About the Certified Program
The Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) credential, awarded by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), is the global gold standard in anti-money laundering (AML) certifications. It validates a professional’s expertise in detecting and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and related financial crimes.
CAMS-certified professionals are equipped to design and manage effective AML compliance programs, conduct risk assessments, and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations across the financial and non-financial sectors.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the CAMS program, candidates will be able to:
Understand the Global AML Regulatory Environment
- Interpret key global AML laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), USA PATRIOT Act, and FATF Recommendations
- Understand the roles of regulators (e.g., FinCEN, OFAC, FATF, EU, FCA)
- Analyze emerging trends in sanctions, trade-based money laundering, and cryptocurrency risk
Develop and Maintain an AML Compliance Program
- Build risk-based AML frameworks tailored to organization size, type, and geography
- Establish policies and procedures for Know Your Customer (KYC), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
- Create reporting protocols for suspicious activity and currency transaction reports (SARs/CTRs)
Conduct Risk Assessments and Internal Controls
- Perform AML risk assessments across products, customers, and jurisdictions
- Design internal control systems to mitigate identified AML risks
- Monitor effectiveness of compliance programs using audit tools and performance metrics
Investigate and Report Suspicious Activity
- Detect red flags related to structuring, layering, and integration methods
- Investigate and document suspicious activity with proper escalation procedures
- Prepare and file regulatory reports, including SARs, in accordance with legal timelines
Support AML Training and Culture
- Develop and deliver AML training tailored to job functions and risk levels
- Promote a strong compliance culture through awareness and accountability
- Train front-line staff, management, and board members on emerging AML risks
Exam Information
- Format: Multiple-choice questions (online, open-book)
- Total Questions: 120
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Delivery: Online via Kryterion or testing centers
Eligibility
- Earn a minimum number of 40 eligibility credits through a combination of:
- Education
- Professional experience in AML or related fields
- ACAMS membership and training programs
- Complete the CAMS Certification Package, which includes the official study guide and access to online resource
Maintaining Certification
- Recertification required every 3 years
- Earn 60 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during the cycle
- Maintain active ACAMS membership
- Complete required ethics and compliance activities
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 10 Lessons
- 210 Minutes
- Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing2
- Compliance Standards for Anti-Money Laundering2
- Design and Implementation of AML Compliance Programs2
- Conducting and Responding to Investigations2
- Enforcement Actions and Penalties2
Target audiences
- The CAMS certification is ideal for professionals involved in financial crime prevention, including:
- AML and Compliance Officers
- Risk and Internal Audit Professionals
- Law Enforcement and Investigators
- Financial Services and FinTech Staff
- Legal and Regulatory Consultants
- Correspondent Banking and Trade Finance Personnel