Overview
Following initial certification and authorization to use the CIMA^® and Certified Investment Management Analyst^SM marks, the CIMA certification must be renewed every two years. By meeting IMCA’s ongoing competency requirements of continuing education (CE) and by adhering to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice, CIMA professionals demonstrate to the public that they are individuals who have voluntarily agreed to meet high standards of professionalism in a changing financial world. CIMA professionals’ compliance with IMCA’s standards helps to ensure the integrity of the certification marks.

One of the hallmarks of a profession is its dedication to keeping its members in tune with the world around them and assuring the public that these individuals are up-to-date with the most important information. CE plays an important role in the CIMA professional’s pursuit of ongoing competence. Recognizing the importance of staying proficient in an ever-changing landscape, IMCA has made CE one of its requirements for renewal.

CIMA Certification Renewal Requirements
The certification period begins on the first day of the month that the license is effective, runs for two years and then expires on the last day of the renewal month. The current period for each individual licensee is available on IMCA’s Web site, under My IMCA.

There are three requirements to renew the CIMA license. Each CIMA licensee must:

• Complete and report 40 hours of CE during the two-year renewal period.
• Disclose any federal/state regulatory actions or complaints (e.g., FINRA).
• Pay a renewal fee of $500 for the next two year period. (This fee is waived for those who have maintained their IMCA membership over the previous two years.)

The CE reporting, disciplinary disclosure and payment must be received prior to the expiration date of the CIMA licensee’s current two-year reporting period. The continuing education requirement is effective immediately upon initial certification. All reported CE hours must be processed by IMCA on or before the expiration date of the renewal period in order to avoid license expiration.

According to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, it is incumbent upon each licensee to report any legal investigations or proceedings relating to professional or business conduct, disciplinary complaints or actions that may have occurred within the last two years. There is a section of the Non-IMCA Continuing Education Hours Submittal Form that addresses this question. Failure to disclose and subsequent determination that there has been such disciplinary action or investigation will result in a review by IMCA’s Professional Review Board. See the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for more information.

Any CIMA licensee who satisfies the continuing education requirement but has not been a member of IMCA for both years of the renewal period is subject to a $500 renewal fee. IMCA will send a reminder letter with an invoice for the fee due and the payment due date.

Failure to meet the renewal requirements will result in loss of the right to use the CIMA marks. IMCA will issue a certified letter to the address of record notifying the licensee to cease use of the marks.

Recertification requirements may change at the discretion of IMCA’s Certification Committee. CIMA licensees will be notified in advance of the changes. To download the CIMA Designation Renewal Requirements booklet, click here.