Certified Investment Management Analyst®
The CIMA® certification covers portfolio construction, asset allocation, and manager selection for sophisticated investment strategies.
Certified Success
Advanced Certifications for Advisors
The CIMA®, CPWA®, and RMA® certifications are how experienced advisors develop the technical expertise to address the complex wealth needs of clients.
Explore Our CertificationsExpand What You Bring to the Table
Whether your focus is investment management, private wealth, or retirement planning, our certifications equip you with practical expertise and respected credentials that drive better client outcomes.
Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
The CPWA® certification covers tax, estate, and wealth transfer planning for HNW clients with complex, multi-generational portfolios.
Retirement Management Advisor®
The RMA® certification covers Social Security timing, sequence risk, and drawdown strategy for clients approaching retirement.
Not Sure Which Certification Is Right for You?
Certified Advisors, Trusted by HNW Clients
$601M
Average team assets under management for Institute-certified advisors.
Source: Investments & Wealth Institute and Absolute Engagement, Investments & Wealth Research (Issue 2, 2023)
93.5%
of Institute-certified advisors rate their certification as highly valuable.
Source: CEG Insights survey, Investments & Wealth Monitor, Jan/Feb 2025.
88%
of HNW clients say advanced certifications are important when evaluating an advisor.
Source: Absolute Engagement, Investments & Wealth Review, Forthcoming (2026)
Expertise That Shapes Careers
“The knowledge I gained through the Institute’s programs, combined with insights from colleagues across the industry, proved instrumental in shaping my professional path. This foundation equipped me to serve high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions, and ultimately guided my career toward leadership roles within trust companies, institutional retirement plans, and family offices.”
“The Investments & Wealth Institute has been instrumental in advancing both my career and my professional practice. Beyond the designations, the Institute’s ongoing education consistently keeps me informed of emerging financial trends, best practices, and evolving industry standards. I genuinely appreciate the Institute’s commitment to excellence and its meaningful role in helping advisors better serve their clients.”
“The Institute has provided a valuable, disciplined framework to help ensure that I stay alert to various techniques and emerging trends in investment and financial planning to better serve the clients of our team and attract new relationships. The conferences have been wonderful forums as well to meet like-minded advisors across the spectrum of various firms.”
How Advisors Build Advanced Expertise with the Institute
From your first course to your certification and beyond, the Institute provides you with resources to keep growing as an advisor.
Explore resources
Access award-winning publications, research, blogs, and podcasts.
Earn a certification
Build technical depth with CIMA®, CPWA®, or RMA® certification.
Advance your learning
Strengthen your skills with on-demand, practitioner-led courses.
Become a member
Join a community of advanced practitioners with ongoing access to research, continuing education, and events.
Attend Experience
Connect with peers at Experience, our flagship member event, designed for advanced learning.
The Latest Online Courses for Financial Advisors
Practitioner-led, on-demand courses address the specific situations that arise in complex client work. Pick a topic, complete the course on your schedule, and apply what you learn the same week.
15 Continuing Education Hours
15 Continuing Education Hours
5 Continuing Education Hours
Investing in the Next Generation of Advisors
To reduce barriers for entry into the financial advisory profession, The Institute provides scholarships that improve access to our premier certifications and education for those who are underrepresented in our industry.
Learn More
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