CPWA® Certification Requirements

Walk through the CPWA® application process and costs—and step up your wealth management expertise.

Apply Now

Have questions about CPWA® certification?

We’re here to help.

Phone Icon
Schedule a Call

Speak to an enrollment counselor.

Laptop Icon
Introductory Webinars

Get direct answers in our live presentations.

The CPWA® Certification Process

1

Select an education provider and apply

Getting started is simple. Your application connects you with both IWI and your selected education provider.

Laptop Icon

First, ensure you meet the prerequisites.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
OR
CIMA®, RMA®, CFA®, CFP®, or ChFC® certification or a CPA license
AND
5 years of experience in financial services at the time of certification

Second, select a registered CPWA® education provider.

When choosing your preferred provider, verify that the course format (online or hybrid), application deadline, and course schedule works for you.

COMPARE EDUCATION PROVIDERS

Then, submit your application to IWI.

Applying online takes about 20-30 minutes. IWI staff will complete a background check and within 7-10 business days, we’ll notify you of your official acceptance and send your information to your education provider.

Apply Now

Resources for Applicants

WHO IS CPWA® FOR
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

$7,295* │ CPWA® Cost: Application & Education Program

*CPWA® Accelerator Pack—which includes test-prep materials, test-taking techniques, and unlimited exam retakes—can be purchased for $595.

2

Complete the CPWA® education program

"The CPWA® certification is worth its weight in gold. It’s definitely been the best program that I have ever gone through from a continuing education and expertise standpoint. After completing the course, I saw immediate benefits from the program."

Erik Averill
CPWA®, CFP®, CKA®
3

Prepare and pass the exam

The certification exam is a 4-hour, 135-question computer-based examination administered in person at local Pearson VUE testing centers or online through Meazure Learning. Your first exam attempt is included in your initial application and education program fee.

PREP FOR THE CPWA® EXAM

$225 │ Exam Retake Fee

4

Complete your CPWA® certification

Once IWI receives your successful exam results, we’ll send an email with your final steps.

  • Document at least 5 years of verified work experience in financial services.

  • Sign your agreement to adhere to IWI’s Code of Professional Responsibility and certification marks usage guidelines.

  • Pay your certification fee, which includes a 2-year Basic Investments & Wealth Institute membership.

$395 │ Initial Certification Fee

Total cost of CPWA® certification

$7,295 Application and Education

$395 Initial Certification Fee


$ 7,690 Total Cost

Other potential costs

$595 CPWA Accelerator Pack

$225 exam retake fee

5

Stay connected/relevant and maintain your certification

In the dynamic wealth management landscape, continuing education (CE) and professional development are required to stay competitive and relevant.

IWI certificants must complete 40 CE credits every 2 years. IWI makes CE study, reporting, and certification renewal simple and efficient.

Certification Renewal Requirements

Looking for a Custom CPWA® Certification Solution for Your Teams?

Build better, longer relationships with high-net-worth clients—and deliver tangible results—by sponsoring private group classes for your firm’s CPWA® candidates.

Explore Partner Solutions

Ready to take the next step?

Phone Icon
Schedule a Call

Speak to an enrollment counselor.

Laptop Icon
Introductory Webinars

Get direct answers in our live presentations.