To become CIMA-certified, all candidates must:

  1. Submit an application (fee included) to the Investments & Wealth Institute.
  2. Pass a background check.
  3. Complete an approved executive education program.
  4. Pass the CIMA® certification exam.
  5. Pass a secondary background check and demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
  6. Sign a License Agreement and pay an initial Certification Fee.

Application Fees

  Current Member Becoming a Member Nonmember
Fee (USD) $600 $995 $1,095
Includes
  • Application Fee
  • Background Check
  • Certification Exam Fee
  • 1-Year IWI Membership
  • Application Fee
  • Background Check
  • Certification Exam Fee
  • Application Fee
  • Background Check
  • Certification Exam Fee

Registered Education Provider Fee

Candidates who pass the initial application phase must complete an executive education program from one of the following institutions:

  • Yale School of Management (US)
  • Wharton School University of Pennsylvania (US)
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business (US)
  • Portfolio Construction Forum (AUS)

Visit the Investments & Wealth Institute website for more information on executive education costs.

Re-Take Fee (If Necessary)

Candidates must wait at least 30 days before re-attempting the CIMA® exam.

  Member Nonmember
Fee (USD) $225 $325

Initial Licensing Fee Upon Certification Completion

  Current Member Becoming a Member Nonmember
Fee (USD) $275 $620 $895

Renewal Fee

Upon earning your CIMA® certification, you are required to renew your credential every 2 years. Visit the Investments & Wealth Institute website for more information.

CIMA® Investment (and Why the Credential is Worth It)

According to the IWI, the cost to obtain the CIMA designation—including all fees, executive education, and exam prep—ranges from $5,000 to $9,000. This is a sizable investment, but consider the potential for return based on these figures from IWI:

  • $380k average earnings
  • $297 million average AUM
  • 75% client wallet share

CIMA-certified advisors also report increased confidence, competence, and compensation compared to other financial advisors.

Get more info on the value of CIMA® here!