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What Is CAMS Exam And Everything You Need To Know About It

What Is CAMS Exam And Everything You Need To Know About It

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Last Updated: [date format="F y" timestamp="-14 days"]

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Introduction

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Money laundering is a financial crime that fuels global terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption. As financial criminals become more sophisticated, the demand for skilled professionals to stop them has skyrocketed.

The Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) credential is widely regarded as the "Gold Standard" in the compliance industry. It is the most recognized international certification for AML professionals. Whether you are looking to break into the industry or secure a promotion, passing the CAMS exam is the most effective way to prove your expertise.

We will discuss everything you need to know about the CAMS certification. You may register the exam at the official site acams.org

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What are ACAMS and CAMS?

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ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) is the world’s largest international membership organization dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of AML and financial crime professionals.

CAMS is the certification issued by ACAMS. It demonstrates that a professional understands the risks of money laundering and the methods to prevent it, adhering to international standards.

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Is CAMS appropriate and relevant to my country and industry?

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The CAMS certification is recognized worldwide and is not focused on a single country. The course content is relevant to all countries of the world. To take the exam, you must have experience relevant to AML in the real world.

Yes. The CAMS certification is globally recognized. Unlike legal certifications that are bound to specific jurisdictions, CAMS focuses on international frameworks (like the FATF, EU Directives, and the Patriot Act) that influence banking systems worldwide. Whether you work in New York, London, Dubai, or Singapore, the CAMS credential is valid and respected.

 

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n Table of Contents

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What are the prerequisites of the CAMS exam?

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You cannot simply pay and take the exam; you must qualify first. To sit for the exam, you need an active ACAMS membership and a minimum of 40 Qualifying Credits.

How the Credit System Works:
ACAMS calculates credits based on your education and professional experience:

Education:
Associate Degree: 10 credits
Bachelor’s Degree: 20 credits
Master’s Degree: 30 credits
JD or PhD: 40 credits


Experience:
10 credits for each year of full-time experience in AML or financial crime compliance.


Training:
Credits for attending ACAMS webinars, conferences, or other approved training (1 hour = 1 credit).
Example: If you have a Bachelor’s degree (20 credits) and 2 years of AML experience (20 credits), you have the required 40 credits.

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What is the application process for the CAMS exam?

n Once you have enough credits, you can download the application from the ACAMS website, fill the application, and submit it along with proof of credits (degree, certifications, experience, or free webinars). You also need three professional references along with proof of credits. Your application will be verified in a couple of days. After your application is verified, you will pay for the exam. n

Why do I need professional references?

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Professional references are mandatory for all candidates. They are individuals who can vouch for your AML knowledge and experience. Your relatives and ACAMS staff cannot be your professional references.

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How difficult is the exam?

n The CAMS test is quite difficult and is revised continuously to resolve and new challenges, risks, and possible methods to counter these risks. The questions are quite lengthy and complicated with intentionally put clues to misdirect you from the correct answer. For some questions, you have to select multiple correct answers. If you fail to select any of the correct answers, you will not score the point. n

How to prepare for the exam?

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The CAMS exam is notoriously tricky. It tests your ability to apply knowledge, not just memorize it.

  1. Read the Study Guide 3 Times: The official 6th Edition Study Guide is your primary source. 95% of the exam comes from this book.
  2. Focus on "Glossary" Terms: Understand the specific definitions of terms like "Willful Blindness," "Tipping Off," and "Structuring."
  3. Supplement with External Reading: While the guide is key, you should be familiar with:
    • The 40 FATF Recommendations.
    • The Wolfsberg Principles on Correspondent Banking.
    • USA PATRIOT Act Section 311, 312, 313, and 319.
  4. Take Practice Exams: The questions are often worded to confuse you. Practice helps you identify the "distractors" (wrong answers that look right).

How long should I study?
Most candidates spend 8 to 12 weeks studying, averaging 10 hours a week. If you are new to AML, plan for 3 months.

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How long do I have to study for?

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For preparation, time is not a constraint. You should give at least two to three hours per day while preparing for the exam if you are aware of the AML frameworks. For a person who is new to the AML domain, it can be much more than two to three hours.

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Do I have to memorize content for the CAMS exams?

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You have to memorize a lot of factual content for the exam. Candidates who appear in the exam report that 20-30% of the questions require the memorization of content.

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Is there a penalty for picking out the wrong answer?

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There is no negative marking in the CAMS exam.

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Exam Day: What to Expect

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  • Identification: Bring two forms of valid ID (e.g., Passport and Driver’s License).
  • Remote Proctoring Rules: If taking it from home, your desk must be clear. No papers, phones, or talking allowed. You will be watched via webcam.
  • Time Management: You have roughly 1.75 minutes per question. Don't get stuck. Mark difficult questions for review and move on.
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What is the format of the exam?

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  • Number of Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions.
  • Duration: 3.5 hours (210 minutes).
  • Format: Computer-based testing.
  • Location: You can take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center OR via Online Proctoring (OnVUE) from your home or office.
  • Negative Marking: None. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Never leave a question blank.
  • Question Style:
    • Scenario-based: A hypothetical situation is described, and you must choose the best course of action.
    • Multiple Select: Some questions require you to "Select all that apply" (e.g., Choose 3 out of 5). You must get all parts correct to score the point.
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English is not my mother tongue, can I take the exam in a language other than English?

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Yes, you can take the exam in the following languages:

  • Arabic
  • English
  • Chinese
  • French
  • Portuguese
  • Polish
  • Spanish
  • Russian
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • Japanese
  • German
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Retake Policy and Recertification

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Can I retake the exam?
Yes, but it costs money (approx. $299 USD) and requires a waiting period:

  • 1st Fail: Wait 30 days.
  • 2nd Fail: Wait 60 days.
  • 3rd Fail: Wait 90 days.

