For beginners entering the finance industry, earning certifications enhances your financial knowledge and improves your employability, helping you secure high-paying roles in banking, investment, and corporate finance. From Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) to Financial Risk Manager (FRM), candidates can earn top finance certifications based on their interests and career goals.
In this blog, we will explain the top finance certifications for beginners to help you build a strong foundation. We also provide a guide on how to choose the right finance certification, along with free online resources to learn finance that fit your personal goals, budget, and time.
Table of Contents:
What are Finance Certifications?
Finance Certifications are professional qualifications that show a person’s skills in a particular area of the financial industry, such as risk management, financial planning, or investment analysis. These certifications in finance are awarded by professional bodies after candidates have fulfilled the exams and relevant experience requirements. These certifications build trust, boost earning potential, show a commitment to quality, and enhance job prospects.
Top Finance Certifications for Beginners
Candidates looking to start their careers in finance can pursue various finance certificate programs that align with their career goals.
The following are the top 10 best finance certifications for beginners, selected based on career paths and time commitment:
1. Investment Banking Certification
If you are interested in finance and want to build a strong foundation, consider enrolling in our Investment Banking Course. The course covers valuation, financial modeling, Excel, and all the tools you will use daily in finance. It is designed for beginners and includes a certification from IIM Ranchi that adds real value to your resume. You will also learn how investment banks work and how financial deals are made. The program typically takes 11 months to complete.
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2. Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
The FMVA certification is for anyone who wants to learn how to build and analyze financial models in Excel. It covers everything from setting up forecast assumptions to creating the three key financial statements, cash flow statement, P&L, and balance sheet. Candidates gain practical skills in valuation, modeling, analysis, and forecasting that are useful for roles in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), private equity, and investment banking. The program typically takes 4-6 months to complete.
3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I
The CFA Level 1 is the first step toward earning the Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute. It introduces candidates to the core concepts of investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethics. The exam has 180 multiple-choice questions split into two sessions and covers topics like financial reporting, equity, fixed income, economics, and quantitative methods.
CFA Level 1 lays the foundation for anyone pursuing a career in investment management, asset management, portfolio strategy, or equity research. Most candidates take about 6-12 months to prepare, while completing all three levels typically takes 3-4 years.
4. Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Part I
The FRM Part I exam is the first of two exams awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). It focuses on essential tools used to measure and manage financial risk, including quantitative analysis, financial markets, valuation, and risk modeling. This certification suits professionals aiming for roles in risk management, credit risk analysis, compliance, or market risk analysis. Most candidates need around 6-12 months of preparation for FRM Part I before advancing to the second level.
5. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPA is a globally recognized accounting and finance credential awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It shows expertise in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and financial planning. Earning the CPA designation can open doors to roles in accounting, auditing, financial advisory, or finance consulting. Candidates must pass four exams and meet experience and education requirements. Most complete the entire process within 12-18 months.
6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It focuses on financial planning, analysis, control, and strategic management instead of just basic accounting. The CMA proves strong skills in decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. It prepares professionals for leadership roles such as management accountant, controller, or financial analyst. Most candidates complete both CMA exams within 3-4 years, depending on their study schedule.
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7. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a global qualification for careers in accounting, taxation, and auditing. It is respected by employers worldwide, including the Big 4 firms. To earn the ACCA qualification, you need to pass up to 13 exams, complete an online ethics module, and gain three years of professional work experience. You can enroll in the course after completing your 12th with the required marks in Math and English. Most people complete ACCA in about 2-4 years, depending on their study speed and academic background.
8. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification is for professionals who guide people and businesses in managing their money and achieving financial goals. It covers investment, retirement, insurance, tax, and estate planning. To earn the CFP designation, you need a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, and to pass all CFP exams. The CFP is globally respected and is ideal for those who want to build careers in personal finance or wealth management. It usually takes 6 months to 24 months to complete the course.
9. Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
The Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification, offered by the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP), is for experts in treasury and finance. It tests knowledge of corporate liquidity, risk management, and cash flow through a two-hour exam with 100 MCQs. Preparing for it usually takes 80-100 hours of study over 2-6 months. Candidates also need relevant work experience or a degree to qualify for the exam. Also, after earning the certification, you must renew it every three years to stay certified.
10. NSE Academy Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM)
The NSE Academy Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) is an online program by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) that tests practical knowledge of financial markets. It offers over 50 modules on topics such as investing, financial analysis, and trading. There are no strict eligibility requirements, though having basic computer skills is a plus. Completing the certification takes 1-2 months, depending on the module and study pace.
How to Choose the Right Finance Certification
Choosing the right finance professional certification depends on several factors, including personal goals, time, and budget.
Here are some simple steps to help you decide:
1. Know Your Career Goal
The first question to ask is, what job do you want? The path for each role is different. If you want to work in banking or corporate finance, consider FMVA or CFA. If you are more interested in helping people manage their money, go for CFP.
2. Evaluate Time and Cost
Each finance certification requires a different level of investment in both money and time. Some are quicker and more affordable, while others demand more commitment. So, choose based on what you can realistically afford right now.
3. Match it to Your Learning Style
Ask yourself whether you prefer working with data and spreadsheets or reading about complex theories. Finance certifications like FMVA are hands-on and practical, while others, like CMA, are more theory-heavy and exam-oriented. So, choose the one that fits how you learn best.
4. Research Employers Demand
Before making a choice, explore current job listings. See which certifications are frequently mentioned for the roles you are aiming for. That helps you see what employers really want.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right certificate in finance is an important strategic decision for any professional looking to advance their career in the financial industry. These finance certifications, like CFA, CPA, or FRM, offer the targeted expertise and can help you gain job-relevant skills, enhance your resume, and make you a more marketable candidate in the finance industry. Think about the kind of role you want, asset management, public accounting, risk analysis, or personal financial advising, and choose the certification that fits best with your career path.
Top Finance Certifications – FAQs
Q1. What are the best free ways to learn finance online?
You can learn finance for free through trusted online platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube channels. They offer beginner-friendly lessons on budgeting, investing, and personal finance without any cost.
Q2. Are finance professional certifications worth the extra effort?
Yes, finance professional certifications are worth the extra effort as they show employers your dedication, specialized expertise, and a commitment to professional development, which can boost your career and earning potential.
Q3. Which is the best financial certification for investment banking?
The CFA is the most widely recognized and respected certification for investment banking and other investment-related roles. It provides the deep theoretical knowledge needed for equity research and portfolio management.
Q4. Should I get a finance certification or an MBA?
This depends on your specific career goals. An MBA offers a broad business education suitable for high-level management, while a certification like the CFA or CPA offers specialized, in-depth knowledge in a specific area of finance.
Q5. Can I pursue a finance certification with a bachelor's degree in a different field?
Yes, many finance certifications, including the CFA, do not require an undergraduate degree specifically in finance. However, they do require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Q6. What is the average salary increase after getting a finance certification?
While results can vary, certified professionals often experience a significant salary boost. For example, some research suggests certified professionals can earn 25%-50% more than their non-certified peers.