Question 1

How many CTMA practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

155 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free CTMA sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every CTMA question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does CTMA cover?

Accepted Answer

Role of Transaction Monitoring in Financial Crime Prevention (20%), Transaction Monitoring Alert Generation (15%), Alert Investigation (40%), Outcomes of Transaction Monitoring Investigations (25%).

Question 5

What is the ACAMS CTMA certification?

Accepted Answer

The ACAMS Certified Transaction Monitoring Associate (CTMA) is an associate-level certification that validates foundational knowledge and skills in transaction monitoring for anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime compliance. It demonstrates competence in detecting red flags, investigating alerts, and escalating high-risk cases. CTMA is designed for early-career professionals with 6-12 months of AML/AFC experience.

Question 6

How many questions are on the CTMA exam?

Accepted Answer

The CTMA exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions. Some of these questions are unscored pre-test items used for statistical research purposes. These unscored items are not identified during the exam and do not affect your final score. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

Question 7

What is the passing score for the CTMA exam?

Accepted Answer

To obtain the CTMA credential, candidates must answer a minimum of 74% of the scored questions correctly. There is no penalty for guessing, so candidates should avoid leaving any questions unanswered to maximize their chances of passing.

Question 8

What are the prerequisites for the CTMA certification?

Accepted Answer

There are no formal eligibility requirements to take the CTMA exam. However, ACAMS recommends that candidates have 6-12 months of AML or anti-financial crime (AFC) experience. The CTMA certification package includes the Transaction Monitoring Foundations and Intermediate certificate courses that prepare candidates for the exam. An active ACAMS membership is required to obtain and maintain the certification.

Question 9

How much does the CTMA certification cost?

Accepted Answer

The CTMA certification package costs US$1,045 and includes the study guide (PDF), flashcards, online study materials and post-assessment, practice exam, and the CTMA certification exam. If a retake is needed, the exam retake fee is US$199. An exam extension costs US$100. An active ACAMS membership is also required, which is a separate cost.

Question 10

How do I recertify my CTMA?

Accepted Answer

CTMA recertification is required annually. To recertify, professionals must maintain an active ACAMS membership and earn at least 2 recertification credits per year through continuing professional education. These credits can be earned through free ACAMS webinars. Recertification is free for all active ACAMS members who meet the credit requirements.

Question 11

What topics are covered on the CTMA exam?

Accepted Answer

The CTMA exam covers four main domains: Role of Transaction Monitoring in Financial Crime Prevention (20%), Transaction Monitoring Alert Generation (15%), Alert Investigation (40%), and Outcomes of Transaction Monitoring Investigations (25%). Alert Investigation is the largest domain and covers money laundering typologies, terrorist financing red flags, non-AML financial crime indicators, and investigation best practices.

Question 12

Is the CTMA exam available online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the CTMA exam can be taken either at a Pearson VUE test center or via Pearson VUE's online proctoring system. Pearson VUE offers a global network of over 5,000 test center locations worldwide. Candidates receive instructions on how to schedule their exam after their application is approved.

Question 13

What is the difference between CTMA and CAMS certifications?

Accepted Answer

CTMA is an associate-level certification designed for early-career professionals, while CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) is a specialist-level certification for more experienced professionals. CTMA focuses specifically on transaction monitoring skills including alert investigation, escalation, and SAR filing. CAMS covers a broader range of AML compliance topics. Earning CTMA provides 8 ACAMS credits that count toward CAMS eligibility.

Question 14

What languages is the CTMA exam available in?

Accepted Answer

The CTMA certification is available in eight languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Dutch. This makes it accessible to compliance professionals worldwide who work in transaction monitoring roles.

CTMACertified Transaction Monitoring Associate practice test

Full access

Practice CTMA in the simulator.

CTMA, by the numbers.

Everything about CTMA.

Exam information

What CTMA covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

CTMA questions, answered

CTMACertified Transaction Monitoring Associate practice test

Full access

Practice CTMA in the simulator.

CTMA, by the numbers.

Everything about CTMA.

Exam information

01Exam format90 min · 605

02Registration$1,045 · Pearson VUE, online proctoring4

03Validity1 year2

04In our question bankv1 (155)

What CTMA covers

01Role of Transaction Monitoring in Financial Crime Prevention20%8 topics

1.1Types of Financial Crime Related RiskIdentify and differentiate the types of financial crime related risk including regulatory, legal, financial, and reputational risk4 obj.

1.2Purpose of Transaction Monitoring in Risk-Based ApproachExplain the purpose of transaction monitoring in the context of the risk-based approach, risk assessment, and risk appetite of an institution2 obj.

1.3Specific Risks Associated with Customer Types and ProductsIdentify specific risks associated with different customer types such as non-bank financial institutions, money service bureaus, cash-intensive businesses, and vehicle sellers4 obj.

1.4Beneficial Ownership and Counter-Party ChecksUnderstand the beneficial ownership and counter-party checks required in transaction monitoring2 obj.

1.5Relationship Between Transaction Monitoring and Ongoing Due DiligenceExplain the relationship between transaction monitoring and ongoing due diligence, including KYC-CDD, customer profiles, customer risk scores, and anticipated customer behavior2 obj.

1.6Screening Transactions vs. Post-Transaction AlertsDistinguish between screening transactions and post-transaction alerts, including how sanctions and fraud risk are managed2 obj.

1.7Effectiveness of Transaction Monitoring ProcessesExplain how the effectiveness of transaction monitoring processes is measured and quality is assured, including false-positive rates2 obj.

1.8Difference Between Unusual and Suspicious ActivityClearly distinguish between unusual and suspicious activity in the context of transaction monitoring2 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesRisk assessment and categorization · Confusing unusual activity with suspicious activity

02Transaction Monitoring Alert Generation15%5 topics

03Alert Investigation40%8 topics

04Outcomes of Transaction Monitoring Investigations25%5 topics

How do I earn this certification?

01PrerequisitesTransaction Monitoring Foundations Certificate, Transaction Monitoring Intermediate Certificate, ACAMS Membership3

02Current levelCKYCA1

03Next level optionsCAMS, CGSS2

04Alternative pathsAML Foundations Certificate, KYC Foundations Certificate, KYC Intermediate Certificate3