FaQ

  • 1. What is CWM® Certification?

    Chartered Wealth Manager® (CWM®) is an international certification program in the field of Wealth Management, Private Banking and Financial Advisory Services. Wealth Management is one of the fastest growing and highly paid careers across the world. Being one of the fastest growing economies, India currently has around 1,00,000 families which fall in the Ultra High Net‐worth Bracket this is projected to grow to 2,50,000 by 2014‐15 (Source Kotak Mahindra and CRISIL Wealth Report) . Assuming one Wealth Manager is handling approx. 100 clients we need at least 10,000 Chartered Wealth Managers in India immediately and around 25,000 in the next 2‐3 years.

    Chartered Wealth Manager® (CWM®) is a mark of excellence granted to individuals who meet the stringent standards set by American Academy of Financial Management. It is the most prestigious and internationally accepted Wealth Management certification recognized and respected by the global financial community. CWM® Desigantion is the highest level of Designation in the field of Wealth Management worldwide with over 50,000 CWM® Designation Holders who are respected by consumers, professionals and industry.

  • 2. Who should consider CWM® Certification?

    CWM® program is ideal for professional and graduates looking to gain in‐depth knowledge of advising High Net‐Worth Individuals (HNI’S) on managing, growing and transferring their wealth.

    CWM® is for Financial Services Professionals, Existing Wealth Managers, Customer Relationship Managers, Insurance Advisors, Research Analyst, those looking to expand their careers in the Wealth Management and Financial Advisory, and graduates who want to be professionally and globally recognized.

  • 3. What are the prospects of career in Wealth Management?

    In India all major Banks, NBFC’s, Brokerage Houses and Financial Services Companies have a Wealth Management Division with acute shortage of trained manpower in them.

    Wealth Management is one of the fastest‐growing professions across the world and Wealth Managers are the most sought after professionals by a fast growing working population that earns well, and needs expert handling of their finances. There are plenty of opportunities with Banks, Asset Management Companies, Brokerage Houses, Stock Broking Companies and KPO’s who are seeking professionals with such expertise.

  • 4. How is it like working as a Wealth Managers?

    Wealth Managers offer expert advice on issues related to on shore and off shore wealth management including wealth preservation, wealth enhancement and wealth transfer. The job involves meeting and advising rich and the famous in Financial Matters and helping these individuals and families in preserving, growing and transferring their wealth. Most Wealth Managers enjoy relatively low stress, have a high earning potential and enjoy a high degree of workplace autonomy. The personal satisfaction element cannot be underestimated. Very often, independent Wealth Advisors find that people are just overwhelmed and need direction, so it’s their job to listen, understand their situation and offer some options that will help them. It gives them a satisfaction enabling people do better, not just about their finances but about blending the financial side with the other sides of clients’ lives so that they can achieve their goals.

  • 5. What are the benefits of undergoing the CWM® Certification Program and the CWM® Designation?

    Wealth Management is one of the fastest growing and highest paid segment in the Financial Services Industry. To succeed in this demanding and highly rewarding field requires that an individual has high level of technical expertise coupled with very good social and communication skills. CWM® Designation focuses on developing a Complete Professional ready to enter the Wealth Management Domain with the requisite skills.

    Benefits of CWM® for Organisation:

    Develops skills, knowledge and attitude of the employees.

    Increases the “ADVICE QUALITY” of the Financial Advisors.

    Demonstrates the quality of Advisors to the client.

    Helps the organisation in achieving global standards and cutting edge knowledge

    Benefits to the Individual:

    Increases technical and product knowledge

    Enhances Client Management Skills

    Deepens Client Relationship and allows word of mouth publicity

    Creates Job and Career Opportunities

  • 6. How are Wealth Managers paid?

    Wealth Managers are both employed and self-employed. Wealth Managers are one of the highest paid employees of the Financial Services Organisation. Wealth Managers generate income both through transaction commissions as well as fee based income on the advice they give to the clients.

  • 7. Who offers CWM ® Certification in India?

    CWM® Certification is offered by American Academy of Financial Management India a Standard Setting and Examination Board set up by the American Academy of Financial Management USA.

    What is AAFM India?

    AAFM India a professional standard setting body established by AAFM USA to set standards in Wealth Management and other Financial Domains AAFM offers certifications and designations in Wealth Management, Financial Analysis, Project Management, Asset Management, Risk Manage‐ment and many more related fields. AAFM India is currently offering the Chartered Wealth Manager Designation in India

  • 8. Is CWM ® Certification a Global Certification?

