Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)

Key takeaways

• The AAMS is a professional designation for advisors who work with personal assets and investments.
• It’s awarded by the College for Financial Planning (Kaplan) after completing an online self-study program and passing a final exam.
• Maintenance typically requires continuing education—16 hours every two years—and a renewal fee (about $95 every two years).
• The AAMS is aimed at newer advisors; the CFP is a broader, more advanced credential requiring extensive experience.

What is the AAMS?

The Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) is a credential for financial professionals who advise individual clients on asset management, investments, and other personal finance matters. The designation signals training in practical investment and planning topics and can help improve credibility and job prospects.

Who is it for?

AAMS is best suited to entry-level advisors or professionals transitioning into client-facing roles focused on personal finance and investments. Typical roles held by AAMS designees include financial advisor, registered investment advisor, registered representative, client relationship manager, and financial consultant.

Program structure and curriculum

• Administered by the College for Financial Planning (part of Kaplan) and delivered as an online self-study program.
• The course is organized into 10 modules covering:
• The asset management process
• Investment strategies, allocation, and selection
• Risk, return, and performance measurement
• Taxation of investment products
• Retirement planning and IRAs
• Executive compensation and benefits
• Insurance products for investment clients
• Estate planning
• Regulatory and ethical issues
• Case studies and client scenarios

Exam and completion requirements

• Students gain access to the online material and have 120 days to complete the course and pass the final exam.
• Final exam: 80 questions, 3-hour time limit, passing score of 70%, typically two attempts allowed.
• After earning the designation, holders must meet ongoing continuing education and renewal obligations to maintain the credential.

Continuing education and renewal

To retain the AAMS designation, holders must complete continuing education (commonly 16 hours every two years) and pay a renewal fee (around $95 every two years). The continuing education curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry firms and focuses on practical, client-centered topics.

AAMS vs. CFP

• Scope: AAMS focuses on asset management and personal finance fundamentals; CFP covers comprehensive financial planning across a client’s lifetime.
• Experience: CFP certification requires significant professional planning experience (historically thousands of hours) in addition to education and exam requirements, making it a more advanced credential.
• Career path: AAMS can serve as a stepping stone toward the CFP for professionals who want to deepen their planning credentials and responsibilities.

Recognition and special considerations

• FINRA does not approve or endorse credentials but lists many industry designations, including AAMS.
• Some organizations may grant continuing education credit for AAMS coursework. AAMS students often receive credit toward certain CFP course modules when applicable.
• Check employer, state, and professional organization rules for how AAMS is recognized in specific contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What does AAMS stand for?
– Accredited Asset Management Specialist.

Which is better, AAMS or CFP?
– Neither is universally “better”; AAMS is ideal for entry-level advisors focusing on investments and asset management, while the CFP is broader and more advanced for comprehensive financial planning.

How long does it take to complete AAMS?
– You have 120 days of access to the program once materials are released. Actual study time depends on your background and schedule.

Bottom line

The AAMS is a practical, industry-recognized credential for advisors focused on asset management and personal finance. It provides foundational training, an exam-based certification path, and continuing education requirements, and it can be a useful early-career milestone for professionals pursuing more advanced credentials like the CFP.