CIPM® Program
CIPM Program overview
Distinguish yourself as a leading professional in the field of investment performance measurement. The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®) leverages the expertise of CFA Institute, a respected global leader in investment education, ethics, and standards. By developing your skills for performance evaluation and manager analysis, you’ll gain the trust of clients, colleagues, and the wider finance community.
Earn the leading designation for performance evaluation
Gain the skills for effective investment performance (return and risk) evaluation, manager selection, and investment reporting – based on the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) standards.
The CIPM Program builds your knowledge across several key areas of performance measurement. You’ll need to complete both levels to achieve the CIPM designation (CFA® Charterholders and candidates who have successfully completed the final level of the CFA® Program can register directly for Level II of the CIPM Program.)
Why earn the CIPM designation?
Mark of distinction
Stand out with advanced portfolio evaluation, and manager search and selection skills.
Exam exemptions
Use your charterholder status to enter and complete the CIPM Program directly at Level II.
Continuing education
Demonstrate your commitment to maintaining globally relevant and practice-based investment performance and risk evaluation skills.
Global gateway
Be recognized by investment management professionals and institutions around the world who respect CFA Institute credentialing programs.
Deep insights
Add a deeper level of understanding to performance results, risk analysis, and reporting.
Build stronger client relationships
Gain the trust of clients through an expert understanding and explanation of performance results.
For a summary of the CIPM Program’s key benefits and structure, download the CIPM Program factsheet.
How to earn and maintain the CIPM designation
The following steps detail how to earn your CIPM designation and maintain your status with ongoing professional learning opportunities:
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Enroll in the CIPM Program by registering for the Level I exam
There are no entrance requirements for Level I. If you're a CFA Charterholder or have successfully completed the Level III CFA exam, you can register directly for Level II.
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Complete Level I and Level II exams
CIPM exams are offered in March and September.
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Become a regular member of CFA Institute
You need to be a regular member of the CFA Institute to earn the CIPM designation. Learn more about applying for membership.
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Maintain your Mandatory Professional Learning (MPL)
As a CIPM designation holder, you need to complete at least 15 credits each year to maintain your designation.
Who should enroll
The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement is particularly beneficial if you work in one of the following roles:
- Investment Performance Analyst
- Investment Consultant
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Analysts / Managers
- Compliance Officer
- Financial Adviser / Planner
- Manager of managers
Study tools to support your learning
The Learning Ecosystem is our comprehensive digital learning platform, available when you register for the CIPM Program. Adaptive and mobile-friendly, it lets you learn at your own pace, when and where it’s convenient for you.
Through the Learning Ecosystem, you’ll access the official program curriculum as well as study tools like personalized study plans, mock exams, flashcards, and more.
Testimonials from CIPM designation holders
The CIPM Program provides a great learning experience, allowing you to continue your education and stay on top of everything that's changing in the industry. I highly recommend taking the CIPM exam.
Earning the CIPM designation has really influenced the direction of my career. I would recommend anybody who is considering it to take the program. In addition to being a great credential for just building your resume and experience, the information in the curriculum is very valuable.
The CIPM designation can lead to so many different opportunities, whether it is in investment management, or other private credit or private investment designations. It gives you a broad breadth of the market and the underlying metrics involved in investments.
When a position opened in the performance group, I applied and once accepted, started my performance measurement journey. I was strongly encouraged to undertake the CIPM designation, and over a decade later, it continues to yield significant benefits.
CIPM® Program
- Credential - 2 levels / 2 exams
- Advanced level
- 155 hours per level
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
Frequently asked questions
There are no specific prerequisites for enrolling in the CIPM Program, although candidates typically have some experience in investment performance measurement, analysis, or a related field.
Earning the CIPM designation helps professionals gain advanced knowledge in performance attribution, GIPS® Standards, and risk management, improving career prospects and credibility in the investment industry.
The CIPM Program consists of two levels and can typically be completed within 18 months, depending on the candidate's pace of study and other commitments.
From studying through to exam day and beyond, we have a variety of resources to help you successfully complete the CIPM Program. Visit CIPM Program candidate resources to learn more.
Explore CIPM Program
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