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Your Sanctions Expertise, Certified with CGSS

The ACAMS Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) designation equips global professionals with the skills needed to understand and comply with changing sanctions regimes.

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    Remaining compliant with complex sanctions laws requires up-to-date knowledge. The Sanctions Space is a comprehensive resource center featuring rapid response briefings, Global Monthly Update webinars, Masterclasses, and other publications.

    Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) Crest


    Get recognized as a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist.

     

     

    Be Ready to Respond to Change

    In the sanctions world, change is a certainty. And the best way to be prepared, is to understand the principles behind sanctions compliance.

     

    Through a mix of study materials, case examples, and case studies, the Certified Global Sanctions Specialist Certification (CGSS) covers sanctions governance and frameworks, the sanctions compliance program, and the detection and investigation of sanctions evasion techniques – providing best practices in global sanctions compliance.

     

    Become certified in as little as four months.

    About CGSS

    Developed for professionals with 18 months to two years of financial crime compliance experience, getting CGSS certified demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge necessary to manage risks related to sanctions and ensure greater sanctions compliance.

     

    CGSS has been developed in conjunction with recognized sanctions and AFC subject matter experts, including those from regulatory and law enforcement backgrounds. CGSS answers the need for an in-depth training program in sanctions compliance, to help industry professionals better respond to the current challenges.

     

    It can be deployed to teams globally ensuring they are trained against the same standards and their specialized knowledge is recognized. CGSS-certified teams enable organizations to better manage sanctions risk, establish an effective sanctions compliance program, and demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

    Benefits of Obtaining CGSS

     

    For Professionals:

     

    ACAMS certifications are internationally renowned and recognized. Those who earn the CGSS designation will be distinguished as specialists in the sanctions space.

     

    Earning CGSS provides many career benefits for professionals, including:

    Demonstrating your professional knowledge in sanctions compliance
    Advancing your career and/or securing your move into a sanctions compliance role
    Access to the ACAMS community and our specific sanctions resources to continue your professional development

    For Organizations:

     

    The complexities and challenges associated with sanctions compliance are noted as being among the top concerns by executive leadership, industry-wide. By employing CGSS-certified professionals, organizations demonstrate that their employees possess a specialized level of knowledge in sanctions compliance. This means they can better manage risks and ensure greater sanctions compliance.

     

    Having a CGSS-certified workforce offers numerous benefits:

    • It credibly demonstrates an organization’s commitment to sanctions compliance, with continuous education and resources of the Sanctions Space, available to keep their sanctions knowledge up to date.
    • It helps organizations minimize risk in a world of increasingly complex laws, regulations, and policies.
    • As a global credential, CGSS enables multinational organizations to apply a single, consistent program across their global network.
    • It gives organizations access to the expansive global ACAMS network, connecting them with a diverse community dedicated to advancing the proficiency of financial crime prevention professionals.

    Who Is CGSS For?

    CGSS is ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals working in sanctions or AFC compliance.

     

    Applicable areas of expertise include:

    • Sanctions compliance
    • Sanctions screening
    • Economic/Financial sanctions
    • Embargoes/Trade sanctions
    • Global trade, import/export
    • AML/CTF
    • Compliance technology
    • Legal counsel
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Risk management

    CGSS Course Content

    This certification program includes key topics relevant to sanctions compliance and incorporates four stackable ACAMS online certificate courses:

    1. Sanctions Frameworks and Governance 
      Understand the purpose of sanctions, who imposes them, the licenses and permissible activities, and the consequences of non-compliance
    2. Building a Sanctions Compliance Program  
      Learn about sanctions risk assessment and due diligence, beneficial ownership and control, screening technology, policies, and processes
    3. Detecting and Investigating Sanctions Evasion Techniques
      Learn about sanctions evasion techniques through ownership, trade, and payments, including how to investigate sanctions breaches and manage frozen assets
    4. Sanctions Compliance Case Studies 
      Consolidate your knowledge with case studies and activities designed for practitioners

     

    Candidates will also receive additional study materials to help them confidently prepare for the CGSS exam.

    How to Earn the CGSS Certification
    Join ACAMS

    You must be an ACAMS member to apply. An ACAMS membership provides access to additional resources that support continuous education, to keep your knowledge sharp.

    Submit your exam application

    Submit your application to take the CGSS exam, outlining your qualifications, trainings, and AFC professional experience. You need 40 eligibility credits for your application to be approved.

    Study, then schedule your CGSS exam

    You can choose self-study or enhanced learning paths. Then, take the CGSS exam when you’re ready.

    Before you apply, use our eligibility calculator to see if you have the right experience to qualify for the CGSS exam.
    Professional Experience
    Education and Training

    Language Availability

    We offer the CGSS Certification program in different languages.

