. Now let us delve into the details of various personal finance certifications that will help personal finance professionals scale heights of excellence in career.

CFP(Certified Financial Planner)

CFP(Certified Financial Planner) certification is intended for professional financial planners and it is a certification coveted by personal finance professionals. It showcases a personal finance professional’s competence, integrity, honesty and diligence regarding financial matters. The CFP exam contains 170 multiple choice questions and prerequisites include 6000 hours of professional experience, 4000 hours of apprenticeship experience, bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, passing a background check, passing the CFP exam, general finance principles, professional conduct and risk management.

CFS(Certified Fund Specialist)

The duty of a Certified Fund Specialist is to  advise clients about investments and buy and sell funds for them. This certification is from the Institute of Business and Finance and it demonstrates knowledge in mutual fund and the industry. Accountants,  bankers, brokers, money managers, and personal financial advisors are the major beneficiaries of CFS certification. The Certified Fund Specialist certification process includes three proctored online exams and a case study.

CGFM(Certified Government Financial Manager)

Personal finance professionals looking for a career in federal, state or local governments can enroll in CGFM(Certified Government Financial Manager). It features financial reporting, internal controls, auditing, and accounting for government organizations. Bachelor’s degree, professional experience in government financial planning, and passing three CGFM exams are the prerequisites involved in CGFM. Governmental environment, governmental accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, government financial management, and government financial control are the examination topics of CGFM.

CIIA(Certified International Investment Analyst)

The CIIA(Certified International Investment Analyst) tests the knowledge of economics, corporate finance, portfolio management, equity analysis, equity valuation, fixed income valuation, fixed income analysis, derivative valuation and derivative analysis. This personal finance certification is provided by ACIIA(Association of Certified International Investment Analysts). Its requirements include three years of professional experience in portfolio management, investment or financial analysis, membership in a participating national society and passing all CIIA exams. Foundational level exams covering core topics like corporate finance, economics and portfolio management is the major feature of CIIA.

CIMA(Certified Investment Management Analyst)

Financial analysts, investment consultants, wealth management experts and financial planners can immensely get benefitted from CIMA(Certified Investment Management Analyst). Prerequisites of CIMA(Certified Investment Management Analyst) include at least three years of experience, completing the CIMA education program, holding the CIMA certificate in relevant qualifications, and passing a background check. Its computer based exam covers ethics, asset allocation, due diligence, risk measurement and investment policy. CIMA qualified personal finance professionals should sign an agreement indicating that they adhere to the Investments and Wealth Institute’s code of professional responsibility. They should complete at least forty hours of CE credits every two years and the compliance requirement should be completed annually.