Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)

New financial advisors need something to help them stand out. Consequently, the accredited asset management specialist (AAMS) does just that. Designed for newcomers to the financial advice business, the AAMS trains advisors to identify investment opportunities as well as help clients with other financial goals. It also gives more experienced advisors a fast and simple way to learn more about asset management and improve their credentials.

Consider working with a financial advisor as you seek the best way to manage your monetary assets.

What Is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)?

An Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) is a financial professional who has completed specialized training in investment management and financial planning. The designation is offered by the College for Financial Planning and is designed for advisors who work directly with clients to build and manage investment portfolios. It focuses on practical investment strategies and client-centered financial advice.

The AAMS designation emphasizes the principles of asset management, including portfolio construction, asset allocation and investment selection. Advisors with this credential are trained to help clients develop strategies based on their financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Their expertise often centers on helping individuals create diversified portfolios and manage investments over time.

To earn the AAMS designation, candidates must complete a structured program of coursework that covers investment management concepts and financial planning fundamentals. Topics typically include asset allocation, retirement planning, tax considerations and investment risk management. After completing the coursework, candidates must pass a final exam to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts.

Professionals who hold the AAMS designation are expected to follow ethical standards and complete continuing education to maintain the credential. These requirements help ensure that advisors remain informed about changes in financial markets, investment strategies and industry regulations. Maintaining the designation signals that the advisor has completed specialized training in asset management and client-focused investment guidance.

Services Offered By an AAMS Professional

Accredited Asset Management Specialists (AAMS) often help clients build and manage investment portfolios tailored to their financial goals. This typically involves determining an appropriate asset allocation among stocks, bonds and other investments based on a client’s risk tolerance and time horizon. By balancing different asset classes, AAMS professionals aim to create diversified portfolios designed to support long-term growth while managing risk.

An AAMS professional may also assist clients in selecting specific investments to include in their portfolios. This can involve evaluating mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks or other securities that align with a client’s strategy. Advisors often monitor portfolios over time and recommend adjustments as market conditions or financial goals change.

Many AAMS professionals help clients prepare for retirement by developing investment strategies focused on long-term savings and income generation. They may review retirement accounts, estimate future income needs and recommend strategies to help build sufficient retirement assets. This guidance can help clients better understand how their investment decisions fit into broader retirement plans.

AAMS Certification Requirements

To receive an AAMS, students first have to complete a 10-module education program provided by the College for Financial Planning. Then they have to pass an examination. Finally, they must agree to abide by a code of ethics and promise to continue their education.

The courses are online and can be delivered in self-study or instructor-led formats. Courses are open-enrollment, therefore students can begin at any time without waiting for the next session. The 10 modules cover the following material:

The Asset Management Process
Risk, Return & Investment Performance
Asset Allocation & Selection
Investment Strategies
Taxation of Investments
Investing for Retirement
Deferred Compensation and Other Benefit Plans
Insurance Products for Investment Clients
Estate Planning for Investment Clients
Fiduciary, Ethical and Regulatory Issues for Advisors

The College of Financial Planning provides everything necessary to study for and complete the modules and take the test. Students have access to the study materials and tests through an online portal.

Streaming video lectures, audio files and interactive quizzes also can be found through the college’s site. Meanwhile, students can access live classes online and contact professors with questions and issues. The self-study class typically takes around 10 weeks to complete.

The AAMS Certification Exam

To get the AAMS certification, students have to pass just one test. However, they have to make their first attempt at the test within six months of enrollment and pass it within a year. The fee for the first attempt at taking the test is included in the course tuition. There are no prerequisites for signing up to take the AAMS course and the exam is 80 questions. A passing score for the exam is 70% or higher.

Time and Money to Obtain the AAMS

Tuition for the AAMS courses is $1,300. This includes the fee for the first attempt at passing the certification exam. It also includes all needed course materials. Each additional attempt costs $100. Students have 120 days from the time they are granted online access to complete the course of study, including the final test.

Students employed with certain financial services firms may be able to get tuition discounts. The college may also provide scholarships. The College for Financial Planning recommends students plan to spend 80 hours to 100 hours on the course. Since the course is self-study, this amount of time is flexible.

To maintain AAMS certification students have to commit to completing 16 hours of continuing education credits every two years. Also, continuing education has to cover one or more of the topics covered in the AAMS coursework.

AAMS certificate holders also have to agree to follow a professional standard of conduct. As a result, they have to maintain integrity, objectivity, competency, confidentiality and professionalism in providing financial services.

AAMS Certificate Holder Jobs

AAMS certificates are generally earned by entry-level workers in the financial advice business. Consequently, AAMS holders are typically trainees. In some cases, they may provide support services to more experienced and highly credentialed advisors. The AAMS designation does not confer any special powers or privileges. Instead, it’s an optional credential that students may obtain to advance their careers and enhance their knowledge of financial advice.

Comparable Certifications

In addition to the AAMS, the College for Financial Planning offers an accredited wealth manager advisor (AWMA) certificate. This is a somewhat more advanced designation. As a result, it requires a course equivalent to three graduate-level college credits and requires 90 hours to 135 hours to complete.

Chartered mutual fund counselor (CMFC) is sponsored by the Investment Company Institute along with the College of Financial Planning. It is similar to the AAMS certificate except it focuses on mutual fund assets.

Accredited financial counselor (AFC) is a general personal finance advice certificate from the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. First, it requires 1,000 hours of financial counseling experience. Secondly, it demands three letters of reference. Finally, applicants must both complete coursework and pass an exam.

How to Find an AAMS Professional

One way to find an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) is by using online financial advisor directories that allow you to search by credentials and specialties. Many advisor platforms provide filters that let you locate professionals who hold the AAMS designation and offer services such as investment management or financial planning. Reviewing advisor profiles can help you identify professionals who may align with your financial needs.

Because the AAMS designation is awarded by the College for Financial Planning, you may also be able to verify credential holders through resources provided by the organization. Professional directories or alumni networks can help confirm that an advisor has completed the required coursework and maintains the designation in good standing.

Different AAMS professionals may offer different levels of service, ranging from investment advice to comprehensive financial planning. As you evaluate potential advisors, ask about the services they provide and how they charge for them. Understanding whether fees are based on assets under management, hourly rates or other structures can help you choose a professional who fits your financial goals and budget.

Bottom Line

An Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) is a financial professional with specialized training in investment management and portfolio strategy. Advisors with this designation often help clients build diversified portfolios, plan for retirement and manage investment risk while working toward long-term financial goals. If you’re considering working with an AAMS professional, reviewing their credentials, experience and fee structure can help you determine whether their services align with your financial needs and investment strategy.

Tips for Investing

If you’re looking to identify investment opportunities, consider engaging an expert, such as an AAMS, as your financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
An AAMS can help you with college savings, taxes and retirement savings if you know what your goals are. However, if you are unsure how much you want to invest, what your risk tolerance is or how inflation and capital gains tax will affect your investment, SmartAsset’s investing guide can help you take the first steps.

Next Steps

Do you want to learn more about financial advisors? Check out these articles: