CKYCA Exam Study Guide (2026)
Everything the CKYCA Certification Exam (Certified Know Your Customer Associate) tests, topic by topic: what each section covers, the facts that come up most, and how to study it. Pair it with the free 15-question practice test.
The exam at a glance
| Questions | 60 multiple-choice questions (some unscored) |
|---|---|
| Time | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 72% of scored questions |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based |
| Certifying body | ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists) |
| Test provider | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
Mind map: the whole exam on one screen
1. KYC Foundations and Regulatory Expectations
Why KYC exists, which standards drive it and what regulators expect. Questions here are mostly definitions and 'what should the firm do' scenarios.
Key facts
- KYC lets a firm know who it is dealing with, understand the purpose of the relationship and spot activity that doesn't fit.
- FATF Recommendation 10 sets the core CDD measures; Recommendation 11 sets record keeping of at least 5 years.
- CDD must be done when opening a relationship, for occasional transactions above set thresholds, when there's suspicion, and when existing data is doubtful.
- If CDD can't be completed, don't open the account (or end it) and consider a suspicious transaction report.
- The risk-based approach means EDD for higher risk and, only where risk is proven low, simplified measures.
- The firm stays responsible for CDD even when it relies on a third party.
- KYC is ongoing: profiles must be kept up to date through periodic and event-driven reviews.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Any answer that onboards first and 'collects documents later' is usually wrong.
2. Customer Identification and Verification
This topic covers collecting identity information, verifying it with documents or electronic sources, and handling non-face-to-face onboarding.
Key facts
- The US CIP rule requires name, date of birth, address and an identification number before opening an account.
- Documentary verification uses reliable, independent documents such as passports and national ID cards.
- Non-documentary verification uses databases, credit bureaus or electronic identity checks.
- Non-face-to-face onboarding is higher risk and may need extra steps such as liveness checks or a first payment from an account in the customer's name.
- Red flags at onboarding: inconsistent data, reluctance to give information, altered documents and multiple applications from the same device.
- Firms must keep records of the information collected and how it was verified.
- The customer must be checked against sanctions lists before the account is opened.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Identification is what the customer tells you; verification is how you prove it. Questions often hinge on that difference.
3. Beneficial Ownership and Legal Entities
Finding the real people behind companies, trusts and other structures is one of the most tested KYC skills.
Key facts
- A beneficial owner is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a customer, or on whose behalf a transaction is made.
- Under the US CDD Rule: each person owning 25% or more, plus one person with significant control.
- Indirect ownership is calculated by multiplying through each layer of the chain.
- For trusts, identify the settlor, trustees, protector (if any), beneficiaries and anyone with effective control.
- Red flags: nominee shareholders or directors, bearer shares, complex structures with no business reason and offshore layers.
- Company registries help, but firms must verify beneficial ownership themselves using a risk-based approach.
- In March 2025, FinCEN exempted US domestic companies from Corporate Transparency Act reporting; foreign reporting companies remain covered.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Always multiply through the layers. A 60% owner of a 50% owner holds 30%, not 60%.
Test yourself on these topics
Take the free 15-question CKYCA test, then save your results to unlock your Readiness Score and the mistakes bank.
4. Customer Risk Rating
Know the factors behind a customer risk rating, how scores drive due diligence, and when ratings must change.
Key facts
- Risk factors: customer type and occupation, geography, products and services, delivery channel and expected activity.
- High-risk examples: PEPs, cash-intensive businesses, money services businesses, private banking and customers linked to high-risk jurisdictions.
Flashcards
Exam tip: A good rating can't stay fixed. If the scenario mentions a change, expect the answer to include updating the rating.
5. Enhanced Due Diligence and PEPs
This topic covers when EDD is required, what it involves and how politically exposed persons are handled.
Key facts
- EDD applies to higher-risk customers, including PEPs, customers from high-risk jurisdictions and complex or unusual transactions.
- EDD steps include more information on the customer and beneficial owners, source of wealth and funds, senior approval and closer monitoring.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Being a PEP doesn't mean being refused. The answer is almost always EDD plus senior approval.
6. Ongoing Monitoring, Reviews and Exits
KYC doesn't end at onboarding. This topic covers periodic reviews, refreshing data, adverse media, escalating concerns and exiting customers.
Key facts
- Periodic review frequency depends on risk: high-risk files most often (often yearly), low-risk files least often.
- Reviews check that identity, ownership, activity and risk rating are still accurate.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Exiting a customer doesn't replace reporting. If something is suspicious, the SAR question still applies.
How to pass
- 60 questions in 90 minutes gives you 1.5 minutes each. Associate questions are shorter, so you'll usually have time to review flagged ones.
- You need 72% of the scored questions. Some questions are unscored and you can't tell which, so treat every one as if it counts.
- Know the difference between source of funds (where this money came from) and source of wealth (how the customer built their total wealth).
- Learn the ownership-and-control logic for legal entities: who owns 25% or more, and who actually controls the company.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the CKYCA exam?
Most working candidates need 4 to 8 weeks at 45 to 60 minutes a day. Book your exam once your Readiness Score has stayed at 80 or higher for about a week.
Can I take the CKYCA exam online?
Yes. ACAMS exams are delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online with a remote proctor. Format: closed book, computer-based. Check the current Candidate Handbook from ACAMS for the rules.
What score do I need to pass the CKYCA exam?
72% of scored questions. The exam has 60 multiple-choice questions (some unscored) and a time limit of 90 minutes.
What are the most tested topics?
The outline covers kyc foundations and regulatory expectations, customer identification and verification, beneficial ownership and legal entities, customer risk rating, enhanced due diligence and peps, ongoing monitoring, reviews and exits. Use the free practice test to see which ones you need most.
Get every note, flashcard and question
All-Access Monthly
- All 10 ACAMS exams, from CKYCA to CAMS and the advanced certifications
- Full question banks + timed simulations
- Study notes, flashcards & mind maps
- Spaced repetition + mistakes bank
- Readiness Score & detailed reports
- Video lessons as they release
- New exams added during your access
- 5 bonuses: red flags cheat sheet, key numbers sheet, study planner and more
- Pass Guarantee: complete the prep, pass or 100% back
Renews monthly until you cancel. Cancel in two clicks from your account; you keep access until the end of the month you've paid for. No minimum term.
All-Access Yearly
- All 10 ACAMS exams, from CKYCA to CAMS and the advanced certifications
- Full question banks + timed simulations
- Study notes, flashcards & mind maps
- Spaced repetition + mistakes bank
- Readiness Score & detailed reports
- Video lessons as they release
- New exams added during your access
- 5 bonuses: red flags cheat sheet, key numbers sheet, study planner and more
- Pass Guarantee: complete the prep, pass or 100% back
Renews once a year until you cancel. We email you before each renewal. Cancel any time from your account; you keep access until the end of the year you've paid for.
Summarized from ACAMS' official candidate information and the standards and regulations cited, checked October 2026. Confirm current requirements with ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists).