AFP CTP Exam (Certified Treasury Professional) Detailed Information
Achieve the Global Standard of Excellence in Treasury
The Certified Treasury Professional (
CTP) designation sets the standard in the treasury profession and is a global symbol of excellence.
Benefits of Certification
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The Certified Treasury Professional® (
CTP) designation sets the global standard in the finance profession and is a symbol of excellence.
Why should you earn the
CTP?
CTP_14_Stats_3reasonsHigher salaries. Earn up to 16% more than your non-certified peers.
Increases job security. Validates your competency in liquidity, capital and risk management functions.
Better career flexibility. Prepares you for greater on-the-job responsibilities.
Improves marketability. Stand out against other applicants in a tough job market.
Boosts relevancy. Stay current in the profession with continuing education requirements.
The Certified Treasury Professional® (
CTP) designation serves as a benchmark of competency in the finance profession and is recognized as the leading credential in corporate treasury worldwide. Sponsored by the Association for Financial Professionals® (AFP), the
CTP® credential signifies that you have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively execute critical functions related to corporate liquidity, capital and risk management. In today’s environment, companies are looking for proven and ethical professionals. They are looking for
CTPs.
Plus, after earning the
CTP, you are committed to keeping your knowledge current by meeting continuing education requirements.
CTPs remain relevant throughout their career.
Whether you’re looking to safeguard your career or seeking a promotion, earning the
CTP certification can open a variety of doors. The 2015 AFP Compensation Survey shows that
CTPs earn more than their non-certified peers:
Higher Salaries. Better Marketability. Recognized Worldwide.
Job Title Average $
Difference Average %
Salary Difference
Manager Treasury / Finance $13,970 16%
Senior Accountant $7,521 11%
Accounting Manager $13,166 15%
Cash Manager $5,667 6%
Accountant II $1,837 3%
Assistant Cash Manager $10,327 15%
Source: 2015 AFP Compensation Survey
According to the research, financial professionals who do not have an advanced degree improve their salary potential by earning professional certifications such as the
CTP. The
CTP designation sets the standard in the finance profession and is a symbol of excellence.
Start here to learn everything you need to know about the
CTP exam including test specifications, FAQs, forms and more.
Role of a
CTP
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The
CTP examination is based on globally recognized standards of practice, concepts and theories in treasury management.
CTP-16_Role_
CTP
Measurable Standard of Competency
The
CTP exam is designed to test mastery of knowledge and skills required by treasury professionals to execute critical functions related to corporate liquidity, capital and risk management, such as:
Maintain corporate liquidity required to meet current and future obligations in a timely and cost effective manner.
Manage optimal cash positioning through forecasting and short-term investing and borrowing activities.
Employ working capital strategies and tools to efficiently manage current assets and liabilities.
Utilize various types of payment systems and Internet technologies to transfer monetary value and business documents between parties.
Monitor and control corporate exposure to financial and operational risks.
Optimize capital structure, manage costs of long-term capital and quantitatively evaluate capital resource investments.
Manage cross-border funds movement and utilize international trade financing methods.
Coordinate financial functions and sharing of financial information with other internal departments.
Delineate appropriate ethical behaviors expected in business activities.
Recognize corporate governance issues that arise from the separation of corporate ownership and control.
Build cost effective relationships with financial services providers.
Q: How does AFP recognize new
CTPs?
A: New
CTPs for the previous testing window are listed on the AFP website and published in the AFP Exchange magazine. New
CTPs are also provided with an Employer Notification Form that can be submitted to AFP to notify an employer or supervisor of your accomplishment. In addition, AFP recognizes new
CTPs as part of the Certification Luncheon at the AFP Annual Conference.
Q: What do I need to do to maintain my
CTP/CCM certification?
A:
CTPs and CCMs are required to earn and report 36 continuing education credits every three years to maintain their certification.
Q: How many questions are there for each exam topic?
A: Review the 2014-2016
CTP Test Specifications for more information about the number of questions per
CTP exam topic.
How To Register
Q: Do I need to be a member to register for the exam?
