Is NISM Certification Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know

We’ve all heard that the key to moving forward in life is learning new things. If you’re someone who works in finance or enjoys trading and investing, you probably already know that having the right knowledge is everything. But, there is a growing trend of NISM Certification Courses. By getting certified, you can upgrade your existing knowledge and build your skills. With options like the NISM SEBI Investor certificate examination, you can also make better investment decisions.

So, what is NISM certification, and what are the NISM Certification benefits?

Let’s dive in!

What is NISM?

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) is an educational institution established in 2006 by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Its purpose is to enhance the quality and standards of the Indian securities market. 

Now, how exactly does that work?

NISM aims to offer training and skill development. The main aspect is the NISM certification courses for individuals and organisations involved in financial markets.

What is NISM Certification?

NISM certifications are designed for individuals interested in gaining knowledge and expertise in the Indian securities markets.

Thinking of a Career in Finance? Here’s Why NISM Certification Should Be Your First Step

1. Who can take NISM Exams?

Anyone can take the NISM certification exams, irrespective of your age or educational qualifications. These NISM certification course exams are especially useful for securities market professionals, intermediaries, and anyone interested in learning about the Indian securities market. It could be youngsters or even housewives!

2. How to Register and Enroll?
    

For NISM registration, you must fill out an online form on the NISM Certification Portal. After successfully registering and validating your profile within 72 hours, you can select your preferred exam, test centre, date, and time.

3. Validity of Enrollment 

Once enrolled, you have 180 days to take your exam.

4. Rescheduling the Exam 

If you need to change your exam date or time, you can modify it once, as long as you do so at least 15 days before the original date.

5. Test Centers and Timings 

You can take your exam at various centres like NISM, BSE, or MCX-SX. You can choose your test center, date, and time when you enrol.

6. Preparation for the Exam

After enrollment, you can download free study material from the NISM portal to help you prepare. It’s important to check for any updates or changes in the regulations that may appear in the exam.

7. Taking the Exam 

The exams are online with multiple-choice questions.  Practice exams are available on the NISM website to help you get familiar with the format.

8. Results and Certification 

You’ll receive your results via email within two weeks. If you’ve provided your PAN card details during registration, you’ll get a certificate. Without a PAN, you’ll receive a temporary marksheet.

9. Exam Fees 

NISM exams like the SEBI investor certificate are free of cost. The fee for mandatory exams is generally Rs. 1500, except for some exams like the Mutual Fund Foundation exam, which costs from Rs. 1200- Rs 3000.

10. Validity of the Certificate 

The NISM certification is valid for 3 years. To keep your certification active, you’ll need to complete a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program after three years.

Types of NISM Certification

1. Certification Examinations: These are required for roles in the securities market to prove knowledge and skills in specific financial areas.
2. Continuing Professional Education (CPE): This is a one-day program to renew certifications before they expire. You have to appear for this to extend the validity of your certificate.

NISM Certificate Course Validity and Renewal

• Certificates are valid for three years.
• Professionals can re-validate their certificates by passing the exam again or completing the CPE program within 12 months before expiry.

To keep your NISM certification valid, you must revalidate it before it expires. Revalidation can be done in two ways:

1. By completing a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program as specified by NISM within 12 months before your certificate expires. These programs are offered at over 100 locations across India, and some modules are also available online through eCPE.
2. Alternatively, you can revalidate your certificate by passing the relevant NISM certification examination before your current certificate expires.

NISM Certification Exams

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) offers Certification Examinations across over 100 cities.

Here’s a categorised list of NISM certifications:

• Certification Examinations
• Certifications
• SEBI Investor Certification Examination
• Derivatives
• Registrar & Transfer Agents
• Compliance
• Mutual Fund
• Mutual Fund Foundation
• Operations
• Merchant Banking
• Investment Adviser
• Basics of Securities Markets
• Research Analyst
• Retirement Adviser
• Alternative Investment Funds
• Portfolio Management Services
• Social Impact Assessors
• IBBI-Valuation

NISM Certifications: Exam Details, Pass Marks and Validity

You can do the NISM registration for any of the below categories from the NISM Registration portal.

