Compare Certifications from The Institute
CIMA®, CPWA®, and RMA® certifications empower you to deliver advanced, high-impact advice across every stage of the client lifecycle. Build expertise that elevates you, your team, and your clients’ outcomes.
Take the Quiz
Speak to an Enrollment Counselor
All programs go beyond foundational designations, equipping you to solve the complex needs of affluent and ultra-high-net-worth clients
Certified Investment Management Analyst®
The advanced certification for investment management expertise
CIMA® professionals master sophisticated investment theory, portfolio construction, and behavioral finance to deliver evidence-based advice for affluent and institutional clients.
Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
The advanced certification for serving high-net-worth clients
CPWA® professionals address the complex needs of affluent clients with sophisticated planning strategies that go beyond basic wealth management.
Retirement Management Advisor®
The advanced certification for retirement planning needs
RMA® professionals specialize in sustainable income generation and longevity risk management, helping clients navigate retirement with confidence.
Snapshot Comparison
CIMA® | CPWA® | RMA® | |
|---|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Investment management and portfolio construction | Private wealth & advanced planning for HNW clients | Retirement income & risk management |
Ideal For | Financial advisors & investment consultants | Wealth managers serving HNW/UHNW clients | Advisors guiding clients into or through retirement |
Key Topics | Asset allocation Portfolio theory Behavioral finance Performance analysis | Tax, estate, and legacy planning Family dynamics Asset protection | Income sources Retirement risks Client behaviors |
Experience Required | Three years | Five years | Three years |
Not sure which path fits your goals?
"Having the CPWA® designation really classifies me as one of the experts in the high-net-worth service space. It’s definitely something that makes you stand out as an advisor."
Alyssa Dalbey, CFP®, CPWA®
Schultz Financial Group Inc.
"Up until now there hasn't been any formal training available to teach advisors the important differences between planning for accumulation and planning for retirement income. The RMA® program is changing that. They developed a specialized curriculum one studies to become an RMA, or Retirement Management Advisor®. The material is fabulous and offers a tremendous amount of insight into the difference between accumulating assets and 'decumulating' assets."
Dana Anspach, CFP®, RMA®, Kolbe Certified Consultant
Founder, Sensible Money, LLC
"The CPWA® certification is a valuable next step for CFP® advisors who want to grow the knowledge base and skill set they need to build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth and other sophisticated investors."
Kevin Sánchez, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley
"The CIMA® program provides the kind of sophisticated investment and wealth knowledge and tools I need to stay relevant and competitive in today's marketplace."
Noel Pacarro-Brown, CIMA®, CPWA®
Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, The Conscious Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
"My participation in the RMA® certification program has given me practical insight that I can use every day when working on retirement issues with my clients. The certification process has helped me grow my business and my network."