CCAS Certification

What is the Certified Cryptoasset AFC Specialist (CCAS) Certification?

CCAS is the ACAMS crypto certification related to AML in the context of the cryptoasset industry. Earning this specialist certification means that, when combined with 18 months to two years of financial crime compliance experience, a professional has the knowledge necessary to manage the risk of, and comply with regulations related to, financial crime in the context of the crypto sector.

What is the difference between the CAMS Certification and the CCAS Certification?

The CAMS Certification is an established global qualification that outlines the key principles of money laundering and how to prevent it. The CCAS Certification covers those principles in the context of the cryptoasset sector. A CAMS certified member may find it useful to earn the CCAS Certification to demonstrate their skills and knowledge on the evolving topic of cryptoassets.

What are the core topic areas covered by CCAS?

• Cryptoassets and blockchain
• AML foundations for cryptoassets and blockchain
• Risk management programs for cryptoassets and blockchain

These core topics are included in the exam blueprint and are also covered in the study materials.

What study materials are included in the CCAS exam package?

The CCAS exam package includes e-learning courses, a study guide, flashcards, review questions, a post-assessment, and a practice exam.

Can I access the study materials after the course is completed?

You may download the study guide, which is available in PDF format, to refer to after you have completed CCAS. Please note that once you have completed the CCAS exam, the study materials will no longer be available for you to access via the learning management system (LMS).

In what languages is the CCAS Certification exam available?

The Certified Cryptoasset AFC Specialist Certification exam is only available in English.

Is the CCAS exam content updated to reflect industry changes?

ACAMS regularly updates all of its certification exams, including the Certified Cryptoasset AFC Specialist Certification, to keep up with the evolving anti-financial crime (AFC) landscape. These updates ensure the certification content remains current and in line with industry trends, regulations, and best practices.

Who is the CCAS Certification for?

The program is appropriate for professionals and organizations who want to meet and demonstrate a specialized standard of knowledge in managing the risks and complying with regulations related to financial crime within the sphere of cryptocurrency. It is suitable for professionals and organizations working in the cryptoasset sector (regulated and non-regulated), as well as outside of the crypto sector in more traditional financial services institutions, law enforcement, and in the regulation domain.

How can the CCAS Certification help advance my career?

ACAMS certifications, including CCAS, are internationally recognized and renowned by organizations, regulators, and governments. By obtaining the CCAS Certification, you demonstrate a strong understanding of AML/CFT compliance in the crypto industry – a valuable skill set in today's rapidly evolving financial landscape. The CCAS designation can be used to evidence your expertise to your current and future employers.

Who is eligible to take CCAS?

Candidates must have an active ACAMS membership and present evidence of 40 eligibility credits to be eligible to take CCAS. The CCAS eligibility criteria are similar to the CAMS eligibility requirements.

The program assumes that the candidate has approximately 18 months to two years of AFC experience and an understanding of the crypto space, although this is not a prerequisite. Being able to demonstrate an understanding of the financial crime framework is more important than direct experience in the cryptoasset sector.

Will the CCAS study materials give me ACAMS credits?

Yes, the training components of the program are worth 12 ACAMS credits and the virtual classroom series provides an additional 12 ACAMS credits. Those credits can be used toward the eligibility requirements to take the CCAS exam.

Is there an application?

Yes, you can apply online. Candidates are required to have an active membership and present 40 eligibility credits. These credits can be obtained through education, professional experience, and relevant training. Detailed information can be found in the CCAS candidate handbook.

How do I find all available exam dates and locations?

Once enrolled, you will be able to access a scheduling tool that enables you to take your exam at a Pearson VUE center or via online proctoring.

How long do I have to take the certification exam?

Six months from the day of your payment.

What is the structure of the exam?

The exam has 100 questions in total. There are both multiple choice (select one answer) and multiple select questions (select all answers that fit).

How long is the exam?

The exam is 175 minutes long.

Are exam results disclosed to third parties? Are the results public?

Candidates receive their exam results immediately (pass or fail) at the conclusion of the test. If an organization pays for a candidate’s exam, they may ask for the result. If the candidate does not want this information released to their organization, they must notify ACAMS in writing.

Should I take a practice exam?

Our practice exams set you up for success. Developed to the same quality standard as the certification exam, the practice exam:

• Exposes you to samples of certification exam questions
• Builds your confidence in readiness for the certification exam
• Helps you study, in an interactive e-learning environment
• Covers the topic areas included in the actual exam

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

The practice exam questions follow the same format as the certification exam, and there are two versions of the same practice exam, which you can retake as many times as you want:

• One with answers revealed
• One without answers immediately available

None of the practice exam questions will appear on the certification exam. Please note, the practice exam is hosted in 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?

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 exam-style questions to prepare for your certification exam.

Where can I find my practice exam?

Practice exams are part of your study materials. Once you are registered, log into the ACAMS LMS, and find and click on your course under the “My Courses” section. Scroll and choose the practice exam. 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 the practice exams as many times as you want, even if you have answered 100% of the questions correctly.

How long is my CCAS Certification valid?

Three years.

What are the recertification requirements?

To recertify, you will need to earn 30 recertification credits over a three-year period. A minimum of 15 of these credits must be earned from ACAMS training or events. You will also need to hold an active ACAMS membership.

Do credits earned the same year I became certified count toward my recertification?

Yes, if the credits were earned after passing the CCAS exam.

I currently hold the CAMS Certification, and I am now CCAS certified. Do I need to recertify all of my earned certifications?

Yes. If you hold both CAMS and CCAS, you will need to recertify each designation separately.

I am CCAS certified. Am I eligible to apply to the CAMS or CGSS program?

Yes. On completing the CCAS Certification, you will have been awarded 40 ACAMS credits. This means you have enough eligibility credits to apply for CAMS or CGSS.

I am CCAS certified. Am I eligible to apply for the Advanced CAMS programs?

You must have achieved the CAMS Certification before you can take an Advanced CAMS program.

"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 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."