It is given, to enter the finance field with a strong foothold or to take your career to a new level, you need to fill the knowledge loopholes and learn top-notch technical skills. And you can learn this all by doing certified courses in the field of finance.
Aspiring students and professionals working in the world of finance might know some top-notch certified finance programs to boost their career prospects. However, for those who are new to this field and are eyeing opportunities to make a career in finance, let’s first know about financial certificates.
What are financial certifications?
Financial certifications are certified programs obtained once you complete critical courses in finance, for example, CFA, ACCA, FRM, Financial modeling, and investment banking courses.
Let’s see the list of financial certifications before discussing the four most popular courses in no particular order.
- CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
- ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- FRM – Financial Risk Manager
- CPA – Certified Public Accountant
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner
- CAIA – Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
- CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- CMA – Certified Management Accountants
- CMFC – Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor
- ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant
4 Most popular certified finance programs
- CFA
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is among the best, also known as one of the most difficult programs to pursue. However, obtaining a CFA designation is worth all the effort if you are looking to master financial investment and management.
The course has three levels, and you need to study hard to clear all three levels as the passing rate of this program is lower than any other financial certifications.
The career or job roles you can consider after obtaining a CFA designation are in the field of asset management, equity research, private equity, and investment banking. If you are considering taking this program, start by researching CFA institutes and CFA level 1 fees in your city.
- ACCA
Although not as popular or reputed as CFA, ACCA comes second close. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is among the competent and legal accounting global body. By obtaining their qualification, you get recognized as an employee who has the necessary skills and ability in all aspects of the finance business.
To obtain ACCA designation, one needs to clear 14 written examinations in English along with relevant business experience. Although the maximum time given to clear ACCA is ten years, it normally takes 2-3 years to clear all three ACCA levels.
Finance students and experienced professionals consider working as bankers, auditors, consultants, taxation, and law professionals. If you are considering pursuing the ACCA program, search for ACCA classes in Mumbai. You can also take ACCA coaching from your home. Look for ACCA online classes to start or excel in your finance career.
- CPA
If accounting is more your favorite than finance, then you should consider taking this course. The CPA-certified program is authorized by AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and is the best designation for aspiring accountants and tax consultants. The passing rate for the first attempt of this course is 50%. The only limit of this course is it is majorly focused on corporate finance.
- FRM
For those who want to become risk analysts, FRM is an ideal certification for you. FRM is best for those who want to make their mark in the targeted or niche finance sector. The designation is administered by GARP (The Global Association of Risk Professionals) and has an amazing pass rate of 50%. However, this rate changes every year.
These are some of the popular financial certifications you can consider based on your career goal. No matter certification you choose, obtaining a certain license or designation will certainly improve your career prospect and open exciting job opportunities for you.