    Chartered Wealth Manager® designation is a truly global designation as the course content is a judicious mix of Indian and International Content enabling the participants to have a thorough knowledge of both the Indian and International Financial Landscape. CWM® Certificants can practice in their country of choice without any cross border registration or exam requirements. All Certificates are issued by AAFM USA International Board of Standards enabling the CWM® Designation holders to practice across the Globe.

  • 9. What is the recognition and accreditation of CWM® Certification?

    Chartered Wealth Management ® Designation is widely accredited Globally by different prestigious Government Bodies and Global Accreditation Organizations.

    In India Chartered Wealth Manager® is accredited by National Institute of Securities Market (NISM) under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Investment Advisor Regulations 2013 under Clause 7 (2).

    Please note that only candidates appearing through compulsory pathway i.e clearing both level 1 and level 2 examinations can use the CWM® Certification to meet the academic requirements of SEBI RIA Regulations 2013 under NISM Approved Certifications for SEBI RIA REGULATIONS.

    Also, if a candidate uses the CWM® Certification to meet the academic requirements of SEBI RIA Regulations 2013 under NISM Approved Certifications for SEBI RIA REGULATIONS then they need to renew the CWM® Certification after every 3 year by re-appearing for both level 1 and level 2 examinations.

    If you do not wish to use the CWM® Certification for the above purpose then you can pursue the certification under Experience Pathway and renew the certification also without re-appearing for the Level 1 or Level 2 Exams.

  • 11. What is the curriculum of CWM®?

    The Curriculum of CWM® consists of two levels:

    Level 1: Foundation Level Consisting of 10 Units.

    Level 2: Advanced Level Consisting of 10 Units.

    The candidate has to go through the above 20 Units through an Authorized Education Provider either through Class Room Mode or Distance Learning Mode and clear the requisite exams as per the pathway chosen to complete the academic requirements of the Board of Standards. The completion of the academic criterion ensures that the candidate has the requisite knowledge and skills to work as a Wealth Manager.

  • 12. What is the Examination Criterion?

    The number of Exams a student has to clear depends upon the pathway they choose: Compulsory Pathway Student: Has to clear both Level 1 and Level 2 Examination. Experience Pathway Student: Has to clear only Level 2 Examination.

    Note:

    1. Compulsory Pathway student can appear for level 2 exam only when he clear level 1 exam.

    2. Level 2 exam covers level 1 course content also. So students are advised to acquaint themselves of the Concepts and Body of Knowledge of both the levels.

    Level Level Type Duration Examination Type Examination Pattern
    1 Foundation Course 3 Hours MCQ’s (Objective) 1 Mark – 40 Question
    2 Marks – 30 Questions
    4 Marks – 15 Questions
    Total Marks – 160
    2 Advanced Wealth Management 3 Hours MCQ’s (Objective) 1 Marks – 40 Question
    2 Marks – 30 Questions
    4 Marks – 15 Questions Total Mark – 160
    Total No. of Exams 2 Both Exams are
    Objective Type
    Level 1 – 160 Marks
    Level 2 – 160 Marks
    Total No. of Hours 6 Hours

    The CWM® India Examination is held in Pearson Vue and the NSE Exam Centers across India across 75 Cities and Globally across 200 Cities spread over 27 Countries.

    To Locate an Examination Centre nearest to you: Click Here.

  • 13. What is the Experience Pathway?

    This pathway is specifically designed for the candidates who are holding 3 years of minimum prior relevant work experience, can directly appear for Level 2 examination but the candidate have to undergo the training of both the levels of examination. For details of relevant work experience please refer to the Education Delivery Model of AAFM India.

    Please note that only candidates appearing through compulsory pathway i.e clearing both level 1 and level 2 examinations can use the CWM® Certification to meet the academic requirements of SEBI RIA Regulations 2013 under NISM Approved Certifications for SEBI RIA REGULATIONS.

    Also, if a candidate uses the CWM® Certification to meet the academic requirements of SEBI RIA Regulations 2013 under NISM Approved Certifications for SEBI RIA REGULATIONS then they need to renew the CWM® Certification after every 3 year by re-appearing for both level 1 and level 2 examinations.

