In July 2009 IMCA implemented changes to the Certified Investment Management Analyst^SM certification program. The questions below provide you with more information about those changes. Click directly on the question to find the answer. For frequently asked questions regarding the process for attaining the CIMA^® certification, click here. For frequently asked questions regarding the CIMA and/or CIMC^® certification renewal process, click here.

Q	Why did IMCA institute changes to the CIMA certification program?
A	IMCA’s board of directors recognized the value of obtaining third-party accreditation for the CIMA certification program several years ago. Third-party accreditation is the defining distinction for designations, and it will strengthen the CIMA certification by building upon its 20-year history and preparing it for the demands of the future. In 2007 IMCA's certification committee commissioned and conducted a job-analysis study to identify the key responsibilities of a CIMA professional. Additional changes were implemented on July 1, 2009 to meet third-party accreditation standards. These changes allow the CIMA certification process to become more open, transparent, fair, objective, and impartial. To learn more about how the process changed on July 1, 2009, please download the "Overview of Changes to CIMA Certification" PDF by clicking here.
Q	What financial services designations are accredited?
A	You can find a listing of accredited designations on the Web sites of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) also hosts a list of financial designations, including accredited designations, on its Web site.
Q	Were there any changes to the ethical requirements for the designation?
A	There were no additional requirements for new applicants in regards to ethics. All designees must adhere to the IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice (which are currently under revision).All designees must sign and submit continued adherence to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice, and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks, as well as disclose any federal/state regulatory actions or complaints.
Q	What were the changes to the certification renewal process?
A	IMCA implemented changes to the CIMA/CIMC renewal requirements to simplify and streamline the renewal process and provide designees with more flexibility. All designees are responsible for completing and reporting 40 continuing education (CE) hours for every two-year certification period, and two of those hours must be ethics CE. For renewal periods commencing July 1, 2009, CIMA/CIMC designees are no longer required to report a minimum number of IMCA-sponsored CE hours. CIMA/CIMC designees are required to submit a Certification Renewal Application that includes a certification renewal fee, disclosure of all past or current violations, and a signed statement that IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice have been adhered to. For full renewal details download the Certification Renewal Application (PDF). Some designees must still report IMCA sponsored CE under old rules until the end of their current reporting period. Please lon on to "My IMCA" to determine if you need to report IMCA sponsored CE.
Q	Which designations are impacted by the certification renewal changes?
A	Only IMCA’s CIMA and CIMC designations are impacted by the rule changes. Certified Private Wealth AdvisorSM (CPWA®) designees will continue to obtain and report CE under their current rules.
Q	Can you provide me with details to help me understand how the 2009 certification renewal changes impact current designees?
A	Yes. A special “CIMA Transition Center” has been created on IMCA’s Web site with more details about the changes, including specific details for your certification period. To visit the center, click here. In addition, you will receive personalized communication from IMCA regarding your specific CE requirements as you near your certification period expiration.
Q	When did the 2009 certification renewal changes take effect?
A	All changes to the certification renewal process commenced on July 1, 2009.
Q	Why did IMCA decide to make changes to the certification renewal process?
A	IMCA instituted changes to the CIMA/CIMC designation renewal requirements to be in alignment with third-party accreditation standards and in an effort to simplify and streamline the renewal process and provide designees with more flexibility.
Q	With certification renewal changes what happens to the 6+ Rule?
A	Designees with six or more years of certification continue to operate under the current 6+ Rule until their first full, two-year certification renewal period occurring on or after July 1, 2009. For more information on IMCA’s 6+ Rule, click here.