Maintain Your ACAMS Certification
Recertification keeps your ACAMS designation current and confirms your ongoing commitment to professional development and fighting financial crime. If you don’t recertify, your designation will expire.
Do I Need to Recertify?
Your recertification cycle depends on the type of certification you hold:
- Associate-level certifications (CKYCA, CTMA, CAFCA): Recertify every year
- Specialist-level certifications (CAMS, CGSS, CCAS, CAFS): Recertify every 3 years
- Advanced specialist-level certifications (Adv CAMS-Audit, CAMS-FCI, CAMS-RM): Recertify every 3 years
View your certification status and renewal deadline any time in My Account.
Recertification Requirements (At a Glance)
Recertification for all designations requires an active ACAMS membership. Membership provides access to expert insights, resources, and a global network of AFC professionals to stay current with financial crime developments. Participating in ACAMS events or training programs also allows you to earn the necessary credits for recertification.
You can also refer to your certification’s candidate handbook for more information on your recertification process.
Specialist-Level
Credits (3-year cycle)
✔ CAMS: 60 total credits (At least 12 from ACAMS)
✔ CGSS / CCAS / CAFS: 30 total credits
(At least 15 from ACAMS)
Application & Fees*
✔ Online application
✔ Recertification fee required
ℹ️ If you hold multiple specialist certifications, each one must be recertified separately.
Advanced Specialist-Level
AML Audit, Financial Crimes Investigations, Risk Management
Credits (3-year cycle)
✔ 45 total credits (At least 15 from ACAMS)
Application & Fees*
✔ Online application
✔ Recertification fee required
ℹ️ If you hold multiple advanced certifications, only the most recently earned one needs recertification.
*All 3-year recertifications follow the same timeline. Early submission (by October 1): US$200, Standard submission (by December 15): US$250, Late submission (by March 31): US$300. Missing the March 31 deadline means your designation will expire.
How to Recertify
- Log in to My Account, click the Recertification tab, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also view your available credits there**.
- Complete your application and submit payment (if required).
- You’ll receive a confirmation email once your recertification is approved.
**ACAMS credits earned through ACAMS training and events are added to your account automatically. You can also earn credits through non-ACAMS education, and professional activities. Eligible credits must be earned after your certification or last recertification date. The same eligible credits may be used across multiple certifications. You can track your credits anytime in My Account under Educational Credits.
Extensions and Special Circumstances
If you experience exceptional circumstances (such as extended leave), an extension may be available. Requests must be submitted during your recertification year.
Contact us to request a recertification extension and include supporting documentation. Please refer to your certification’s candidate handbook for more information.
Ready to Get Started?
Go to My Account to check your status, track credits, and complete your recertification. If you wish to schedule a consultation with your ACAMS Account Manager, please complete the form below, and we will contact you to guide you through each step.