A: You are not required to be an AFP member prior to registering for the exam. However, non-members are required to remit the non-member rate for the exam. The non-member rate includes a non-member differential that is applied towards an AFP membership for the calendar year.
Q: How do I determine if I am eligible to take the exam?
A: To qualify for the exam, applicants must report two or more years of full-time, career-based, corporate finance-related work experience. If you have less than two years of experience, a graduate-level degree in finance or two years of full-time, university-level teaching in a finance topic is each equivalent to one year of work experience.
Q: I don't think my graduate school transcripts will be delivered by the deadline. Can I fax a copy to AFP?
A: Yes. A copy of your graduate school transcripts can be faxed to AFP at 301.907.2864.
Q: If I have a graduate degree, do I need to complete the work experience portion of the exam application?
A: Yes. Since exam candidates are required to report at least one year of work experience, the work experience portion of the application will need to be completed and submitted by all candidates.
Q: What is the deadline to cancel my appointment with the testing center to ensure that I do not incur the $80 "no show" penalty?
A: If you cannot make your appointment or you are submitting a transfer request or deferral request to move your exam to the next testing window, your exam appointment must be cancelled with PearsonVUE at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
Q: What is the difference between the standard and final registration deadlines?
A: For exam candidates submitting a new application after the standard deadline, and by the final deadline, the cost for the exam increases by $100.
Q: How can I determine if my application and eligibility information has been accepted and approved?
A: You will receive a letter confirming approval of your
CTP exam registration and Authorization to Test (ATT) approximately one week after submission of your application and payment or, if you are applying for a future testing window, approximately 2 weeks after the current testing window closes. AFP will contact any candidate with any application or payment issues that may delay this approval process.
Q: Why should I schedule my exam appointment in the early part of the exam window rather than the latter part of the window?
A: When scheduling your appointment, you should consider a date early in the window rather than the last week of the window. Should an unexpected job or personal responsibility require you to cancel your appointment to test early in the window, you will have more flexibility when rescheduling your appointment. Candidates who have appointments late in the testing window are frequently required to pay the Transfer fee and move their eligibility to the next testing window when they find that no last minute appointments are available during their current testing window. Note: Candidates are entitled to one transfer per new or re-exam application, so please use your transfer wisely.
Q: How can I submit my application?
A: A
CTP exam application can be submitted online, by fax or by mail. Register online to receive a printable version of the application, please request a copy of the
CTP Candidate Guide.
Q: Does my work experience have to be in treasury/cash management to qualify?
A: No. Your work experience must be in the corporate finance profession, but it is not required that this experience be in treasury/cash management.
Preparing for the Exam
Q: Does the new applicant fee include a copy of the Essentials of Treasury Management textbook?
A: No. AFP provides exam candidates with the ability to purchase the study materials which best suit their needs. Should you opt to use the Essentials textbook for studying, you would be required to indicate this choice on your application and remit the additional fees.
Q: What is the difference between the AFP Treasury Learning System university course and the Corporate Treasury Management (CTM) course?
A: The Learning System University course is a 36-hour, non-credit course primarily used for
CTP exam preparation. The CTM is a credited course, normally taken as part of an undergraduate- or graduate-level finance studies degree program.
Q: How many questions are there for each exam topic?
A: Review the 2014-2016
CTP Test Specifications for more information about the number of questions per
CTP exam topic.
Q: Besides the Learning System and the Essentials textbook, what other study materials/options does AFP offer?
A: AFP offers a variety of supplemental study options for
CTP exam preparation, including:
CTP Examination Preparation Guide.. This guide includes helpful test-taking techniques as well as 150 sample exam questions.
CTP Exam Study Network. Exam candidates have the option of listing their name and contact information on the Exam Study Network section of the AFP Web site. View this network or sign-up.
AFP Treasury Learning System University Courses. To supplement the individual learning offered in the self-directed Learning System program, AFP has partnered with several universities to offer this program as part of an instructor-led course. For a current listing of participating universities and information on registering for these programs, please visit the AFP Education section.
