IDEAS
Experience
The program prerequisites include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA®, CIMC®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC® or CPA license
- Acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA’s form U-4 or other regulatory requirements
- Five full years of professional client-centered experience in financial services or a related industry
- Two letters of reference from an IMCA member, professional supervisor or currently licensed professional in financial services or a related industry
STEPS to Attaining the CPWA Designation
- Submit an application detailing a minimum of five (5) years of relevant client-centered experience, with references. The total cost for the 2008 program, including room and board, materials, and instruction, is $7,475 (member) or $7,975 (nonmember).
- Complete the pre-study educational component. Students are provided with reading materials, assignments and online quizzes during the pre-study program.
- Attend the entire 5-day in-class portion of the program at The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
- Pass the comprehensive examination.
- Sign a License Agreement, authorizing the use of the mark—CPWASM.
- Maintain the designation through continuing education and adherence to the IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility.
If planned appropriately, CIMA designees could be able to maintain both designations without having to incur significant additional expense. The My IMCA section of IMCA’s Web site is a valuable tool in helping designees review and track their CE activity.