Does the certification expire?
Yes. You must recertify every 3 years.
To recertify, you must:

  1. Maintain your ACAMS membership.
  2. Earn 60 Continuing Education (CAMS) credits over the 3-year cycle (via webinars, conferences, or professional experience).
  3. Pay the recertification fee (approx. $200–$300).
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What is the course outline of the CAMS exam?

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The official study guide provided by the ACAMS consists of eight chapters. Chapter 1-6 has all the study material while chapter 7 has practice questions for the examination. Chapter 8 has guidance material and other documents. It is important that you study some additional topics which are mentioned below in the article.

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Is external reading required for the exam?

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Note: Older guides referenced 8 chapters. The current 6th Edition Study Guide is streamlined into 4 Chapters.

Chapter 1: Risks and Methods of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

  • Understanding how criminals wash money through banks, real estate, trade, and crypto.
  • Risks associated with PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons).

Chapter 2: International AML/CFT Standards

  • FATF (Financial Action Task Force) Recommendations.
  • Basel Committee.
  • Wolfsberg Group Principles.
  • EU Directives and the USA PATRIOT Act.
  • OFAC and Sanctions.

Chapter 3: Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing Compliance Programs

  • How to build an internal compliance program.
  • The 4 Pillars of AML (Internal Controls, Training, Audit, Compliance Officer).
  • CDD (Customer Due Diligence) and KYCC (Know Your Customer’s Customer).

Chapter 4: Conducting or Supporting the Investigation Process

  • How to handle suspicious activity.
  • Filing SARs/STRs (Suspicious Activity Reports).
  • Law enforcement cooperation and international legal assistance.
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The 6th Edition Course Outline (Crucial Update)

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Following tips will be helpful while taking the exam:

  • The questions of a CAMS exam are lengthy and confusing. Read every question carefully to make sure you do not miss any important detail.
  • There are many distractors in questions and answers both. It is important to identify and eliminate unnecessary information that does not have an impact on the answers.
  • There is no negative marking in the exam. Make sure you do not leave any questions that you are not sure about.
  • The questions are confusing and tricky. Do not panic, it will only make things worse.
  • You have 210 minutes to solve 120 questions, which makes it approximately 1.5 minutes for each question. Try to solve every question in 1.5 minutes and do not spend too much time on confusing questions.
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What are the tips and tricks for taking the exam?

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Following tips will be helpful while taking the exam:

  • The questions of a CAMS exam are lengthy and confusing. Read every question carefully to make sure you do not miss any important detail.
  • There are many distractors in questions and answers both. It is important to identify and eliminate unnecessary information that does not have an impact on the answers.
  • There is no negative marking in the exam. Make sure you do not leave any questions that you are not sure about.
  • The questions are confusing and tricky. Do not panic, it will only make things worse.
  • You have 210 minutes to solve 120 questions, which makes it approximately 1.5 minutes for each question. Try to solve every question in 1.5 minutes and do not spend too much time on confusing questions.
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What is the passing score of the exam?

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To obtain the CAMS certification, you need to earn at least 75 points (out of 120) in the exam.

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What do I have to bring on the day of the exam?

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On the day of the exam, you have to bring a valid form of identification. You can bring your passport, driver’s license, or any form of government-issued ID.

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Does the CAMS certification expire?

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The CAMS certification expires in three years. CAMS professionals can recertify after three years.

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How much does recertification cost?

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The recertification costs between $200 - $250 before the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you must pay $300 to recertify.

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Can I reschedule my exam?

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  • Refunds will not be granted after registering.
  • Candidates can reschedule or cancel their exam via Pearson VUE up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled exam date at no charge.
  • Exams cancelled or rescheduled 24 to 72 hours prior to the scheduled start time incur a Pearson VUE charge of US$100.
  • No-shows and cancellations less than 24 hours before the scheduled exam require a new ACAMS authorization to test, at a cost of US$299.
  • Scheduling, rescheduling, or cancelling via the Pearson VUE call center incurs a charge of US20.
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What are the career opportunities for a certified AML specialist?

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A CAMS certified is an expert in anti-money-laundering techniques and is aware of the market trends. Having this certification ensures improved work prospects and better salaries. A CAMS professional can work in the public and private sector as:

  • AML Officer
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Auditor
  • Compliance Officer
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How much does a certified AML earn?

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CAMS certification is a vital component of a successful AML career. Nowadays, large financial institutions have made CAMS a mandatory requirement for positions in the AML and CTF.

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Is CAMS worth it?

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It is observed that a certified AML earns much more than a non-certified professional. On average, a CAMS professional earns $17 per hour or $80K per annum while the salary of non-certified professional ranges from $50K-$60K per year.

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Is there an alternative to the CAMS certification?

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Yes, there are many alternatives to the CAMS certification:

  • CFCs (Certification in Financial Crime)
  • CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
  • CAFP (Certified AML and Fraud Professional)
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Is CAMS the best AML certification?

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CFCS is a new certification and is not globally recognized. CFE is beneficial for those who want to pursue their career as fraud investigators. CAMS is the only certification that is widely recognized as the standard in the anti-money-laundering certifications.

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Conclusion

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In the AML domain, the CAMS certification is by far the most prestigious credential. It is an effective tool in fighting crime and terrorism. A certified individual can easily identify how and where threats originate. Even though it requires a big investment but it is a valuable contribution to your career and will open many doors for success in financial institutions. Preparing for the exam will not be easy but you will certainly reap the benefits of the time you put into studying.

P.S. For latest update of the exam rules and policies please refer to the official exam organization at acams.org.

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