Regional AFP/TMA Meetings. Regional associations often offer a
CTP review course as part of their conferences. View contact and Web information for these regional associations.
Q: What are the advantages of the AFP Treasury Learning System over the Essentials textbook?
A: In addition to the text located in the Essentials textbook, the Learning System provides an online program which allows users to assess their knowledge of the exam content areas. Through a system of quizzes, tests and application exercises, users have access to over 900 exam-grade questions that simulate the
CTP test environment. Learning System users also have the ability to track their performance and are provided with feedback when answering questions incorrectly. Research has shown that Learning System users have an up to 20% higher passing rate on the
CTP exam.
Q: If I purchase the AFP Treasury Learning System, should I also purchase the Essentials textbook?
A: No. The AFP Treasury Learning System includes the text of the Essentials textbook in five spiral bound modules. Therefore, you would want to purchase either the Learning System or the Essentials textbook, but you do not need both.
Taking the Exam
Q: What is the deadline to cancel my appointment with the testing center to ensure that I do not incur the $80 "no show" penalty?
A: If you cannot make your appointment or if you are submitting a transfer request or deferral request request to move your exam to the next testing window, your exam appointment must be cancelled with PearsonVUE at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
Q: I passed the exam. When will I receive my certificate?
A: Approximately 4-5 weeks after passing the exam, newly certified
CTPs will receive an email from our certificate partner, The Award Group. You will be able to verify your mailing address and confirm that the information on your certificate is correct. Certificates a mailed approximately 1-3 weeks after you have confirmed the information. You will receive an email when the certificate is mailed.
Q: I took the exam and did not pass. How do I re-register?
A: You can re-register for an upcoming testing window by submitting a Reexamination Registration Form and remitting the $300 reexamination fee. Exam registrations are good for three years or six testing windows from the original application date. If you are within three years or six testing windows of your orginal application, you qualify as a re-examinee. Otherwise, please complete a new application, available in the Certification Candidate Guide.
Q: I previously cancelled my exam registration and was refunded a portion of the new applicant fee. Do I need to submit the full new applicant fee again to re-apply?
A: Yes. If you cancelled your first exam registration and received a refund, you are required to submit the full new applicant fee again. If you cancelled a re-examination registration and received a refund, you are only required to submit the re-examination registration form and then remit the $300 re-examination fee.
Q: I registered for a testing window but did not sit for the exam or cancel, defer or transfer my registration with AFP by the indicated deadline. How do I re-register for an upcoming exam?
A: You would be required to submit a Reexamination Registration Form and remit the $300 re-examination fee to re-register for an upcoming testing window. However, if you made an appointment to take the exam but failed to cancel it at least 24 hours in advance, you would also need to remit the $80 no-show fee.
Q: Can I take the exam more than once in a testing window?
A: No. Exam candidates are allowed to take the exam only once during their scheduled testing window. To retake the exam, you are required to submit a Reexamination Registration Form for the next testing window. This is a security policy and there are no exceptions to this policy.
Q: How many times can I retake the exam?
A: AFP does not limit the number of times an exam candidate can retake the exam.
Q: How much will I be refunded if submitting a cancellation request by the deadline?
A: New applicants are refunded a portion of the new applicant fee of their exam registration. Any application or non-member differential fees are non-refundable. Re-examinees are refunded the full re-examination fee, minus a $100 processing fee.
Q: What is the deadline to submit a cancellation request and receive a refund?
A: To receive a refund, cancellation requests must be submitted to AFP by the cancellation deadline outlined in the Certification Candidate Guide.
Q: What is the deadline to submit a transfer or deferral request?
A: Requests to transfer or defer your exam must be submitted to AFP with any applicable fees by the last day of your registered testing window.
Q: I cannot sit for the upcoming testing window but I have already transferred or deferred my registration once. How do I register for a later testing window?
A: If you have previously used a transfer request or deferral request to move your exam to your current testing window, you are required to submit a
CTP Re-Examination Form and remit the $300 reexamination fee to register for a later testing window.