    If you do not wish to use the CWM® Certification for the above purpose then you can pursue the certification under Experience Pathway and renew the certification also without re-appearing for the Level 1 or Level 2 Exams.

  • 14. How can I apply for Experience Pathway?

    The candidate wishing to apply under the experience pathway should send his application form along with detailed resume enumerating his work experience and details of his job profile. The candidate should also provide the proofs of the relevant work experience. Please note AAFM India does not entertain any direct registrations all such applications must be routed through Authorised Education Providers.

  • 15. What does the CWM® Certification Education Program focus on?

    The CWM Education Program focuses on sharpening three components: Knowledge, Skills and Application.

    Knowledge: The students get the latest updates and learn about the opportunities of wealth management, with specific relevance to Asia. They appreciate the market dynamics influencing wealth management and gain an overview on the latest innovations in financial products in wealth management they also gain an insight to global best practices and achieving success in wealth management Understand the options and issues in wealth planning.

    Skills: Students develop skills in building wealth management solutions for clients, ability to present wealth management concepts and strategies confidently through customer friendly language and also the ability to create strategies to build effective relationship with clients Create and/or increase their capability to think strategically by using a structured process.

    Application: The program through its rigours and practical orientation prepares the students to apply the concepts and skills developed in the program in actual work environment. The outcome of this applied education is a complete “WEALTH MANAGER” who is ready for the rigours of the Wealth Management Industry. Which are the units under the CWM ® Certification Education Program?

    Level 1 — Foundation Level:

    UNIT NO. NAME OF UNIT
    UNIT 1 Concept of Wealth Management
    UNIT 2 Indian and Global Financial System
    UNIT 3 Investment Vehicles in Wealth Management
    UNIT 4 Measuring Investment Risk and Returns
    UNIT 5 Concept of Insurance and Risk Management
    UNIT 6 Role of Wealth Management in Banking
    UNIT 7 Legalities in Wealth Management
    UNIT 8 Indian Tax Laws
    UNIT 9 Life Cycle Management
    UNIT 10 Intergenerational Wealth Transfer and Succession Planning

    Level 2 — Advanced Level:

    UNIT NO. NAME OF UNIT
    UNIT 1 Equity Analysis
    UNIT 2 Alternative Products in Wealth Management
    UNIT 3 Real Estate Valuation and Analysis
    UNIT 4 Behavioural Finance in Wealth Management
    UNIT 5 Relationship Management by a Wealth Manager
    UNIT 6 Loan and Debt Management
    UNIT 7 Portfolio Management Strategies
    UNIT 8 International Taxation and Trust Planning
    UNIT 9 Wealth Management Planning
    UNIT 10 Advanced Wealth Management
  • 16. What are the modes available to facilitate completion of education?

    AAFM India has Authorized Education Providers to deliver the CWM® Certification Education Program to the students. The CWM® Certification Education Program is delivered by authorized Education Partners through distance learning, e‐learning mode, part time and full time Education Programs.

  • 17. In what language will the exam be conducted?

    The study material and the examinations are in English.

  • 18. What are the minimum qualifications required to register for the CWM® Certification Program and what are the minimum requirements for being entitled to use the CWM® Marks?

    The candidate for enrolling with AAFM India for pursuing CWM® Certification is required to be SSC or Class 12 pass, but he/she needs to be a graduate for the award of CWM® Certification.

  • 19. How can I register for the program?
  • 20. How much does it cost to pursue and attain the CWM® Certification under “Compulsory Pathway”?

    AAFM India Board Fees:

    Registration Online and paperback books Fee: Rs.35,990 (Valid for 365 Days)

    Certification Fee : 100 USD + (GST 18%)

    Authorised Education Provider Fees: Please check with your education provider about the fee plans and modes of study available.

  • 21. How much does it cost to pursue and attain the CWM® Certification under “Experience Pathway”?

    AAFM India Board Fees:

    Registration Online and paperback books Fee: Rs.35,990 (Valid for 365 Days)

    Certification Fee : 100 USD + (GST 18%)

    Authorised Education Provider Fees: Please check with your education provider about the fee plans and modes of study available.

  • 22. What is the examination fee?

    1. The Examinations Fee for

    Level 1 Examination : Rs. 4720

    Level 2 examination : Rs. 4720

    The Rescheduling Fees is Rs. 1000 and Rescheduling can only be done 48 hours prior to the scheduled examination.

