What certifications should I get for finance

The finance industry offers abundant opportunities for career specialization. But with so many financial certification options, you may wonder which designations will make you stand out the most to potential employers and clients.

Explore common financial certifications that can help you transform your career.

What are financial certifications?

Financial certifications are credentials financial professionals can earn to establish authority and trust with potential clients and employers. Although they aren't necessary to work in finance, these certifications can help prove you have the training and expertise to provide high-quality financial services.

Some financial professionals get certifications that help them create a career specialization. It's also common for financial professionals to earn and stack multiple certifications, allowing them to provide more services.

What certifications are the most recommended for finance professionals?

Although the best certification for you depends on your career goals, the most recommended for financial professionals often include:

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

• What it works with: Institutional money and stock investment management
• Prerequisites: Three courses and exams and three years of relevant professional experience

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is responsible for managing and analyzing commercial investments. Whether these investments are in real or financial assets, CFAs are instrumental in deciding what buying and selling decisions will provide the greatest returns. Many CFAs work in commercial and investment banking or risk management and analysis.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

• What it works with: Individuals' money and investment management
• Prerequisites: CFP Board-certified college program and exam and a bachelor's degree

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) assesses clients' financial needs to decide what investment, tax, saving, and estate planning decisions will help them best achieve their goals. Many CFPs can land jobs like portfolio manager, financial analyst, or wealth management advisor, assisting individuals in building wealth and preparing for financial longevity.

Financial Modeling Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

• What it works with: Profit and investment value projections
• Prerequisites: Corporate Finance Institute's (CFI) Honor Pledge, CFI FMVA courses, and an exam with a score of 80% or higher

A Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification helps financial professionals work predicting the outcomes of business decisions. Financial modeling and valuation allow business professionals to make strategic, data-based decisions. Many people who get FMVA certifications go on to work as investment bankers, equity researchers, and private equity analysts.

Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)

• What it works with: Mutual fund management and advising
• Prerequisites: Institute of Business Finance (IBF) CFS course and exam, 30 hours of continuing education every two years, and a bachelor's degree or a year of financial industry experience

A Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) designation equips financial professionals with specialized skills to manage profitable mutual funds. A CFS may assess mutual fund valuation and risk, and if you get the licensure, you can buy and sell funds. People who become CFSs are often mid-to-late career financial advisors or planners.

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

• What it works with: Public funds management
• Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree, two years of professional governmental financial management experience, and three CGFM examinations

A Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) manages municipal, state, or federal government money. These public employees often work as accountants, auditors, financial reporters, or budgeters and monitor the flow of public funds.

Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA)

• What it works with: International and domestic market analysis
• Prerequisites: Three years of financial industry experience, membership to a participating financial society, and regional and international CIIA exams

A Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) designation signifies a financial professional's ability to provide services in domestic and international markets. Recognized by 34 countries, this certification is a testament to your knowledge of financial regulations and strategies worldwide. Some countries require a CIIA designation to work in the finance industry.

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)

• What it works with: Stock market investment analysis
• Prerequisites: Three years of financial industry experience, an investment consultant role, a record of ethical conduct, an approved executive education course, an exam, and 40 hours of continuing education every two years

A Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) is a financial professional specializing in investment risk, performance, and ethics analysis. These analysts often work with large companies and clients to maximize investment returns. According to the Investments and Wealth Institute (IWI), which issues the CIMA designation, 33% of CIMA-certified advisors earn an annual salary of $380,000 or more.

Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)

• What it works with: High-net-worth financial management
• Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree, CIMA, RMA, CFA, CFP, or ChFC certification, or a CPA license, five years of financial industry experience, an IWI-approved executive education course, and an exam

A Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) works with high-net-worth clients to maintain and build their wealth. This advanced certification, issued by the IWI, provides specialized knowledge about wealth transfer, tax management, and legacy planning unique to high-net-worth individuals. The IWI reports that the mean per-client assets of CPWAs are over $7 million — nearly four times higher than non-CPWA practices.

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

• What it works with: Financial advising and planning
• Prerequisites: A high school diploma, three years of full-time experience in a financial field, 27 college credit hours, and 30 hours of continuing education every two years

A Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a financial advisor certified by the American College of Financial Services (ACFS). These financial consultants can advise a diverse range of clients, including small businesses, individuals, and families. As a ChFC, you may work in financial services that include estate planning, insurance, and tax planning.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

• What it works with: Financial risk measurement and mitigation
• Prerequisites: Two years of professional financial experience and two exams

Financial Risk Managers (FRM) assess financial risks and work to mitigate them for an investor or company. FRMs are generally responsible for calculating the risks of a business move, allowing leadership to make data-driven decisions that maximize investment returns. They may also monitor external economic factors to help companies avoid losses and damages.

Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

• What it works with: Financial and tax planning
• Prerequisites: Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation

Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) is a certification for CPAs who want to expand their services to include financial planning. This specialization allows tax professionals to use their expertise to inform clients' financial decisions. Many CPAs/FPSs provide estate and retirement planning, small business consulting, and investment management alongside their tax services.