Q: I have recently changed employers or moved. Who do I need to contact to ensure that I receive my testing information?
A: Please make certain to inform AFP of any address or contact information changes. Updates can be submitted to AFP by email at
CTP@AFPonline.org or by calling 301.907.2862, or you can update the information yourself by logging on to the AFP site and going to the My AFP area.
Q: Can I schedule a testing appointment directly with AFP?
A: No. Testing appointments can only be made through PearsonVUE, either by phone or through their Web site.
Q. Can I check to see if the testing center has availability on a certain day before I submit a registration form?
No, Pearson Vue permits only candidates with Authorizations to Test access to appointment information.
CTP is not the only testing program to use Pearson Vue Testing Centers, so for best appointment availability, schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your ATT. However, there is no guarantee that a particular day or time will be available.
Q: How close does my ATT have to match the identification I present at the testing center?
A: Your last name should match exactly. Commonly accepted variations on first and middle names will be accepted. Middle initials are also acceptable. A complete list is included in the
CTP Rules & Regulations.
Q: I've registered for the exam. How do I make a testing appointment?
A: Approximately 2-4 weeks after submitting your application you will receive via email an eligibility letter including your Authorization to Test (ATT) from AFP. Your ATT will include information needed to schedule an appointment.
Q: Why should I schedule my exam appointment in the early part of the exam window rather than the latter part of the window?
A: When scheduling your appointment, you should consider a date early in the window rather than the last week of the window. Should an unexpected job or personal responsibility require you to cancel your appointment to test early in the window, you will have more flexibility when rescheduling your appointment. Candidates who have appointments late in the testing window are frequently required to pay the Transfer fee and move their eligibility to the next testing window when they find that no last minute appointments are available during their current testing window. Note: Candidates are entitled to one transfer per new or re-exam application, so please use your transfer wisely.
Q: What is the passing score for the exam?
A: The exam is based on a scaled score. In this case, each question is worth one point. Your raw score is converted through a statistical formula, to a scaled score which allows for all examinees to be judged on a level playing field when taking different forms of the exam. Scaled scoring is commonly used by most certification organizations that offer multiple forms of an exam.
Therefore, we cannot indicate an exact number or percentage of questions that need to be answered correctly to pass the exam. As there is no penalty for incorrect answers, we recommend trying to answer each question to the best of your ability.
Q: What is the difference between a transfer and a deferral?
A: Deferral requests are submitted by exam candidates who have a medical and/or family emergency which prevents them from studying for or taking the exam. All other candidates are required to submit a transfer request and remit the $125 transfer fee.
Q: Am I assigned a testing date/time or can I select one on my own?
A: Exam candidates have the option of scheduling an exam appointment for any day during the 60-day testing window. Scheduling is limited only by the availability at the requested testing center. To ensure that you can schedule a day and time that works best for you, make certain to schedule an appointment immediately after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Q: I cannot take the exam in my registered testing window. How do I move my registration so I can sit in a later testing window?
A: A transfer request or deferral request must be submitted to AFP to move your exam registration. Only one transfer or deferral will be accepted per candidate. Candidates submitting a transfer or deferral request will be moved to the next testing window only. If you have already scheduled a testing appointment, you must also contact the testing center and cancel your test date with 48 hours notice.
Recertification General Information
Q: I earned the
CTP/CCM certification but did not complete the continuing education requirement of reporting recertification credits and my certification has been revoked. How do I reinstate my certification?
A: If your
CTP or CCM designation has lapsed you will need to submit an appeal to the AFP Certification Committee within two years of the end of your certification cycle. Your appeal must include a letter describing the reasons for the lapse in reporting continuing education credits, the Recertification Reporting form listing all outstanding credits, supporting documentation for all activities being reported, the recertification fee, the Reinstatement Appeal form and reinstatement fee. If your appeal is not received by the two year deadline, you will be required to submit a new examination application, remit the appropriate new applicant fee, pass the exam and then abide by the recertification policy in effect at the time the
CTP or
CTP(CD) designation is reinstated. Reinstatement is a one-time option. If, after being reinstated, your certification is revoked a second time, you will be required to register for and pass the current
CTP exam. Complete Reinstatement instructions and forms can be found on the recertification page.
