Choose the Right Certification
Should I pursue the FPAC, the CFA, CPA or CMA?
With multiple finance certifications to choose from, it’s important to choose the one that will support your career trajectory and help advance you within the profession.
By earning the FPAC Credential, you demonstrate expertise and a commitment to:
- Translating corporate and business strategy into a financial plan and supporting the enactment of that plan through the planning process and resource allocation.
- Applying financial expertise to business operations and projections through modeling, scenario/sensitivity analysis, key drivers, KPIs.
- Earning the role of a trusted advisor to the business, based on credibility, partnership, and communication.
If you’re interested in a career in corporate finance, the FPAC Credential is the way to go.
See how the FPAC Credential supported practitioners below.
"My colleagues and employers can see I have the knowledge and skills required to succeed in FP&A and beyond. It’s a great way to show them you have the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in corporate financial planning and analysis."
“I recommend the FPAC to others all the time. It is the premier certification for corporate FP&A and anyone who holds the FPAC designation has the skills I’m looking for when I have an open position on my team. Having the FPAC designation shows you know what you’re doing, plus it’s a great way to keep up with current trends.”
“Shortly after earning the FPAC credential, I was promoted to Senior Finance Manager. And within a few months, I attained an external promotion to Finance Director at Wellpath.”
For a more technical breakdown of the certifications, check-out the chart below.
| FPAC | CPA/CMA | CFA |
|---|---|---|
| Career in corporate finance focused on FP&A | Career in public or private accounting or management accounting | Career in Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management |
| Real-world application of FP&A knowledge | Focus on past fiscal performance and compliance and business analysis | Deep knowledge of investment analysis, management, and ethics |
| Apply knowledge to add value to one’s own organization | Apply knowledge to one’s own firm | Apply analysis to evaluate third-party organizations |
| 80+ hours of self-study | 300 hours (CPA), 140 hours (CMA) per part | 900+ hours of self-study |
| Pass 2 exam parts | Pass 4 exam parts (CPA), 2 exam parts (CMA) | Pass 3 exam parts |
| FP&A Manager FP&A Senior Analyst FP&A Analyst Director Finance Vice President, Finance Chief Financial Officer | Management Accountant Cost Accountant Accounting Manager Senior Accountant Corporate Controller Financial Analyst Business Analyst Accounting Supervisor Chief Financial Officer | Portfolio Manager Relationship Manager Research Analyst Chief Executive Officer Consultant Corporate Financial Analyst Financial Advisor Risk Manager |
Already Hold a Financial Credential?
You may be eligible to waive Part I of the exam. In order to qualify for a waiver, candidates must hold one of the following credentials active and in good standing at the time of their application: CFA, CMA, CPA (US, Canada, Australia) or CTP.
FPAC Exam Deadlines
August 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025
- Early Application:
May 16, 2025 - Final Application:
June 13, 2025
