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Best investment analyst certifications
Investment analyst certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an investment analyst to employers. However, not all investment analyst certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an investment analyst are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I (CAIA).
Below is a list of the best investment analyst certifications. Obtaining an investment analyst certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for investment analysts
| Rank | Investment analyst certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | CFA |
| 2 | Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) | GARP |
| 3 | Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I (CAIA) | CAIA |
| 4 | Bloomberg Market Concepts - Bloomberg Certification (BMC) | Bloomberg |
| 5 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 6 | Certified Financial Planner (CFP) | CFP |
| 7 | Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) | IMCA |
| 8 | Alternative Investment Analyst Charter (CAIA Charter) | CAIA |
8 best investment analyst certifications
1. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA charter is recognized as the definitive standard by which to measure the competence, integrity, and dedication of serious investment professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
The FRM program is rigorous and is designed to measure a candidate's grasp of the latest technical and industry knowledge; successful completion of the program signifies a candidate's ability to keep pace with a rapidly changing financial landscape.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I (CAIA)
By completing the program and becoming a member of the CAIA Association, you earn the right to use the CAIA designation - The Global Mark of Distinction in Alternative Investments. In addition, you obtain networking access to others in this specialized field, as well as ongoing educational opportunities and a variety of industry resource discounts.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Bloomberg Market Concepts - Bloomberg Certification (BMC)
Boost your skill set — and super-charge your marketability — with a Bloomberg Certification. The quickest way to do this is with our eight-hour self-directed e-learning course, Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC). With modules on Economics, Fixed Income, Equities, Currencies and using the Bloomberg Terminal, BMC will help you emerge with an edge.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
6. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The CFP certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals in the U.S.who have been authorized to use the CFP certification mark have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)
The CIMA offers an intense educational experience focusing on asset allocation, manager search and selection, investment policy and performance measurement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Alternative Investment Analyst Charter (CAIA Charter)
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst program provides individuals with the core competencies required to create, manage, and monitor an institutional-quality portfolio consisting of both traditional and alternative investments.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
What is the best certification for an investment analyst?
The best investment analyst certification is Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is awarded by the CFA Institute. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this investment analyst certification:
- To become a certified Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for investment analysts?
The most in-demand investment analyst certification is Chartered Financial Analyst based on all active job postings. Having this investment analyst certification will give you access to more investment analyst jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an investment analyst career and salary?
The Certified Investment Management Analyst certification will help you to secure an investment consultant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An investment consultant's average salary is $91,745 whereas investment analysts make an average salary of $79,056.
The most common combination of investment analyst certifications include: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Level I (CAIA).
Online courses for investment analysts to earn certifications
1. The Complete Financial Analyst Training & Investing Course
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10. Value Investing With Fundamental Analysis - DCF Valuation
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16. Value Investing Strategies for Stock Market Investing
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17. The Complete Guide To Retail Real Estate Investing
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18. The Complete REIT Investing Course (Updated 2023)
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19. Financial Statements: Balance Sheet, Income Stmt, Cash Flow
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20. The Real Estate Financial Modeling Bootcamp
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