Q: How long is my certification valid for before I have to recertify?
A: Certification is valid for three years.
Q: What do I need to do to maintain my
CTP/CCM certification?
A:
CTPs and CCMs are required to earn and report 36 continuing education credits every three years to maintain their certification.
Q: Am I required to maintain my AFP membership to maintain my
CTP or CCM certification?
A: No. While we recommend retaining your AFP membership, it is not required to maintain your certification. Please note, however, that the cost to recertify as a non-member is higher than that for an AFP member.
Recertification Deadlines
Q: Do I have to wait until the end of my recertification cycle to submit my credits?
A: No. Credits can be reported at anytime after the required 36 credits have been earned. Please note that your credit reporting does not affect your recertification cycle dates.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my recertification information?
A: The recertification reporting form and fee must be submitted no later than October 15 of the last year of your recertification cycle.
Reporting Cycle Information
Q: I took the exam in the December/January testing window. Since my first recertification cycle starts on July 1 of the examination year, can I apply credits earned for activities completed prior to taking the exam?
A: Yes. Any activities completed as of July 1 of your examination year will retroactively qualify towards your first recertification cycle.
Q: When does my recertification cycle start and when does it end?
A: All recertification cycles run from July 1 of your examination year to June 30 of the third year. For example, if you sat in the June/July 2013 or December 2013/January 2014 testing window, your first cycle will run July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016. Subsequent recertification cycles will follow the three year period established by your initial cycle. Please refer to your Certificate of Achievement, or your summary page in the Online Recertification Resource Center for your current recertification cycle end date.
Q: I was a permanent CCM and I transitioned to the
CTP. What is my first
CTP recertification cycle?
A: Initial
CTP recertification cycles for all formerly-permanent CCMs begin July 1 of the year you transitioned.
Reporting Credits
Q: How do I calculate the number of credits I earn for an activity or program?
A: Most programs, including conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, teleconferences, and cyberconferences qualify for one credit per 50 minutes of attendance at qualified educational sessions. Independent study programs also qualify for one credit per 50 minutes of instruction and are based on the average completion time determined by the sponsoring organization. Presenters, teachers and lecturers earn 2 credits per 50 minutes of instruction. To calculate credits for programs held before January 1, 2010, divide the number of qualified minutes by 50 and round down to the nearest whole number. To calculate credits for programs held January 1, 2010 or later, divide the total number of qualified minutes by 50. Do not round down.
Q: I have earned more than 36 credits during my current recertification cycle. Can I apply these additional credits to my next cycle?
A: No.
CTPs and CCMs can only report credits earned after the start of a recertification cycle. Therefore, any additional credits earned during your current cycle cannot be applied to your next cycle. However, it is a good practice to report all credits earned in a cycle in the Online Recertification Resource Center reporting tool.
Q: Is there a limit on how many credits I can earn in a year?
A: No. However, some program types do limit how many credits you can report during a cycle. These credit limits are listed in the Recertification Program Category descriptions.
Q: How do I report recertification credits to AFP?
A: Recertification credits should be reported online with the AFP Online Recertification Resource Center, or they may be submitted on a
CTP and CCM Recertification Reporting Form.
Qualified Programs
Q: Can I earn credit if I used the Learning System to prepare for the exam?
A: No. Credits are not granted for
CTP exam preparation activities or programs. Only
CTPs and CCMs who earned their certification on a previous version of the exam can apply the Learning System for credits.
Q: I recently attended a program that qualified for CPE credits. Will this program also qualify for
CTP/CCM recertification credits?
A: Finance, accounting, and ethics-related programs which qualify for CPE credits will also qualify for
CTP/CCM recertification credits. Other CPE-approved topic areas, such as business management, are not approved for
CTP/CCM credits.
Q: Are there different criteria for a program to qualify for the
CTP as opposed to the CCM?
