Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Financial Management

If you’re a financial management student, engage in early certification preparation. You’ll be more prepared for advanced courses and internships. Also, you’ll have a competitive edge for internships and entry-level jobs.

This is because certifications signal professional readiness that employers prefer. Indeed, employers either require or prefer candidates with professional credentials. Your job is to show that you have job-ready skills in your resume and during interviews.

So, if you’re interested in gaining a competitive edge, read on. Here, we’ll discuss certifications for undergraduate students in financial management.

The CMA, CFA, CFP, CFM, and FMVA credentials are the most notable examples. Many of these certifications allow undergraduates to begin coursework or exams before graduation.

Related:

• Online Financial Certifications for Undergraduate Students
• Top Entry-Level Financial Certifications for Undergraduate Students
• Finance and Accounting Certifications for Undergraduates
• Best Online Bachelor’s in Finance
• Top Online Master’s In Finance

Why Finance Certifications Matter for Undergraduates

Of course, we understand that it costs time and money to earn certifications. But if you consider their benefits, you’ll be more motivated.

• Complement classroom theory with real-world skills in budgeting, forecasting, analytics, and more. You’ll be able to use tools in real-world scenarios, too.
• Gain competitive advantages in internships, networking and graduate school applications. Your certifications highlight your initiative and readiness and open opportunities earlier.
• Boost your credibility among employers. Your certifications are valuable in the banking, corporate finance, and investment management sectors.

Plus, financial management careers offer high salaries and strong demand. Financial analysts, for example, earned $101,910/year in median wages. Their projected growth rate is 6%, faster than average, for 2024-2034 (BLS).

Are you also interested in Top Online Finance Degrees or Affordable Accounting Programs? Explore them on our website.

Entry-Level and Undergraduate-Friendly Finance Certifications

Here’s our list of the best finance certifications for students. You can start earning them during or right after college.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers the CMA certification for students. If you want to excel in management accounting and financial management, go for it. 

The certification focuses on three key areas, as follows.

• Financial planning
• Performance management
• Decision analysis

This is among the most entry-level finance certifications because it:

• Allows juniors and seniors to start exams even before completing their degrees
• Costs $1,200 – $2,000 in total only

CMAs earn $105,943/year, on average (ZipRecruiter, October 2025).

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I

The CFA Institute awards the CFA Level I credential for investment professionals. This is a prestigious global certification that focuses on these key areas.

• Ethics
• Economics 
• Quantitative methods
• Portfolio management

CFA certification requirements for undergraduates include:

• Be in their final year of their undergraduate studies
• Adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and meet professional conduct standards

This is among the best financial management student certifications because it:

• Opens pathways to asset management, research, and consulting roles
• Leads to entry-level jobs that pay $70,000 – $90,000/year

The CFA Level I credential is the entry point in a three-level certification process.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Are you planning on pursuing wealth management or advisory roles after college? If you are, then consider becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This is among the best finance certifications to get in college because it:

• Focuses on personal finance, investment planning, retirement, and insurance
• Builds client-focused skills that result in actionable advice
• Boosts your credibility and recognition in the competitive finance job market

You can register during the final year of your undergraduate program.

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

The CFI also awards the FMVA credential. This is among the accessible accounting and finance certifications for beginners. Here are the reasons why. 

• 100% online and self-paced. You can then achieve a good balance between earning a degree and a certification.
• Affordable cost. The self-study plan costs less than $500/year, and you can get a 50% discount as a student.
• It can lead to high-paying entry-level jobs. Financial modeling analysts with 0-2 years of experience can earn $65,000-$85,000/year.

The FMVA credential focuses on practical skills in valuation, modeling, and Excel.

Specialized and Niche Certifications

Here are more certifications for undergraduate students in financial management to consider. If you want to specialize or be in a niche sector, consider them.

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) awards the CTP credential. This is ideal for finance majors interested in corporate finance or banking.

The CTP credential emphasizes these key areas:

• Corporate cash flow
• Liquidity management
• Risk mitigation 

You’ll also gain a better understanding of vital treasury technologies (e.g., TMS platforms).

Students may sit for the certification exam before meeting the two-year experience requirement. You’ll receive the CTP credential once you’ve met it, but within the allowed timeframe.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

The CFA is among the top certifications for finance majors because it:

• Meets the growing demand for anti-fraud specialists in both private and public sectors
• Equips candidates with specialized skills
• Boosts credibility and, thus, competitive advantage for entry-level roles

The CFA credential focuses on forensic accounting, auditing, and compliance.

Candidates must be an ACFE member to apply for the exam. The ACFE allows candidates to take the exam even without two years of experience. 

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

The CAIA Association awards the CAIA designation, which focuses on:

• Hedge funds
• Private equity
• Real assets

As such, it’s ideal for students with investment or portfolio management interests.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant experience. Alternatively, at least four years of relevant professional experience without a degree.

How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Career Path

Indeed, there are many certifications for undergraduate students in financial management. So, making the right choice can be overwhelming. But it need not be if you keep these steps in mind.

• Step 1: Identify your career goals (corporate finance, investment banking, financial planning, accounting).
• Step 2: Match skills taught in each certification with those goals.
• Step 3: Consider cost, exam frequency, and eligibility.
• Step 4: Look for student membership discounts (e.g., IMA, CFA Institute).

Here’s a table you can use for reference, too.

Cost, Time Commitment, and ROI of Finance Certifications

Again, earning certifications as an undergraduate takes time and money. So, it’s important to find affordable finance certifications for students if you’re on a budget.

The costs and time commitment vary between certifications, as seen above. Be sure to consider every possible cost, including:

• Preparation costs, such as learning materials and a review program
• Membership fees
• Application and exam costs
• Renewal and continuing education costs

You can enjoy cost savings by:

• Availing of free trials and preparation options (e.g., YouTube tutorials)
• Taking advantage of student discounts and scholarships

As for the time commitment, it will depend on your pace and chosen certification. The CMA certification process, for example, can take 12-18 months.

But the rewards for your time and money make them worthwhile. Certified finance professionals can earn 10% to 25% more than their non-certified peers.

How to Prepare While Still in College

Earning one or more certifications for undergraduate students in financial management is possible. But it takes effective planning and follow-through. Here are measures you can take to make it possible.

• Enroll in university clubs, such as a finance club or an accounting society.
• Take advantage of free finance software. Excel, Bloomberg terminals, and CFI trials are great examples.
• Integrate certification study materials into elective coursework.
• Seek internships related to your target certification.

Indeed, a combination of classroom learning and practical experience is best. You’re building a strong foundation for a successful career in the future.

Career Outcomes After Certification

Of course, nothing is guaranteed even when you have one or more certifications. You must leverage your credentials by highlighting your skills and maximizing your network.

When you do, you can be more competitive for entry-level roles like:

• Financial analyst
• Budget analyst
• Controller
• Investment associate
• Personal financial advisor

These credentials also have a strong demand in a wide range of industries, including:

• Banking
• Corporate finance
• Consulting
• Healthcare
• Tech
• Government

If you can, you should consider earning stackable credentials, too. Your broad skill set can lead to diverse career opportunities and specialized roles.

Be sure to pursue continuous education as well. Doing so signals adaptability and professionalism, which boost your competitiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, certifications for undergraduate students in financial management bring excellent value. When you earn them, you’re demonstrating your initiative and commitment. As a result, you can strengthen your job prospects, especially for entry-level roles.

But their benefits won’t be handed to you on a silver platter. You must plan for your certification path before graduation. You’ll find many certifications that you can earn as an undergraduate student.