CFA Institute reports that 46% of the candidates who sat for the final Expert level exam in the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) program passed the April 2012 exam.
These 98 successful candidates are now able to use the CIPM designation, boosting the total number of investment professionals who hold the CIPM designation to 880.
The CIPM credential is the investment industry’s only designation dedicated to the specialized field of investment performance analysis and presentation. The two-level CIPM program is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge in the areas of ethics, performance evaluation, and application of the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), which give investors the transparency required to compare and evaluate investment managers.
“In difficult market conditions and an environment of low investor confidence, it is essential that investment professionals represent a high standard of professional excellence and ethical conduct,” said Todd Jankowski, head of the CIPM Program at CFA Institute. “Fair and effective financial markets are led by competent and ethically centered professionals focused on the greater good, and we are proud to award the CIPM designation to this outstanding group of professionals.”
In total, 211 candidates in 30 countries took the three-hour, computer-based Expert level exam. To earn the certificate, a candidate must enroll and pass two exams, become a regular member of the CIPM Association, and meet professional experience requirements. The CIPM program applies best practices in investment analysis techniques through a self-directed curriculum and tests proficiency in professional ethics, performance evaluation, and investment reporting.
The number of candidates registered for the CIPM exam cycle has increased by 51% since April 2006. This marked growth demonstrates the increased value that professionals in investment performance evaluation place on the designation. Successful CIPM candidates include performance analysts, client relationship managers, institutional investors, consultants, compliance officers and IT professionals, among others.
In addition, 54% of 268 candidates in 35 countries who took the Principles level of the CIPM exam have passed. The Principles level exam emphasizes investment tools and inputs necessary for performance evaluation and the provisions of the GIPS standards. Candidates who passed the Principles level exam are eligible to enroll in the Expert level of the program.
Enrollment for both levels in the October 2012 examination window remains open through July 31, 2012. The CIPM curriculum is offered online and examinations are administered during two periods each year at test centers worldwide.
For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org.