A: No. The continuing education requirements for both the
CTP and CCM are the same.
Q: Does a program have to be pre-approved by AFP to qualify for
CTP/CCM recertification credits?
A: No. If a program meets the qualifications for
CTP/CCM credits, it is not required that the program be pre-approved by AFP. However, if you are a provider or sponsor of finance-related continuing education activities and would like to promote approval of your program for
CTP/CCM credits, you are required to submit a AFP Sponsor Program Registration application.
Q: What topics qualify for
CTP/CCM recertification credits?
A: AFP accepts credits earned from finance, treasury/cash management, accounting, economics, and ethics-related continuing education activities. All finance-related programs or activities qualify for
CTP and CCM credits. EXCEPT: Sessions specific to organizational products and/or sales OR Fundamental or introductory courses in finance or cash/treasury management
Q: Why do certain program types have limits on how many credits can be reported in a recertification cycle?
A: AFP restricts credit reporting for those program types which typically provide a
CTP or CCM with a limited scope of additional, industry-applicable knowledge.
Q: Where do I find a listing of the types of programs that qualify for
CTP/CCM recertification credits?
A: A listing of program types that qualify for
CTP and CCM credits is available in the Recertification Reporting Guidelines.
Extension Request
Q: I will not meet the 36 credit requirement by the June 30 recertification cycle end date. What is the deadline to submit an extension request?
A: An extension request, which must be submitted with recertification reporting form and fee, must be submitted no later than June 30 of the third year of your recertification cycle.
Q: I have previously requested an extension and have completed the required credits. How do I report this information to AFP?
A: After completing the additional credits necessary, submit a
CTP and CCM Recertification Reporting Form indicating the additional credits and remit the recertification fee.
About the Exam
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The
CTP Examination is made up of 170 multiple-choice questions and is based on concepts and experiences in relation to treasury management. Each question is derived from the body of knowledge, Essentials of Treasury Management, 4th Edition. The content/topic areas are located in the
CTP Test Specifications
Submit Your Application Here
Your scheduled test appointment time is four hours, of which you will have three-and-one-half hours to answer 170 questions. The remaining 30 minutes is available for you to review an optional 15 minute tutorial (prior to the examination) and answer a brief computer-administered questionnaire (at the end of the examination).
During the examination, you will have the opportunity to review any question on the examination. You can change answers, mark or skip questions. Should your time expire while taking the exam, all answers, regardless of how they are marked will be calculated into your score. Once your allowed time has expired, or you exit the examination, you cannot see or review questions again. For more information about scoring and results please visit our Rules & Regulations page
Eligibility Requirements
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You must meet one of these professional experience categories to be eligible to take the
CTP exam.
CTP-16_Eligibility_Requirements
The professional experience requirement to sit for the
CTP exam is a minimum of two years full-time work experience in a career-based corporate cash/treasury management or corporate finance-related position. Positions such as internships, vacation/holiday employment or volunteer positions do not qualify in meeting the full-time experience requirement. The experience requirement must be fulfilled by the application deadline, not the start of the testing window. Applicants who submit their application before they have fully satisfied the education and/or experience requirement will be determined ineligible.
All applicants must complete the Report of Experience and/or Education form located in the paper or online applications. Relevant work experience should be outlined on this form.
An advanced business degree from a graduate-level program is equivalent to one year of work experience. In order to qualify for this equivalent experience, a transcript or copy of the graduate degree must be sent to:
ATTN: Certification Department
4520 East-West Highway, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-3319 USA
The AFP Certification Committee is the final judge of an individual’s qualifications to sit for the
CTP examination. The committee will consider applicant appeals with respect to exceptional circumstances. The committee also reserves the right to verify an applicant’s eligibility through random audits.
All forms, except for transcripts, must be included with your application. Applications will not be reviewed for eligibility until all documentation (including transcripts, if required) and fees have been received by AFP. Applicants who are deemed eligible for the examination will receive a confirmation email from AFP. Applicants deemed ineligible to sit for the
CTP examination will receive ineligibility notification and a refund of the examination fee (only).
