Top 10 Short-Term Finance Certification Courses In 2024

Many want to pursue a career in finance, but even after getting a degree, it can be pretty tough to enter this competitive sector. This is why many students take short term certification courses in finance to boost a specific skill to get a high-paying job. Usually, the part-time finance certification courses follow emerging trends and technologies, like fintech, sustainable finance, etc. In the past years, Coursera noticed that the enrollment for finance certification courses grew by 50%, creating immense scopes and demands. So, if you also want to navigate the finance sector and are looking for a way to boost your resume, here are the top 10 finance courses for beginners and professionals! 

What are Short Term Certification Courses in Finance?

In simple terms, short term certification courses in finance are programs offered by various universities that aim to teach students about a particular skill. Compared to normal courses that universities offer that cover the entire field or industry, short term courses for finance only cover a specific topic. During the pandemic, there has been a strong uptick in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) and certification courses. Though both are almost similar, the former is designed for a broader audience, and the latter caters to smaller groups. You can go through the beginner’s guide to MOOC courses to understand how these two types vary, and keep in mind that you can find online and offline short term certification courses in finance. 

Types of Short Term Certification Courses in Finance

From planning investment (CFP) to mastering financial models (FMVA), the comprehensive list of short term certification courses in finance will help you gain in-demand skills. Explore offline and online programs designed to equip you with investment analysis or boost your resume. Regardless of whether you have got into the best schools for finance in the world, the courses will work as a supplement towards your goal. Here, we have divided the certified courses in finance into two categories, so let’s have a look below. 

Online Short Term Courses in Finance 

If you’re looking for online short term certification courses in finance, you will find an abundance of options. Below, we have put down some of the best short term online study courses in finance that one can avail from specific ed-tech platforms or universities that offer these:

1. Financial Modelling Courses

Duration: A few hours
Fees: $80< (Some are free)
Eligibility: NA
Prospective salary: $85,660 annually
Career prospects: Equity Research Analyst, Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst
Platform: Coursera & LinkedIn Learning
Financial modelling is one of the short term certification courses in finance for beginners who want to enter the field of finance. In this course, you will learn how to create a summary of all the expenses in a spreadsheet and then understand and analyse them to predict the impact of future decisions based on all the data collected. This is one of the highly recommended beginner finance certifications that will help you understand financial services, health coverage, and startups in depth. Plus, you can venture into investment banking, financial analysis, and more!

Course structure -
Key topics: Spreadsheet modelling, financial statement analysis, valuation techniques, scenario analysis, and forecasting.
Modules: Introduction to financial modelling, building income statement, balance sheet, cash flow models, and advanced modelling techniques (sensitivity, scenario, and Monte Carlo simulation).

Highlights of the course:
- Learn to build financial models for analysing businesses.
- Develop practical skills for valuation, forecasting, and scenario planning.
- In-demand across finance roles like investment banking, corporate finance, and startups.

2. International Financial Reporting Standards

Duration: 6 months
Fees: $200 - $1000
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in finance & professional experience of 3 years in the field of accounting
Prospective salary: $15685.99
Career prospects: Finance Controller, IFRS Expert, External Auditor
Platform: edX & Udemy

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) course is among the best short term finance certificate programs and is well respected worldwide. Students from over 120 countries pursue this course, which focuses on accounting standards created for various companies' financial transactions. This certified course in finance also highlights how important it is for companies to follow transparent financial reporting. Moreover, IFRS allows you to analyse the financial performance of companies across borders. 

Course structure -
Key topics: IFRS standards, financial statement preparation, revenue recognition, lease accounting, and financial instruments.
Modules: Overview of IFRS framework, individual standards (e.g., IFRS 9, IFRS 16), implementation of IFRS in financial statements, and case studies for application.

Highlights of the course: 

- Gain global knowledge of standardised financial reporting.
- Understand how companies apply IFRS in preparing their financial statements.
- Essential for roles in accounting, auditing, and financial analysis.

3. Certified Financial Planning

Duration: 3.5 hrs- 14 hrs
Fees: $59.99 - $70.99
Eligibility: High school degree
Prospective salary: $73,968
Career prospects: Financial Advisor, Cost Analyst, Financial Planner
Platform: CFP Board & Kaplan Financial Education

Certified Financial Planning is one of the globally recognised short term online certification courses in finance that students worldwide pursue! Even people who have been working for years also apply for this course. You will learn how to create and maintain a financial plan for a company while keeping the company's financial goals in mind. This certified course in finance will mainly make you a pro in retirement planning and investment planning. CFP also helps you advise clients about risk management, investment management, and estate planning. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Retirement planning, estate planning, investment strategies, tax planning, and risk management.
Modules: Financial planning process, risk management, investment planning, tax strategies, retirement planning, estate planning, and professional ethics.

Highlights of the course:
‍- Master financial planning, including retirement and investment strategies.
- Become proficient in advising clients on financial goals and risk management.
- Recognised globally and opens doors to careers in financial advisory.