NISM Exam	Test Duration	Fees (₹)	Pass Mark (%)	Negative Marks (%)
SEBI Investor Certification Examination +	1 hr	Free	50	–
NISM Series I: Currency Derivatives Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series II A: Registrars and Transfer Agents (Corporate) Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	50	25
NISM Series II B: Registrars and Transfer Agents (Mutual Fund) Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	50	25
NISM Series-III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance (Non-Fund) Certification	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series IV: Interest Rates Derivatives Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series V A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	50	–
NISM Series V B: Mutual Fund Foundation Certification Examination	2 hrs	1200/-	50	–
NISM Series VI: Depository Operations Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series VII: Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	50	25
NISM Series VIII: Equity Derivatives Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series IX: Merchant Banking Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series X A: Investment Adviser (Level 1) Certification Examination	3 hrs	3000/-	60	25
NISM Series X B: Investment Adviser (Level 2) Certification Examination	3 hrs	3000/-	60	25
NISM Series X C: Investment Adviser Certification (Renewal) Examination +	1 hr	2950/-	50	–
NISM Series XII: Securities Markets Foundation Certification Examination+	2 hrs	1770/-	60	–
NISM Series XIII: Common Derivatives Certification Examination	3 hrs	3000/-	60	25
NISM Series XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series XVI: Commodity Derivatives Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series XVII: Retirement Adviser Certification Examination	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series XIX A: Alternative Investment Funds (Category I and II) Certification+	2 hrs	1770/-	60	25
NISM Series XIX B: Alternative Investment Funds (Category III) Certification+	2 hrs	1770/-	60	25
NISM Series XIX C: Alternative Investment Fund Managers Certification	3 hrs	3000/-	60	25
NISM Series XXI A: Portfolio Management Services (PMS) Certification	2 hrs	1500/-	60	25
NISM Series XXI B: Portfolio Managers Certification Examination	3 hrs	3000/-	60	25
NISM Series XXIII: Social Impact Assessors Certification Examination+	2 hrs	1770/-	60	25
IBBI Valuation Examination (Land and Building)	2 hrs	5900/-	60	25
IBBI Valuation Examination (Plant and Machinery)	2 hrs	5900/-	60	25
IBBI Valuation Examination (Securities or Financial Assets)	2 hrs	5900/-	60	25

How to Register for the NISM Certification Exam

If you’re looking to take the NISM Certification Exam, here’s how you can get started in just a few simple steps:

1. Go to the NISM website at https://certifications.nism.ac.in/ and register by filling out your personal details and providing proof of ID.
2. After registering, check your email for an activation link. Click on it to activate your account. Your account will be verified within 72 hours.
3. Once verified, log in to the NISM Certification Portal with your registered email ID and password. Then, go to “Enrollment” and select “Enroll for Examination.”
4. Pick the exam you want to take, and select your preferred city, test centre, exam date, and exam slot. Then, complete the payment online. After payment, you’ll get your admit card.
5. On the exam day, visit the test centre with your admit card and a valid ID proof (such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, or driving license).

Why Should You Take the NISM Certification Exam?

The NISM Certification Exam is a great way to advance in your career in the financial sector and gain valuable industry-recognized credentials. It’s required for professionals in various financial services roles and enhances your skills and knowledge.

Why NISM Certification is a Must for Young Professionals

Nowadays, the NISM Certification serves as a benchmark for professionals. This means that if you’re aiming for roles in equity derivatives, mutual funds, or investment advisory, a NISM certification is often a must-have.

For instance, Fintech and mutual funds in India are both rapidly growing sectors. There is a huge demand for professionals with strong financial knowledge. With NISM certifications, young professionals can access a variety of roles that offer great salaries and job security. For example, someone certified in NISM’s mutual fund exam might land a role with a top asset management firm, where salaries can go up to ₹15,00,000 annually. 

FAQs: NISM Certifications

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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.