Prospective CPWA® candidates who are new to the program must submit an online application and fee. The online application takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Submission of an application will result in a background check conducted by Investments & Wealth Institute staff. Within ten business days, prospective candidates will be notified of official acceptance into the program.
Submit the certification application and meet the prerequisites, which are:
-
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or one of the following certifications or licenses: CIMA®, RMA®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC® or a CPA license.
-
Five years of experience in financial services at the time of certification.
- Successfully complete a comprehensive background check.
And select a registered education program:
| |
Chicago Booth |
Yale Online |
| Member |
US$7,295 |
US$7,295 |
Includes two-year membership
Depending on the registered education program you select, CPWA® coursework can be completed through a combination of self-study and in-person executive education, or completely online.
Upcoming Classes
| Class Type |
Enrollment Deadline* |
Self-Study |
In-person Program ** |
| Chicago Booth |
September 30, 2023 |
September 2023 - March 2024 |
March 18 - 22, 2024 |
| Chicago Booth |
January 15, 2024 |
January - June 2024 |
June 10 - 14, 2024 |
| Chicago Booth |
March 1, 2024 |
March - September 2024 |
September 9 - 13, 2024 |
| Yale Online |
Ongoing |
Virtual |
Virtual |
*Classes have limited capacity and may fill up before the enrollment deadline.
**Program dates subject to change and COVID-19 restrictions. If the in-person program cannot be held as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, then the program will be delivered virtually by livestreaming.
Completion of the education program is a requirement for CPWA® certification. The content presented during the program is designed to be educational, and should not be solely relied upon for test preparation. Instructors do not have specific knowledge of exam questions.
Candidates must complete the CPWA® Certification Exam, a 4 hour-long, computer-based examination administered at local Pearson VUE testing centers or through Proctor U for online testing.
The exam is comprised of 135 multiple-choice questions.
Time Commitment:
To successfully prepare to sit for the Certification Examination, the recommended study time is 10-15 hours per week for approximately 6 months. Successful candidates report studying a total of 100-250 hours to prepare for the exam.
Once Investments & Wealth Institute receives successful exam results from the testing center, candidates will receive an email to complete the final steps:
- Document a minimum of five years of verified work experience in financial services.
- Sign a license agreement to adhere to the Investments & Wealth Institute's Code of Professional Responsibility and the appropriate use of the certification marks.
- Pay initial certification fee.