4. Chartered Alternative Investment Analysis

Duration: 12 months
Fees: Depends on the level
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in finance & four years of professional experience
Prospective salary: $99,000
Career prospects: Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Credit Structurer
Platform: Wiley Efficient Learning & AdkinsMatchett & Toy

One of the best finance certification programs, Chartered Alternative Investment Analysis, explores topics such as ethics, tangible assets, risk management, and asset allocation. This course takes around a year to complete. Rest assured, it will teach and prepare you to supervise and advise alternative investments, such as hedge funds, private equity, and real estate investments. After completing this short term course in finance, you will learn how to analyse investment opportunities and conduct due diligence. With CAIA designation, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to assess the risks and rewards of alternative investments, too. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Alternative investments (hedge funds, private equity, real assets), ethics, and risk management.
Modules: Level I (fundamentals of alternative investments), Level II (advanced topics in asset allocation, risk management, and ethics).

Highlights of the course:
- Specialise in alternative investments like hedge funds and private equity.
- Learn about asset allocation, risk management, and ethics in alternative assets.
- Valued in investment firms and alternative investment roles.

5. Chartered Wealth Management

Duration: 6 months-1 year
Fees: $60 - $600
Eligibility: Master's degree in finance & three years of experience in wealth management
Prospective salary: $70,000
Career prospects: Financial Advisor, Risk Manager, Chartered Wealth Manager
Platform: Coursera & edX

Do you want to learn about investment strategy, relationship management, global taxation, and behavioural finance? Chartered Wealth Management, one of the best short term certification courses in finance, is for you! This short term finance certification course will help you develop management of relationships and core financial skills. Being one of the best short term finance courses, you will be adept at managing investment portfolios for clients. Accordingly, you will be able to recommend suitable wealth management and conduct market analysis. Also, Chartered Wealth Management is a globally recognised profession by various organisations and investors after completing one of the finance certification courses. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Wealth management strategies, investment planning, relationship management, and risk management.
Modules: Investment strategy, portfolio management, tax and estate planning, behavioral finance, and regulatory compliance.

Highlights of the course-
- Focus on managing client portfolios and personalised wealth management strategies.
- Learn investment planning, relationship management, and risk mitigation.
- Recognised globally for careers in wealth management and private banking.

Offline Short-Term Courses in Finance

There are many advantages and disadvantages of online classes, such as the ability to learn at your own pace but the lack of social interaction. If you’re someone who likes to learn in person and not from behind a screen, then you can go for offline short term certification courses in finance. Below are the best and easiest finance certifications one can pursue offline from universities or popular coaching centres to upskill their financial expertise and shine in the quantitative market: 

6. Certified Investment Management Analysis

Duration: 6-12 months
Fees: $1000 - $1500
Eligibility: Three years of experience in investment consulting
Prospective salary: $73,000
Career prospects: Portfolio Manager, Investment Analyst, Private Equity Analyst
Platform: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

One of the best short term certification courses in finance, Certified Investment Management Analysis, is offered by the Investments and Wealth Institute to teach people about asset allocation, ethics, risk measurement, and performance measurement. Once you earn this finance certification course, you can expect to work in investment consultation and major companies. Earning the CIMA designation will not only help you compensate at higher levels but it will open doors to senior positions within investment management firms. Needless to say, this is one of the recommended short term finance courses that will help you provide a thorough understanding of personalised and comprehensive investment advice. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Asset allocation, ethics, risk measurement, and performance evaluation.
Modules: Portfolio construction, investment strategies, risk management, ethics, performance analysis, and investment consulting.

Highlights of the course:
- Specialise in asset allocation and risk management.
- Equip yourself with the skills to analyse performance and offer investment advice.
- Sought after in investment management and financial advisory roles.

7. Financial Risk Management

Duration: 12 months
Fees: $1000 - $1200
Eligibility: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience
Prospective salary: $102,393
Career prospect: Corporate Risk Manager, Credit Risk Specialist, Financial Risk Analyst
Platform: New York University (NYU) School of Professional Studies

A Financial Risk Manager is a person who takes the risk factor into account by analysing the current financial markets. Also, the role includes predicting changes that can happen in the future and strategising to negate the effect of possible risks. It is one of the most sought-after certifications for finance professionals and students who are interested in becoming a Risk Officer and Risk Analyst. This one-year course will teach you everything about operational risk, credit risk, and market risk. And you know what the best part about this certified course in finance is? It’s accepted in more than 90 countries!

Course structure -
Key topics: Market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk.
Modules: FRM Part I (tools used to assess financial risk), FRM Part II (application of risk management concepts), quantitative analysis, and financial products.

Highlights of the course:
- Focus on assessing and managing risks in financial markets.
- Learn about market, credit, and operational risk management.
- Essential for careers in risk management, compliance, and banking

8. Certified Treasury Professional Course 

Duration: 6 - 12 months
Fees: $1000 - $1200
Eligibility: Degree in accountancy, finance, or banking & two years of professional experience in finance
Prospective salary: $108,349
Career prospects: Chartered Financial Analyst, Treasury Professional, Finance Manager
Platform: Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)

If you are interested in working as a Treasury Official in a company, then studying the Certified Treasury Professional course will be your best bet! It is one of the short term certification courses in finance for a reason: it will teach you about corporate liquidity, capital functions, and risk management. The Certified Treasury Professional program may be the best course for a finance job because you will learn about supervising and operating corporate treasuries while overseeing the credits and liabilities. Plus, you will get a clear understanding of concepts like data analysis and modelling, regulatory compliance, etc. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Corporate liquidity, risk management, cash flow forecasting, and financial planning.
Modules: Treasury management overview, liquidity management, risk management, financial planning, and technology in treasury.

