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Investment banking is a highly competitive yet lucrative field. Estimates put the number of investment bankers in the US at 136,000 only. Such is the fierce competition for entry-level jobs that it takes more than a bachelor’s degree to secure a job.
This isn’t surprising considering the well-paying jobs in the investment banking sector. Investment bankers fall under the BLS Business and Financial Occupations. These occupations earned a median annual income of $80,920 (May 2024).
But it’s usually higher for experienced investment banking professionals. The average annual pay for investment bankers is $174,748/year (Glassdoor, June 2025).
With that said, you’ll want to stand out from your peers applying for entry-level jobs. You must consider certifications for undergraduate students in investment banking.
With your limited professional experience, your certifications will make up for it. Earning certifications also builds practical skills and signals professionalism. Doing so also boosts your internship and job applications.
So, read on and learn more about these certifications. We’ll cover the top certifications, how to earn them, and their career value.
Related:
- Top Entry-Level Financial Certifications for Undergraduate Students
- Best Certifications for Business Students
- Finance and Accounting Certifications for Undergraduates
- Online Accounting Degrees
- Top Online Accounting Degree Programs for Earning Your Bachelors
Why Certifications Matter in Investment Banking
If you want to succeed in investment banking, you must have these technical and analytical skills.
- Financial modeling is a skill that involves creating dynamic spreadsheets for forecasting financial performance.
- Valuation techniques involve understanding a company’s value.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) analysis, which evaluates financial impact and strategic fit.
- Excel proficiency is a vital skill for conducting analysis, building models, and other tasks.
- Regulatory and compliance knowledge is a must to minimize risk exposure
When you earn certifications, you’re bridging the gap between theory and practice. This is because certification programs focus more on practical skills and less on theory.
Here are more benefits of earning certifications that will make you leap.
- Build technical expertise
- Signal seriousness to recruiters
- Access to alumni networks and resources
- Prepare for analyst and summer associate roles
So, read on and explore the best certifications for undergraduate students in investment banking.
Top Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Investment Banking
Certified Investment Banking Professional (CIBP™)
The CIBP™ certification is a globally recognized credential for beginners.
Offered by: Investment Banking Council of America (IBCA)
Key skills gained:
- Valuation techniques
- M&A analysis
- Excel modeling
Who it’s for: Students targeting IB internships and analyst roles
Cost and time to complete: About $550. 3-6 months
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Aids in bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and industry skills
- Boosts your resume with a respected certification
Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®)
The FMVA® credential is among the best investment banking certifications for students, too. It emphasizes job-ready skills and offers a strong return on investment (ROI). (i.e., 15%-20% salary increase).
Offered by: Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
Key skills gained:
- Excel proficiency
- LBO
Who it’s for: Aspiring investment bankers and finance students
Cost and time to complete: Around $500 for self-study. 3-6 months.
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Offers hands-on training based on real-world workflows
- Builds valuation and technical modeling skills
Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC)
The BMC course is an introductory but highly respected Bloomberg Terminal certification. This is a great choice for market knowledge and resume value.
Offered by: Bloomberg
Key skills gained:
- Bloomberg Terminal use
- Economic indicators analysis
Who it’s for: Aspiring IB professionals
Cost and time to complete: About $250. 8-10 hours to complete
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Demonstrates competence in the use of the Bloomberg Terminal
Chartered Investment Banking Analyst (CIBA)
The CIBA credential is among the best certifications for aspiring investment bankers, too. This is useful as a generalist certification, as it covers the fundamentals of investment banking.
Offered by: American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM)
Key skills gained:
- M&A analysis
- IPO process
Who it’s for: Finance program students
Cost and time to complete: $800–$1,200. 3-6 months
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Provides specialized training
- Adds value and credibility to applications
Wall Street Prep’s Financial Modeling Certification
This is among the entry-level finance certifications that use real-world simulation used by top banks. It’s also highly practical because it’s used in training new hires.
