CAMS vs CGSS: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
CAMS is the broad anti-money laundering credential most job ads ask for. CGSS goes deep on sanctions only: lists, screening, ownership rules and evasion. If you work in sanctions screening or trade controls, CGSS proves the skill directly. Everyone else should start with CAMS and add CGSS later.
CAMS vs CGSS at a glance
| CAMS | CGSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CAMS Certification Exam (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) | CGSS Certification Exam (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) |
| Questions | 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions |
| Time | 3.5 hours (210 minutes) | 175 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 | Scaled score of 75 |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Closed book, computer-based |
| Cost | US$2,095 private sector / US$1,595 public sector package (study materials + exam); ACAMS membership required | US$1,995 private sector / US$1,495 public sector package; ACAMS membership required |
| Languages | Arabic, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese (the updated CAMS program launched in English first, with translations rolling out in 2026) | Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese |
| Where | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
| Level | Specialist | Specialist |
What each exam covers
CAMS
- Understanding financial crime risks and methods
- Global AFC frameworks, governance and regulations
- Building an AFC compliance program
- Tools and technologies to fight financial crime
CGSS
- Sanctions frameworks and governance (20%)
- Building a sanctions compliance program (50%)
- Detecting and investigating sanctions evasion techniques (30%)
Which should you take?
CAMS is the broad anti-money laundering credential most job ads ask for. CGSS goes deep on sanctions only: lists, screening, ownership rules and evasion. If you work in sanctions screening or trade controls, CGSS proves the skill directly. Everyone else should start with CAMS and add CGSS later.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between CAMS and CGSS?
CAMS is the broad anti-money laundering credential most job ads ask for. CGSS goes deep on sanctions only: lists, screening, ownership rules and evasion. If you work in sanctions screening or trade controls, CGSS proves the skill directly. Everyone else should start with CAMS and add CGSS later.
Which is harder, CAMS or CGSS?
CAMS: 120 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 3.5 hours (210 minutes). CGSS: 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 175 minutes. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both CAMS and CGSS?
Yes. ACAMS certifications are separate credentials and many professionals hold more than one. Each has its own exam and recertification.
How do I prepare for CAMS and CGSS?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. All-Access ($147 a month) covers every ACAMS exam on one plan, so you can prepare for both without paying twice.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from ACAMS' published information as of October 2026. Confirm with ACAMS before you book. AMLExamPrep is not affiliated with ACAMS.