CGSS Certification

Am I eligible to take the CGSS Exam?

The full list of requirements can be found in the CGSS Candidate Handbook. You will need to be an ACAMS member and demonstrate that you have 40 eligibility credits.

What documents do I need to provide as evidence of my educational qualifications?

Please provide us with official transcripts or a copy of your diploma.

Do you accept training credits from other organizations for eligibility?

Yes, we do! Contact us for specifics.

Am I eligible to take the CGSS exam if I do not hold a higher education degree?

Absolutely. There are several ways to accrue eligibility credits, including through the CGSS Virtual Classroom Series or CGSS Live Prep Courses. Check the CGSS candidate handbook for more details, or contact us to talk through your specific circumstances.

Do I earn any credits for being an ACAMS member?

While being a member is a requirement for CGSS certification, membership does not count toward the 40-credit total required for eligibility.

Does the higher education degree need to be financial crime-related to qualify for eligibility credits?

Not at all. If your degree is issued by an accredited college or university, it can be in any field of study.

Is internship experience eligible toward the 40-credit requirement?

Yes – if your internship is in the field of AML and/or sanctions.

How do I apply?

Start by selecting and purchasing your CGSS certification package – this includes your study materials, elective courses, and exam access. You can then submit your application either before or after completing your learning path. You’ll need to meet ACAMS’ 40-credit eligibility requirement, which is based on your education, experience, certifications, and training. If you’re still earning credits, you can save your progress and return to the application later. You may also request special accommodations during the process. 

After your application is approved (typically within 5 business days), you’ll receive an email with instructions to schedule your exam.  

Do I need to log in to apply?

Yes. You’ll need an ACAMS account to access the application form. If you already have one, log in using your registered email and password. If you’re new to ACAMS, create a free account here. Note: This account is separate from ACAMS membership, which is required to apply for certification.   

Do I pay and apply at the same time, or should I do this separately?

You’ll purchase your CGSS certification package first, which includes your learning materials and exam access. At this point, you can submit your application before or after completing your learning path. ACAMS will then verify your eligibility and approve your application before you can schedule the exam.   

Can I submit a digital version of my supporting documents?

Absolutely. You will need to upload supporting documents as part of the online CGSS application process.

Can I check the status of my CGSS application after I have submitted it?

Yes! Log in to follow the progress of your application.

How long do I have to take the CGSS exam?

You have six months from the day your application is approved. Once you receive the email with the authorization to test, you can schedule your test by logging on to the Pearson VUE exam scheduling system directly from the email. You can also go to the ACAMS website and access the Pearson VUE exam scheduling platform from your user account.

How can I submit my application?

You can submit your online CGSS exam application here. If you have any problems, please contact us.

Is the CGSS application transferable?

No. Every individual who applies to become a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist is assessed against the eligibility criteria. So, everyone must submit their own application. However, in certain conditions, the exam fee may be transferrable to someone else if you no longer wish to sit for the CGSS exam. Please contact us to discuss.

Is there a government discount offered for the CGSS exam?

Yes! Find our public sector pricing here.

Is the CGSS exam available in different languages?

Yes, the CGSS exam is available in the following languages:

• Arabic
• English
• French
• Japanese
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese

How do I register to take the exam?

You must first apply for the CGSS exam. Once your application is approved and you have paid the fee, you will receive instructions via email for how to schedule your exam at your nearest Pearson VUE testing center.

When can I register to take the exam?

Candidates are able to register for the exam as soon as they purchase their exam package and their application is approved.

Where are the Pearson VUE testing centers located?

Find a testing center near you.

Is it possible to take the exam during a conference?

It’s not possible to take the exam onsite at an ACAMS Conference. The CGSS exam is only available at Pearson VUE testing centers – they offer a global network of 5,000+ locations. Find a testing center near you.

How do I access the CGSS study materials?

Once you’ve purchased your CGSS package, we’ll email you links to the online study materials.

Is the study guide included in all CGSS packages?

Yes! Each CGSS package includes the study guide to help you prepare for the exam, as well as other materials like flashcards and a practice exam. If you’d like a more structured learning experience, you can choose to upgrade to a Virtual Classroom Package or enroll in a CGSS Live Prep Course. No matter which one you choose, everyone studies from the same study guide.

Can I view the study guide on a Kindle?

Yes, the CGSS study guide PDF is viewable on most e-readers.

What is the difference between a practice exam and the certification exam?

The practice exam questions match the question types and topics included on the actual certification exam.*

The practice exam questions follow the same format as the certification exam. There are two versions of the practice exam:

• Practice exam (without answers): one version without answers revealed
• Practice exam (with answers): the same version with answers immediately available

None of the practice exam questions will appear on the certification exam.

*Please note, the practice exam is hosted on the ACAMS Learning Management System (LMS), which differs from the environment where the actual certification exam is administered – through our partnership with Pearson VUE.

What is the difference between a post-assessment and a practice exam?

Some study materials include post-assessments. Post-assessments are a set of review questions designed to help you assess your knowledge after studying the training materials. Practice exams enable you to practice real exam-type questions, in order to prepare you for your certification exam.

Where can I find my practice exam?

Practice exams are part of your study materials. Once you’re registered for your certification program, log into the LMS, and find and click on your course under the “My Courses” section. Scroll down the path and choose the practice exam of your choice to begin. You can access it at any time during your certification program enrollment period.

How many times can I take the practice exam?

You can retake both versions of the practice exam as many times as you wish, even if you score 100%.

"All exams and the exam materials are the copyright of ACAMS and may not be published, shared, reproduced, or otherwise distributed or disseminated without the express written consent of ACAMS. You will maintain the confidentiality of, and not distribute, share, or disclose any exam materials. You agree not to discuss the content of an exam with anyone, and that you will not record, copy, or disclose any exam questions or answers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in any form or by any means whatsoever. Additionally, you represent that you have not received exam questions or answers from others.

Disclosing exam materials or information about exam materials may result in a lawsuit that may result in paying monetary damages or in you being subject to other court-enforced penalties, criminal penalties, cancellation of your test scores, revocation, or suspension of any of your current certifications, and/or revocation or suspension of your ACAMS memberships.

ACAMS is the final authority that determines, in its sole discretion, whether you have the privilege of maintaining your membership or any certification, sitting for an exam, and whether any score you receive is satisfactory. Initial receipt of a satisfactory score or certificate does not waive ACAMS’ right and discretion to deem a score non-satisfactory in the event ACAMS determines there were test taking irregularities or that the score may have been obtained by way of unfair advantage (e.g., evidence of cheating). In such an event, your memberships and certificate(s) may be suspended or revoked. In the event that ACAMS determines that a certification or exam result was obtained by way of irregularities or unfair advantage, no refunds for exam or membership fees will be provided."