Overview of ACAMS Exams
The Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) administers several professional certifications designed to validate expertise in anti-money laundering, financial crime prevention, and sanctions compliance. These certifications are recognized globally by financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies.
ACAMS currently offers six primary certifications:
- CAMS — Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (flagship certification)
- CGSS — Certified Global Sanctions Specialist
- CFCS — Certified Financial Crime Specialist
- CAMS-Audit — Advanced CAMS Audit certification
- CAMS-RM — Advanced CAMS Risk Management certification
- CAMS-FCI — Advanced CAMS Financial Crimes Investigation certification
Each certification targets a specific area of expertise. The CAMS designation is the most widely recognized and serves as the foundation for the three Advanced CAMS specializations. You must hold a current CAMS certification to sit for any Advanced CAMS exam.
Exam Comparison Chart
Here is a side-by-side comparison of all six ACAMS certifications:
Number of Questions by Exam Type
| Certification | Questions | Time (min) | Pass Score | Exam Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMS | 120 | 210 | 75 | $1,695 |
| CGSS | 100 | 150 | 70 | $995 |
| CFCS | 100 | 150 | 70 | $995 |
| CAMS-Audit | 75 | 120 | 63 | $595 |
| CAMS-RM | 75 | 120 | 63 | $595 |
| CAMS-FCI | 75 | 120 | 63 | $595 |
Note: Exam fees include ACAMS membership for the first year. Fees are subject to change — always verify current pricing at acams.org.
CAMS — The Flagship Certification
The CAMS designation is the most widely held and recognized AML certification in the world. It validates your expertise in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance.
Exam Format
- 120 multiple-choice questions in 210 minutes (3.5 hours)
- Pass mark: 75 correct answers (approximately 62.5%)
- No negative marking — never leave a question blank
- Computer-based test at Pearson VUE centers or OnVUE online proctoring
- Available in 9 languages: English, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
Study Guide Structure
The ACAMS Study Guide (6th Edition) is organized into four core chapters:
- Chapter 1: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks and Methods
- Chapter 2: International AML/CFT Standards
- Chapter 3: AML/CFT Compliance Programs
- Chapter 4: Conducting and Supporting Investigations
Question Types
- Scenario-based (55%): Lengthy scenarios requiring applied judgment
- Multiple-select (25%): Select 2–3 correct answers from 5 options; no partial credit
- Direct recall (20%): Factual questions on definitions, thresholds, and regulations
CAMS Chapter Weights
Understanding how the exam weights each chapter helps you allocate study time strategically:
CAMS Exam Content Distribution
CGSS — Certified Global Sanctions Specialist
The CGSS certification validates expertise in global sanctions regimes, screening processes, and compliance program design. It covers sanctions imposed by OFAC, the EU, the UN Security Council, and other jurisdictions.
- 100 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Pass mark: approximately 70 correct answers
- Five exam domains: Foundations, Risks & Red Flags, Compliance Programs, Screening & Investigations, Enforcement
- No CAMS prerequisite required — standalone certification
CFCS — Certified Financial Crime Specialist
The CFCS certification covers the broadest scope of any ACAMS credential — encompassing money laundering, fraud, corruption, sanctions, tax evasion, and cybercrime. It is designed for professionals who work across multiple financial crime disciplines.
- 100 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Pass mark: approximately 70 correct answers
- Covers AML, fraud prevention, anti-corruption, sanctions, cyber-enabled crime
- No CAMS prerequisite required — standalone certification
Advanced CAMS Certifications
The three Advanced CAMS certifications are specializations that build on the CAMS foundation. You must hold a current CAMS designation to be eligible for any Advanced CAMS exam.
CAMS-Audit
Focuses on independent testing of AML/CFT programs — audit methodology, regulatory expectations, risk-based audit planning, and reporting findings.
75 questions | 120 minutes | Prerequisite: CAMS
CAMS-RM (Risk Management)
Deep dive into enterprise-wide ML/TF risk assessment, risk appetite frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and board-level reporting.
75 questions | 120 minutes | Prerequisite: CAMS
CAMS-FCI (Financial Crimes Investigation)
Covers investigative techniques, evidence gathering, case management, SAR writing, and collaboration with law enforcement.
75 questions | 120 minutes | Prerequisite: CAMS
ACAMS Membership & Costs
ACAMS membership is required to sit for any exam. The exam fee includes the first year of membership. Subsequent years require annual renewal:
Total First-Year Cost by Membership Tier (USD)
Tip: Many employers cover ACAMS exam fees as a professional development benefit. Check with your HR department before paying out of pocket. Corporate memberships can save $200+ per candidate.
How to Register
- Create an ACAMS account at acams.org and select your desired certification.
- Pay the exam fee — this includes your first year of ACAMS membership and access to the online study materials.
- Study period: You have up to one year from payment to schedule your exam. Most candidates take 8–12 weeks to prepare.
- Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. Choose a test center near you or the OnVUE online proctoring option for at-home testing.
- Take the exam. Results are provided immediately after completion.
- If you do not pass: You may retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. Additional exam fees may apply.
How to Prepare
Successful candidates combine multiple study strategies for best results:
Read the Study Guide
The official ACAMS Study Guide covers 90-95% of exam content. Read it chapter by chapter.
Practice Questions
Take practice exams after each chapter. Focus on understanding explanations, not just answers.
Active Recall
Test yourself regularly. Close the book and write down what you remember.
Spaced Repetition
Review at increasing intervals: Day 1, Day 7, Day 16, Day 35.
Timed Mock Exams
Simulate real conditions: 120 questions in 210 minutes. Build time management skills.
Study Resources
Supplement with flashcards, mind maps, and key study notes for high-frequency topics.
For detailed study strategies, see our guides on the 17 tips to study more efficiently, compound study method, and the mind palace technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to take the CAMS exam?
ACAMS requires a combination of education and professional experience to qualify. Most candidates have at least 30 credits of qualifying experience (e.g., bachelor's degree = 30 credits, 1 year of compliance experience = 10 credits). The minimum qualifying score is 40 credits.
Can I take multiple ACAMS exams at the same time?
You can hold multiple certifications simultaneously. However, Advanced CAMS certifications (Audit, RM, FCI) require an active CAMS designation as a prerequisite.
Is there a validity period for the CAMS certification?
Yes. You must maintain your certification through annual ACAMS membership renewal and continuing education credits. If your membership lapses for more than 3 years, you may need to retake the exam.
How long should I study for the CAMS exam?
Most successful candidates study for 8–12 weeks, dedicating about 10 hours per week. If you are new to AML, budget 12 weeks minimum. Quality and consistency matter more than total hours.
Can I take the exam in a language other than English?
Yes. The CAMS exam is available in 9 languages. The CGSS and CFCS exams are currently available in English only. Check acams.org for the latest language availability.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You may retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each retake may require an additional fee. Focus on your weakest areas before retaking.