    Visit the local language site and download the Candidate Handbook for more information about each program:

     

    Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Chinese - simplified, Chinese - traditional

    CGSS Packages

    ACAMS offers two different CGSS exam packages tailored to your learning style.

     

    Please select your language to see the study materials available for your selected package.

     

    Standard Package
    Virtual Classroom Bundle
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    E-Learning Courses
    Review Questions
    Flashcards
    Six 2-Hour Live Online Classes
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    $2,395
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    $1,995
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    E-Learning Courses
    Review Questions
    Flashcards
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Virtual Classroom Bundle
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    E-Learning Courses
    Review Questions
    Flashcards
    Six 2-Hour Live Online Classes
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $2,395
    Public Sector
    $1,995
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Virtual Classroom Bundle
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Six 2-Hour Live Online Classes
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    $2,395
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    $1,995
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Virtual Classroom Bundle
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Six 2-Hour Live Online Classes
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $2,395
    Public Sector
    $1,995
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495
    Standard Package
    Electronic Study Guide (PDF)
    Flashcards
    Review Questions
    Practice Exam
    The CGSS Exam
    Private Sector
    $1,995
    Public Sector
    $1,495

    Alternate Packages

    If you have previously completed any of the following ACAMS online certificate courses, please contact us for alternative CGSS exam packages:

    1. Sanctions Frameworks and Governance
    2. Building a Sanctions Compliance Program
    3. Detecting and Investigating Sanctions Evasion Techniques
    4. Sanctions Compliance Case Studies
    ACAMS offers online proctoring for all candidates taking their certification exams. For more information, visit the FAQ page.

    Optional Upgrades

    CGSS Virtual Classroom Series
    $595.00

    A live online training course, providing candidates with additional support to help retain and reinforce key concepts covered in the CGSS study guide.

    CGSS Exam Retake
    $299.00
    CGSS Exam Extension
    $100.00

    Practice Exam

    Developed under the same quality standards as the certification exam, the practice exam is included in your certification package as part of the study materials, and will provide you with the best chance to get certified by:

    • Exposing you to sample exam questions
    • Building confidence in your readiness for the certification exam
    • Helping you study in an interactive e-learning environment
    • Covering the topic areas included on the actual exam

     

    Visit the FAQs section for more information.

    CGSS Virtual Classroom Schedule

    Virtual Classroom is a live, web-based study course that includes two-hour virtual classes every week, over a six-week period. It provides candidates with additional guided instruction to help them retain and reinforce key concepts covered in the CGSS study guide.

    Oct 9 - Nov 13, 2024, US 6 PM ET - English
    Oct 30 - Dec 4, 2024, APAC EMEA 6 PM HKT/10 AM GMT - English
    Nov 7 - Dec 12, 2024, EMEA 4 PM CET - French

    Disability Service Accommodations

    Requests for Disability Service Accommodations:

     

    ACAMS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities, as defined by local, applicable law. Our intent is to ensure that everyone who makes a request for accommodations is advised of the accommodation process as promptly as possible. If you have a disability as defined under local, applicable law, please contact the Accommodation Coordinator for a request form and information.

     

    Process

     

    The first step in the accommodation process is to contact our Disability Services.

     

    Disability Services Accommodation Coordinator

    Phone: +1 786 871 3062

    E-mail: accommodations@acams.org

    Fax: +1 866 494 0040

     

    After you initiate contact, the Accommodation Coordinator will ask you to complete the accommodation request form, specifying your impairment and the requested accommodation. In addition to the form, you must provide recent (generally no more than five years old) certification and/or documentation from a qualified medical or educational professional that (a) provides a specific diagnosis; and (b) recommends specific accommodations that might be helpful to the applicable setting and request, based on the diagnosis.

     

    When completing the form, add your application number (e.g., CAMS099887766), and submit it to accommodations@acams.org to ensure ACAMS properly receives your accommodation request.

     

    The Accommodation Coordinator will contact you with further information and will evaluate your request and supporting documentation, and request or obtain any additional input, including supporting documentation as appropriate to determine whether your request can reasonably be granted. If your request is granted, the Accommodation Coordinator will work with you to implement the request. If your request is denied or deemed unreasonable, the Accommodation Coordinator will engage in a dialog with you to explore any alternative reasonable accommodation options, if appropriate.

     

    Once accommodations have been implemented, you should continue to work with Disability Services on any accommodation-related needs. If you experience difficulty in implementing or obtaining approved accommodations, you must notify the Accommodation Coordinator immediately upon identification of concern for assistance in rectifying the situation as appropriate.

     

    Requests are reviewed on an individual and rolling basis. Please note, the time for approval could potentially affect the timeframe for testing with the approved accommodation.

     

    If you have a complaint, please contact accommodations@acams.org. If you believe you have been discriminated against due to a disability, you should contact accommodations@acams.org to address the immediate situation. You will be contacted by the Certification Manager.

    FAQs

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