  • 23. What do I need to carry to the Examination Centre?

    Students are only permitted to use “CASIO FC 200 V” Financial Calculator in the examination. No exchange of accessories will be permitted during the examination.

    Candidates must carry one Primary ID and one Secondary ID to the exam centre in Original.

    Standard Primary IDs (with both Photo and Signature)

    Driver’s license

    Passport

    Election card/voter ID

    PAN card

    Photo identity issued by a school, college or university

    Admit card of any national/state exam issued in 2012 or 2013

    UID/Adhar card

    SC/ST certificate with photograph

    Employee ID with photo and signature

    Standard Secondary IDs (with Signature)

    Any primary ID

    Credit card

    ATM card

    Names on ID’s must exactly match those given by the candidate during registration. Discrepancies on ID’s that are due to typographical errors, traditional & cultural variations, and technical limitations must be reported by candidates to AAFM who will need to inform Pearson VUE as soon as possible.

    Candidates are required to carry original id .Copy of ID is not acceptable proof.

    Candidates will also be required to produce the appointment confirmation letters received from Pearson VUE after scheduling their test.

  • 24. How do I select my Education Provider?

    All the Education Partners are authorized by AAFM India based on the stringent eligibility criteria set by us and AAFM India does a regular audit to ensure education delivery in accordance with the standards set. However, AAFM India doesn’t rank the Education Partners. Therefore the students are advised to select their Education Partners based on the following criteria and enquiring with multiple Education Partners;

    Mode of Education Delivery – distance education/classroom/online

    Faculty Support

    Workbooks and sample papers developed

    Cost Structure and payment options

    Geographical accessibility

    Online support

  • 25. What are the renewal requirements of CWM® Certification?

    Upon the award of your certification, you are waived from Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements for the 1st year. From the 2nd year onwards, you are required to complete 30 CPD hours annually in order to keep your status as a Certified Member and a member‐in‐good standing status.

    The CPD requirement can be met through various activities like Industry publication subscription, Research contribution, Presentations & trainings, Tradeshows & seminars, and other professional qualifications. For details refer to the AAFM India website.

    You would be required to maintain your record of CPD activity in your My AAFM India login account, 10% of AAFM India members will be selected for the annual random audit. When requested, you should submit the evidence of the CPD via email. Evidence may include a receipt, course materials, certificate, etc.

    Important : If a candidate uses the CWM® Certification to meet the academic requirements of SEBI RIA Regulations 2013 under NISM Approved Certifications for SEBI RIA REGULATIONS then they need to renew the CWM® Certification after every 3 year by re-appearing for both level 1 and level 2 examinations.

    If you do not wish to use the CWM® Certification for the above purpose then you can pursue the certification under Experience Pathway and renew the certification also without re-appearing for the Level 1 or Level 2 Exams.

  • 26. How soon can I complete CWM® certification? What is the maximum period given to a candidate to complete the CWM® Certification Program?

    Compulsory Pathway: Minimum Time period is 5 Months

    Experience Pathway: Minimum Time period is 2 Months

    Maximum time allowed to complete the program is 3 years subject to registration being renewed by the student. In case the student is unable to clear the program in 3 years he would not be given credit for any exams cleared during the period.

    Candidates need to apply for the CWM® Certification within 90 Days of Clearing Level 2 Exam. If a candidate fails to do so he will have to reappear for level 2 exam again.

  • 27. How do I gain for immediate recognition when I pass the exam?

    Success in passing the exam opens up several opportunities for immediate recognition by your peers, customers and the financial services industry as a whole. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate.

    They will be invited to apply for certification with AAFM India. CWM® Certificants who successfully apply for certification will be able to indicate their designation CWM® on their professional identifications, including visiting cards and letter heads.

  • 28. Are there any other courses or programs offered by AAFM India?

    AAFM USA offers a bouquet of courses in finance but currently in India only the CWM® and CTEP® are being offered.

  • 29. I have successfully cleared all the CWM® certification exam but I only have 1 year of relevant work experience. Am I eligible for the CWM® certification?

    It is not mandatory to have work experience for the CWM® Certification so once a student clears the required examination they are eligible to apply for the CWM® Designation.

  • 30. How do I contact AAFM India for further information?

    The student can mail their queries at info@aafmindia.co.in