How to Get Certified

To obtain the ACAMS CAMS certificate individuals must take and successfully pass the affiliated namesake CAMS exam, which requires individuals to go through a three-step process. This has been outlined below:

• Submit an application

  After gaining membership at ACAMS, individuals are required to submit an application form along with payment. To be eligible to send an application, individuals must meet the following requirements: hold an active ACAMS membership, have 40 ACAMS credits, possess an education (10 credits for associates, 20 credits for bachelors, 30 credits for masters, and 40 credits for JD, or PhD), possess work experience (10 credits for each year of work experience), and have training (1 credit for an hour of training in the field of financial crime).

• Be a member of ACAMS

  Individuals may gain membership of ACAMS as individuals, as part of an enterprise, as public sector workers, or as part of a chapter. Members are required to make a standard membership payment.

• Take the actual CAMS exam

  After an individual is found to be eligible and their application has been approved, they may go on to schedule their CAMS evaluation.

Exam Details

The CAMS is a 3.5-hour test consisting of 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. To pass and obtain the CAMS certification, test-takers must achieve a score of 75 or more. ACAMS recommends that candidates arrive/log in 30 minutes before the scheduled time for the official exam as latecomers may not be allowed to take the test and this allows ample time for check-in. Test-takers are also required to bring along with them the two forms of current and valid government-issued identification. Please note that the identification must include a photograph and signature. Also, please ensure that the name used when registering for the real exam is one and the same as it appears on the identification.

The benefit in Obtaining the CAMS Exam Certification

• Increasing their skilled worth through a higher understanding of financial crime detection and hindrance techniques
• Meeting mandated AML training needs through preparation and study
• Proving their AML experience to examiners and regulators
• ACAMS conducted a survey recently and the findings were pretty interesting on average, professionals who had their ACAMS made $25,000 more than their colleagues who did not have the CAMS certification!
• Protecting their company from money laundering threats and minimize money crime risks

Reference: https://www.acams.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/EN-CAMS_011924.pdf

Who should take the CAMS exam

The CAMS certification is an internationally-recognized credential that identifies persons who earn it as possessing specialized AML knowledge. AML professionals who earn the CAMS designation position themselves to be leaders in the business and to expertise professional growth. If a candidate wants significant improvement in career growth needs enhanced knowledge, skills, and talents. The CAMS certification provides proof of this advanced knowledge and skill. If a person fulfills the following eligibility requirements of the CAMS exam then he should take this exam.

• Document a minimum of 40 qualifying credits based on education, other professional certification and professional expertise in the field.
• Submit supporting documents.
• Provide three professional references.