Sign In
Toggle navigation

CPWA® Certification Candidate Resource Center

 

 

CPWA Study Resources
The support you need

We are here to provide the guidance and innovative tools you need to manage the examination process more easily. Developed by leading subject matter experts, we compiled some helpful resources to guide you through your exam preparation process. 

Getting started

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.

To begin, start with downloading the CPWA® Candidate Handbook. The handbook provides information on learning objectives, testing centers, exam day preparations and more.  

Review Investments & Wealth Institute's Code of Professional Responsibility.

If you are interested in the detailed content outline, please view the CPWA® certification Core Body of Knowledge. This will serve as a study guide for the Certification Exam.

The following are the high-level core topics:

 

CPWA Core Body of Knowledge

 

Calculator Resources


Candidates should familiarize themselves with an acceptable financial calculator. Guidance for using non-programmable calculators can be found on the independent websites: eLearnAbout or TVM Calcs.

Investments & Wealth Institute's Calculator Policy for the CPWA® Certification Examination

Investments & Wealth Institute will allow use of the following calculators on Certification Examinations: HP 10b, HP 10bII, HP 10bII Plus, HP 12C, HP 12C Platinum, HP 17B, HP 17BII and HP 17BII Plus, as well as the Texas Instrument BA II Plus, BA II Plus Professional and BA II Plus Business Analyst. Newer and older versions of these calculators will be allowed for use.

Candidates are required to clear their financial calculator's memory prior to an exam.  Any notes, including manually programmed formulas, will not be allowed in the testing area. If the calculator has notes/formulas printed on the calculator, or includes any other information, it must be removed or covered by solid color tape. Calculators are subject to inspection by test center staff.

(Note: Investments & Wealth Institute​ does not endorse or recommend any specific model for use on the CPWA® Certification Examination.)

Certificant and Candidate Complaint Process—Certificants and candidates can file a complaint with Investments & Wealth Institute about certification policy, practice, or decisions. Complaints must be in writing, and can be submitted by email, mail, or fax to Investments & Wealth Institute. Complaints must originate directly from the certificant and be incorporated into the Certification Complaint Form or the Candidate Complaint Form.

All complaints will be reviewed by an Investments & Wealth Institute management team including its Chief Executive Officer. After review, complaints involving a request to change certification policies may be forwarded to the appropriate volunteer body with governing authority over the particular certification policy. With regard to complaints about all other certification activities, the certification department management team will make a determination.  If the complaint does not relate to certification activities, it will be forwarded to the Senior Director of Administration and Chief Executive Officer for review and resolution. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.