The certificate in investment performance management (CIPM) is a prestigious credential in the investment industry that demonstrates expertise in evaluating and presenting investment performance. It covers important topics like global investment performance standards, risk adjustment, composites, and attribution analysis. As sustainable investing gains popularity, understanding tools like the CIPM to properly analyze and communicate investment performance is crucial. This article will provide key information and conclusions about the CIPM exam eligibility, content, format, study time, costs, and benefits for career advancement.

CIPM eligibility has flexible education requirements for experience investment professionals
The CIPM credential has flexible eligibility requirements oriented towards experienced investment practitioners. Formal education is not mandatory. The key requirement is at least 4 years of professional experience substantially entailing performance-related activities. This experience can be in investment or service provider firms like consultants, custodians, or technology providers. There is no sponsorship requirement. Additionally, candidates must agree on the professional conduct statement and have a proficiency in English.
CIPM exam format is straight-forward with 100 multiple-choice questions in 21⁄2 hours
The CIPM exam takes 21⁄2 hours to complete. It consists purely of 100 multiple-choice questions. Of these questions, 80 are scored while 20 are pre-test questions that do not count towards your score. These pre-test questions are randomly mixed in and indistinguishable from scored questions. You receive your CIPM exam result immediately upon completion. The pass mark is set to the score achieved by the minimum acceptable competent candidate.
CIPM study time ranges from 100-300 hours for the full program
The CIPM study time depends significantly on your existing base of knowledge and experience. On average, passing each CIPM exam level requires 100-150 hours of study. Completing both exam levels would therefore need 200-300 total study hours. Using CIPM exam prep providers can optimize your study efficiency. Additionally, the CFA Institute recommends at least 4 years of professional experience before attempting the CIPM program to ensure sufficient context.
CIPM program costs are under $2000 for registration, materials, and exam fees
The costs of obtaining the CIPM credential include a $400 USD program registration fee, access to the online curriculum for $800 USD, and exam registration fees of $400 USD per level. Therefore, the total costs are under $2000 USD to complete both exam levels. Additional costs may include prep course providers, travel and accommodations if taking computer-based tests, and study materials like practice exams. Employer sponsorship and discounts for CFA charterholders may reduce total CIPM program costs.
CIPM benefits like career advancement and expertise signalling are compelling
The CIPM credential offers many benefits that make it an appealing certification for investment performance professionals:
– Career advancement: Validates specialized expertise to stand out for senior roles
– Employer preference: Increasingly valued by firms for performance teams
– Expertise signalling: Demonstrates proficiency for advising clients
– Global recognition: Seen as the gold standard for investment performance
– Body of knowledge: Learn best practices and state of the art techniques
Overall, the CIPM credential enables professionals to gain advanced investment performance competencies to contribute business value and progress their careers.
The CIPM credential issued by the CFA Institute provides a specialized certification for investment performance management roles. It has flexible eligibility for experienced professionals and a straight-forward exam format. Study time ranges from 100-300 hours in total. Program costs are under $2000 including all materials and exam fees. Top CIPM benefits include signalling expertise, career advancement, and learning global best practices.