CIPM (Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement)
The only specialized credential for investment performance measurement; deep alignment with GIPS makes it the de facto credential for performance-team hires at large asset managers.
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Visit Official Site →Founded
2006
HQ
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Target Audience
Performance analysts, performance & attribution specialists, GIPS compliance officers, investment-consulting analysts.
Key Features
- Two levels: Principles (100 MCQ, 2.5 hours) and Expert (80 item-set questions, 3 hours)
- Exams offered twice per year (March, September) via online proctoring
- Curriculum covers performance calculation, attribution, manager evaluation, presentation, GIPS standards
- Tight alignment with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) — the global compliance framework for performance reporting
- 2 years of professional experience required for certificate
- Pass rates: Principles ~63%, Expert ~60% (recent cycles)
- ~1,400+ active CIPM certificants globally
How to Get This Certification
Prerequisites
No degree required. 2 years of professional experience in investment performance, GIPS compliance, or related field required for certificate.
Why Get Certified — ROI
Salary Impact
Limited published data. Robert Half 2024 US Salary Guide cites performance analyst median total compensation: $95,000-$130,000; CIPM holders skew toward upper range.
Career Benefits
- What makes this stand out
- The only specialized credential for investment performance measurement; deep alignment with GIPS makes it the de facto credential for performance-team hires at large asset managers.
- Industry recognition
- CFA Institute proprietary.
Who Should Get This Certification
Ideal for:
- Performance analysts
- performance & attribution specialists
- GIPS compliance officers
- investment-consulting analysts.
Consider alternatives if:
- Extremely niche — useful only for performance-team and compliance roles
- Limited career-mobility leverage outside performance functions
Pricing
Pricing varies.
Weaknesses
- Extremely niche — useful only for performance-team and compliance roles
- Limited career-mobility leverage outside performance functions
- Smaller global community (~1,400 holders) limits networking value vs. CFA
- Often pursued as a side credential by existing CFAs rather than as primary credential
Markets Served
Global
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links.
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