Offered by: Wall Street Prep
Key skills gained:
- Excel-based financial modeling
- M&A and LBO modeling
Who it’s for: Students aiming for finance roles
Cost and time to complete: $499-$1,499, depending on package. 1-3 months
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Strengthens modeling and valuation skills
Training the Street (TTS) Certification
The TTS certification is among the best financial modeling certifications because it:
- It is renowned among IB professionals,
- Offered via online bootcamps for students
Offered by: TTS
Key skills gained:
- Excel efficiency
- M&A and LBO analysis
- DCF
Who it’s for: Aspiring and incoming IB analysts
Cost and time to complete: $500–$2,500. Time-to-completion depends on the pace.
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Builds practical skills
- Provides hands-on financial modeling and valuation skills
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative Exam)
This is one of the required certifications for investment banking analysts in many roles. While it’s considered after hiring, it’s good to prepare early.
Offered by: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Key skills gained:
- Securities regulation
- M&A
- DCM/ECM
Who it’s for: Entry-level IB professionals
Cost and time to complete: $245 exam fee. 50-100 hours of study.
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Compulsory for certain IB professionals
CFA Level I
The CFA Level I is among the optional certifications for finance majors, but it’s highly recommended. It’s a challenging but respected credential.
Offered by: CFA Institute
Key skills gained:
- Quantitative methods
- financial reporting
- Ethics
Who it’s for: Finance students
Cost and time to complete: $940-$1,250 registration costs. 300 hours of study.
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Highlights strong technical and analytical skills
Excel for Investment Banking
While it isn’t one of the formal online investment banking certifications, it’s a useful course. You’ll build skills and interview confidence.
Offered by: LinkedIn Learning or Udemy
Key skills gained:
- Master Excel shortcuts
- IB modeling
Who it’s for: Aspiring investment bankers
Cost and time to complete: $20–$100. 5–15 hours, depending on the course
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Improves accuracy and efficiency in Master Excel use
Python or SQL for Finance Certifications
This is among the finance certifications for college students that show a modern skill set and adaptability. Plus, it’s increasingly important in tech-driven finance roles.
Offered by: Coursera, edX, Udemy, or DataCamp
Key skills gained:
- Financial data analysis
- Data wrangling
Who it’s for: Aspiring investment bankers
Cost and time to complete: $30–$300. 10-40 hours.
Career value and relevance to IB:
- Demonstrates technical fluency
Free and Low-Cost Options for Students
Earning certifications to boost investment banking career doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You’ll find many free and low-cost options suitable for students.
Start with platforms that offer free courses and student discounts. Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy are excellent examples. Check out CFI, too, because it offers some free modules.
Many universities also offer students access to the Bloomberg Terminal. Yale University, Purdue University, and the University of Southern California offer it. The Bloomberg Terminal is a staple tool in the investment banking industry. Students use it to research financial data and complete the BMC certification.
But go beyond free and low-cost certifications to build foundational skills, too. You must also earn paid certifications for official recognition and advanced credentials.
When and How to Pursue Certifications
Earn undergraduate certifications during your sophomore and junior years. You’ll develop technical and analytical skills in advance and develop your confidence. When internship recruiting happens, you’re already competent and confident in your skills.
Use the summer and winter breaks to complete certification programs, too. You’ll have a better focus on practical skills development without academic distractions.
Be sure to combine certifications with networking and leadership roles, too. Networking expands your connections and helps you establish a foothold. Leadership roles showcase your soft skills, including communication and teamwork.
Here are more tips to remember.
- Track certifications on LinkedIn.
- Include them in your resume’s “Skills/Certifications” section.
- Discuss them in interviews as evidence of self-motivation and initiative.
Tips for Career Success in Investment Banking
Being successful in the dog-eat-dog world of investment banking isn’t easy. But it’s possible to establish a strong foundation for success.
- Network early with alumni and recruiters to expand your internship and job referrals.
- Aim for target and semi-target schools for recruiting pipelines (e.g., the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton).
- Join finance clubs and student-run investment funds for the experience and connections.
- Attend virtual events and informational interviews to gain insider insights.
- Use certifications as talking points during coffee chats and interviews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, certifications are the key to breaking into investment banking. Of course, a bachelor’s degree is a must, but certifications are your competitive edge.
But don’t be willy-nilly in your choice of investment banking certifications, either. You must choose based on your interests, goals, and timeline. Start with the beginner certifications and work your way up to advanced credentials.
Most importantly, start early. Early actions can give you a competitive edge in a cutthroat industry.
