Under new SEC regulations that go into effect on October 12, 2010, investment advisors registered with the SEC must provide brochure supplements describing their educational and business backgrounds. Advisors whose fiscal years end on December 31 must deliver the brochure supplement (Part 2B) to new clients by July 31, 2011, and to existing clients by December 30, 2011.

Full descriptions available for use in Brochure Supplements for the CIMA, CIMC, and CPWA certifications can be found below. In addition, a complimentary IMCA white paper with more details about the new regulations is available for download as well.

Descriptions about CIMA and CIMC certifications for Brochure Supplements:

Certified Investment Management Analyst^SM (CIMA^®)
The CIMA certification signifies that an individual has met initial and on-going experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for investment management consulting, including advanced investment management theory and application. Prerequisites for the CIMA certification are three years of financial services experience and an acceptable regulatory history. To obtain the CIMA certification, candidates must pass an online Qualification Examination, successfully complete a one-week classroom education program provided by a Registered Education Provider at an AACSB accredited university business school, pass an online Certification Examination, and have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements. CIMA designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice, and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CIMA designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification. The designation is administered through Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).

The CIMA certification has earned ANSI^® (American National Standards Institute) accreditation under the personnel certification program. The American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, is a private non-profit organization that facilitates standardization and conformity assessment activities in the United States. CIMA is the first financial services credential to meet this international standard for personnel certification.

Certified Investment Management Consultant (CIMC)
As of December 2003, new CIMC certifications are no longer granted. When the designation was issued, its content focused on investment consulting. Current CIMC designees can maintain the designation through Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). CIMC designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice, Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks, and have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements. CIMC designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the designation.

Descriptions about the CPWA designation for Brochure Supplements:

CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR^® (CPWA^®)
The CPWA designation signifies that an individual has met initial and on-going experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for the professional designation, which is centered on private wealth management topics and strategies for high-net-worth clients. Prerequisites for the CPWA designation are: a 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; have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements and five years of professional client-centered experience in financial services or a related industry. CPWA designees have completed a rigorous educational process that includes self-study requirements, an in-class education component, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. CPWA designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CPWA designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification. The designation is administered through Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA).