ACAMS
CAMS
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
The most widely recognized anti-money laundering certification, the global benchmark for AML and financial crime compliance professionals. The CAMS exam tests knowledge of money laundering risks, compliance program design, and investigation processes.
What's on the exam
CAMS Examination Content (2024 Candidate Handbook)
AML, CFT and Sanctions Compliance Programs
28%Risk-based compliance program design · Customer due diligence and KYC · Sanctions and watchlist screening · Governance and the role of the AML officer · Training and independent testing
Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
26%Stages of money laundering · Methods and typologies · Terrorist financing · Vulnerable products and services · Emerging risks (virtual assets, trade-based laundering)
Compliance Standards for AML and CFT
25%FATF recommendations · Key international standards and bodies · Major national and regional AML laws · Regulatory expectations · Information sharing frameworks
Conducting and Supporting the Investigation Process
21%Detecting and responding to suspicious activity · Suspicious activity and transaction reporting · Investigations and law enforcement cooperation · Subpoenas and information requests · Documentation and recordkeeping
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CAMS cost?
Fees vary. Sold as a certification package that requires active ACAMS membership; member and nonmember pricing differ and bundle the study guide and Authorization to Test. Confirm current amounts with ACAMS.
How long is the CAMS and how many questions does it have?
120 questions (multiple-choice and multiple-select) — 3.5 hours.
What do you need to pass the CAMS?
Scaled score of 75 (on a 100-point scale).
Can you retake the CAMS?
Permitted with a retake fee; limited attempts per enrollment period.
What is the best way to study for the CAMS?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (AML, CFT and Sanctions Compliance Programs 28%, Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 26%, Compliance Standards for AML and CFT 25%, Conducting and Supporting the Investigation Process 21%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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