CIPM® Program
CIPM Program overview
Distinguish yourself as a leading professional in investment performance measurement with the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®). Leveraging CFA Institute's expertise as a global leader in investment education, ethics, and standards, this program develops your skills in performance evaluation and manager analysis to gain the trust of clients, colleagues, and the wider finance community. You'll master effective investment performance evaluation, manager selection, and reporting based on Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®).
Completed CFA® Program? Jump straight to CIPM Level II
The program requires completion of both levels to achieve the CIPM designation, with CFA® Charterholders and final-level CFA Program candidates eligible to register directly for Level II.
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 globally relevant performance and risk evaluation skills.
Global gateway
Gain recognition from global investment professionals who value CFA Institute credentials.
Deep insights
Add a deeper level of understanding to performance results, risk analysis, and reporting.
Build stronger client relationships
Build client trust by expertly understanding and explaining 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
Understanding Investment Performance Measurement
Learn how the CIPM® Program can benefit you with CFA Managing Director in Education, Chris Wiese.
Study tools to support your learning
The Learning Ecosystem is your all-in-one platform for CIPM Program prep—complete with curriculum, practice questions, mock exams, and more. It’s adaptive, mobile-friendly, and built to fit your schedule.
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.
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.
CIPM® Program
- Credential - 2 levels / 2 exams
- Advanced level
- 155 hours per level
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
29th Annual GIPS® Standards Conference
Join us on 11-12 November in Phoenix as industry and regulatory experts discuss the latest trends and challenges in investment performance. And to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of CIPM, all CIPM designees and candidates are eligible to purchase tickets at the launch pricing of USD 1195.
Interested in group or team purchases?
Submit an inquiry and one of our specialists will contact you to discuss.
