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CAMS - Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Practice Test

140 questions available

The Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) credential, administered by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), is the global gold standard for AML professionals. It validates an individual's comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise in designing, implementing, and managing effective anti-financial crime programs. Earning the CAMS certification demonstrates mastery of critical areas including international AML/CFT standards (notably the FATF Recommendations), risk-based customer due diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting (SAR), sanctions compliance, and the conduct of internal investigations. Recognized by financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies worldwide, CAMS signifies a commitment to the highest levels of professional integrity and competence. It equips professionals with the frameworks needed to protect organizational integrity, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to the global fight against illicit finance, directly impacting financial system security.

Certification exam
120 Exam questions
Practice bank
140 Practice Questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
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The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
ACAMS140 practice questions76 answers with a checkable referenceBlueprint 1.0Bank updated 2026-05-04

Sample Questions

Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.

76 of 140 answers carry a checkable reference.

Money Laundering Risks (Methods, Stages, ML Typologies)

Which statement about terrorist financing is most accurate for CAMS purposes?

Investigations

A bank identifies a possible sanctions hit during investigation. What should happen before releasing funds?

AML Programs (CDD/EDD, Pillars, KYC, Monitoring)

A customer expected to receive domestic salary payments starts receiving foreign wires from unrelated companies and immediately buys money orders. Which control should trigger?

Money Laundering Risks (Methods, Stages, ML Typologies)

A customer insists on buying cashier's checks with cash made payable to several landlords, each just under USD 10,000, over two days. What is the best conclusion?

AML Programs (CDD/EDD, Pillars, KYC, Monitoring)

Which item became known as the fifth pillar in U.S. AML program expectations after the CDD rule?

Why This Certification Opens Doors

In today's stringent regulatory environment, the CAMS certification is a critical differentiator for career advancement and professional credibility. It signals to employers, regulators, and peers that you possess the validated, up-to-date expertise necessary to navigate complex AML/CFT landscapes. Holding the CAMS credential often correlates with increased hiring potential, eligibility for senior compliance roles, and higher earning potential. It provides industry-wide recognition as a subject matter expert, opening doors to leadership positions in compliance, risk management, and financial crime investigations across banking, fintech, consulting, and regulatory sectors globally.

Exam Blueprint

01AML Compliance Programs
02AML Risks and Methods
03FATF Recommendations
04Investigations
05KYC and Customer Due Diligence
06Sanctions Compliance
07Suspicious Activity Reporting
08Transaction Monitoring

Exam Details ACAMS-CAMS

Exam Code ACAMS-CAMS
Vendor ACAMS
Exam questions 120

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the experience requirements to sit for the CAMS exam?

ACAMS requires candidates to have a minimum of 40 qualifying credits based on a combination of professional experience and education. One year of AML-related work experience typically equals 10 credits. A bachelor's degree or higher provides 10 credits, and other relevant training or certifications can contribute additional credits. Specific details and qualifying categories are outlined in the official certification application on the ACAMS website.

How is the CAMS exam structured and what is the format?

The CAMS exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, of which 100 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest questions. Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the computer-based test. The questions are scenario-based and application-focused, requiring you to analyze situations and select the most appropriate compliance action from several plausible options, rather than simply recalling definitions.

What is the primary study resource for the CAMS exam?

The core study resource is the official CAMS Study Guide, now in its 7th Edition, published by ACAMS. This guide is essential as it aligns directly with the exam content outline and covers all key domains: AML Compliance Programs, AML Risks and Methods, KYC/CDD, Sanctions, SAR, Transaction Monitoring, and Investigations. Supplementing with the ACAMS webinars, practice questions, and real-world professional experience is highly recommended.

How long is the CAMS certification valid, and what are the renewal requirements?

The CAMS certification is valid for three years. To maintain the credential, certified professionals must earn 60 Continuing Education (CE) credits within each three-year cycle. These credits can be obtained through various activities such as attending relevant training, conferences, webinars, publishing articles, or participating in other professional development activities related to AML/CFT.

Is the CAMS certification recognized outside of the United States?

Yes, the CAMS credential is the most globally recognized certification in the AML field. It is held by professionals in over 175 countries and is valued by financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and corporations worldwide. Its framework is based on international standards (FATF), making it applicable and respected across different jurisdictions.