What international financial certifications exist?
Updated:
27 AUG, 2025
Since the European directive MiFID II came into force, regulators and companies pay particular attention to the training of professionals who are dedicated to information and the sale of financial products. For this reason, there are numerous financial certifications with international validity that validate the knowledge of this sector. Below we explain which are the most important.
| Certification | Issued by: | Directed to: | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFA | CFA Institute | Professionals who offer financial consulting services | Member of the CFA Institute and experience |
| CFP | FBSB | Professionals who provide financial planning services | Educational path and experience |
| CAIA | CAIA Association | Professionals who develop their career in the field of Alternative Investments | Educational path and experience |
| FPA | EFPA | Professionals who carry out personal financial planning activities | Educational path or experience |
| CESGA | EFFAS | Professionals who deal with ESG issues | Educational path |
| FRM | GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals) | Professionals who specialize in financial risk management in banking, asset management, and investment fields | Educational path and professional experience |
These are the financial certifications you need to know
The main international financial certifications that exist for professionals in the sector are:
- The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a certification issued by the CFA Institute, a non-profit international association founded in the United States in 1947. It is one of the most rigorous and prestigious certifications internationally in the field of finance and investments.
To obtain the CFA certification, it is necessary to be a member of the CFA Institute and adhere to its ethical code. In addition, you must pass three exams, which increase progressively in complexity, and have at least 4 years of relevant work experience in the financial sector.
A periodic renewal of knowledge is not required, but it is necessary to renew the clause of the ethical code.
- The Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a certification that attests to the knowledge and skills of professionals who provide financial planning services to their clients. It is issued by FBSB (Financial Planning Standards Board).
To obtain the CFP certification, it is necessary to pass an exam and also meet certain educational requirements, including holding a degree, passing a training course provided by an entity authorized and accredited by FPSB, carrying out a financial plan assessment and accrediting certain years of field experience.
Furthermore, to maintain this certification, professionals must participate in continuing education programs.
- The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
The CAIA The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is the reference certification internationally for all professionals who wish to develop their career in the field of Alternative Investments. It is issued by the CAIA Association.
To obtain the CAIA certification, candidates not only have to pass two exams, Level 1 and Level 2, in which they must pass tests with real examples of alternative markets, but they must also have a university degree equivalent to a degree in the United States and demonstrate at least 1 year of related work experience; or, if they do not have a university degree, demonstrate at least 4 years of experience.
- The European Financial Planner (EFP)
The European Financial Planner (EFP) certificate, issued by EFPA, attests to the professional competence necessary to conduct comprehensive personal financial planning activities at an advanced level, considering the complexity and breadth of the challenges involved.
To obtain this certification, passing two exams and having a degree in economic-financial subjects is required.
In the event that the candidate does not have a degree, it is possible to complete a preparation course for the exam certified by EFPA. In addition, candidates without a high school diploma are also admitted, provided they can demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in the investment services sector.
- CESGA Test (EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst®)
The CESGA certificate, issued by EFFAS (European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies), is the only international certification that attests to the knowledge and skills of professionals in addressing ESG issues in investment, management and risk assessment processes.
To obtain this certification it is necessary to pass a training course accredited by EFFAS. The issuance of the diploma is subject to passing the final exam.
- The Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
The FRM certification, issued by GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals), is the most internationally recognized credential for professionals specializing in financial risk management. It validates expertise in managing market, credit, operational and liquidity risks across banking, asset management, and investment sectors.
To obtain this certification, candidates must pass two exams covering quantitative analysis, financial products, valuation, and risk models and demonstrate at least two years of professional experience.