Highlights of the course:
- Learn corporate liquidity, cash flow forecasting, and risk management.
- Essential for managing a company’s treasury operations.
- Globally recognized and highly valued in corporate finance roles.

9. Certified Fund Specialisation 

Duration: 15 weeks
Fees: $1000 - $1500
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in finance & some professional experience in the field
Prospective salary: $7239.69
Career prospects: Accountants, Fund Specialists, Compliance Officer
Platform: Institute of Business & Finance (IBF)

The Certified Fund Specialisation is among the most popular short term finance certificate programs offered by the Institute of Business and Finance. With this course, you will learn about closed-end funds, risk management, asset allocation, and exchange-traded funds. Once you achieve one of the best certifications for finance and accounting, you can become a pro for mutual fund sales, wealth management, etc. Moreover, studies suggest this certified course in finance can increase your chances of landing better-paying opportunities. The CFS program ensures you have foundation knowledge of the ever-evolving financial services landscape.

Course structure -
Key topics: Mutual funds, asset allocation, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and risk management.
Modules: Fundamentals of mutual funds, closed-end funds, asset allocation strategies, ETF analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Highlights of the course:
- Specialise in mutual funds, ETFs, and asset allocation.
- Learn about managing and advising on fund investments.
- Ideal for careers in fund management and wealth advisory.

10. Chartered Financial Analysis

Duration: 1.5-2 years
Fees: Depends on the level
Eligibility: Background in finance, accounting, or economics & at least four years of professional experience
Prospective salary: $126,000
Career prospects: Financial Advisor, Credit Analyst, Auditor
Platform: University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management

Last but not least, it is probably one of the most famous short term certification courses in finance! Chartered Financial Analysis (CFA) is a short course in finance that is quite challenging as it mainly contains theory focusing on portfolio management. It is one of the most demanding short term finance certification programs since the average pass rate for the Level I CFA exam is 42%. If you get through this course, responsibilities like risk management, investment management, asset management, portfolio management, investment analysis, financial reporting and analysis, equity, and alternative investments will add to your existing skills. 

Course structure -
Key topics: Portfolio management, financial reporting and analysis, equity investments, and fixed income.
Modules: CFA Level I (tools and concepts), Level II (asset valuation and analysis), Level III (portfolio management), ethics, financial reporting, and analysis.

Highlights of the course:
- Recognized in over 165 countries for its focus on portfolio management.
- Gain real-world skills in financial analysis, investment management, and ethics.
- Join a global network of CFA holders with exclusive resources and career opportunities.

Advantages of Pursuing Short Term Certification Courses in Finance 

Short term certifications in finance focus on a targeted approach, with studies suggesting a 3-10% salary increase for professionals. Below, we delve into in-depth reasons why you should enrol in personal or commercial finance related short term courses. You can gain valuable knowledge and advance your career without the lengthy commitment of a full degree and beyond! 

1. Less time-consuming: Short term certification courses in finance last only 3-4 months and are designed to give you all the knowledge you require in a particular field as quickly as possible.
2. Boosts employability: Finance short term courses help your chances of gaining the job you always wanted. As part-time courses boost your knowledge in a specific skill, you will see an increase in job opportunities!
3. Expand your knowledge: Finance is an ever-growing sector, so there will always be something new to learn and study. This is where short term finance certificate programs come into play, as you can gain new knowledge quickly!   

Important Things to Consider Before Choosing a Finance Course

Short term finance certifications offer a powerful way to boost your career prospects quickly. However, with a vast array of options available, selecting the right program can feel overwhelming. Question yourself before choosing short term finance courses in India or anywhere else in the world. 

1.  Does the certified course in finance align with your goal? 

The first step is to identify your career aspirations. Do you dream of becoming a Financial Advisor (CFP) or a skilled Investment Analyst (CFA Level I)?  Understanding your end goal will help you choose finance certification courses that equip you with the specific knowledge and skills needed for that path.

2. Does the finance certification course match your experience? 

Don't invest in basic short term certification courses in finance that hold little weight in your target job market. Research the types of certifications valued by your desired employers. Company websites, job postings, and industry publications can offer valuable insights. 

3. How long can you commit to the part time finance courses? 

Short term courses for finance are designed for quick learning, but program lengths vary.  Consider your schedule and choose a course that aligns with your available time, whether it's a few intensive weeks or a more spread-out program over a few months.  

So, these are the best short term certification courses in finance that you can pursue and see your career take off afterwards. If you are looking for a job, the UK is a good place to start in finance since finance is one of the most employable degrees in the UK. By aligning your goals with the right short term finance courses, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills that impress employers and propel your career. In case you already have a job, these short term finance courses are indeed some of the best courses to upskill yourself. So, have fun and keep learning!