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Best investment associate certifications

The best certifications for an investment associate are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Investment associate certifications demonstrate your competency as an investment associate to employers. However, not all investment associate certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best investment associate certifications. Obtaining an investment associate certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

6 best investment associate 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.

Certification details
  • 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? 
Certifying website
Chartered Financial Analyst
Certifying organization
CFA Institute

2. Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI)

The Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI) Program is a three-course education program in Bahasa Indonesia specifically designed to meet the industry education requirements of professionals in Indonesia. Recognized by the Insurance Directorate, Ministry of Finance and the Life Assurance Association of Indonesia (AAJI), who also requested LOMA create the program, the CPLHI Program provides a comprehensive business education for life and health insurance professionals.

Certification details
  • 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? Yes
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying organization
LOMA

3. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountant candidates must pass a national exam certifiying that they are eligible to be licensed in the state(s) of their choosing. Information about state licensing requirements is made available in the Licensed Occupation tool.

Certification details
  • 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? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Public Accountant
Certifying organization
American Institute of Certified...

5. 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.

Certification details
  • 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? 
Certifying organization
CAIA Association

6. 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.

Certification details
  • 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? 

What is the best certification for an investment associate?

The best investment associate 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 associate 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 associates?

The most in-demand investment associate certification is Chartered Financial Analyst based on all active job postings. Having this investment associate certification will give you access to more investment associate jobs with higher salaries.

Best certifications

The most common combination of investment associate certifications include: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Online courses for investment associates to earn certifications

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