CGSS vs CCAS: which ACAMS certification is right for you?
Both are 100-question specialist exams. CGSS covers sanctions programs in general. CCAS covers financial crime in cryptoassets, including sanctions exposure on-chain. Crypto compliance teams usually start with CCAS. Sanctions teams at banks start with CGSS.
CGSS vs CCAS at a glance
| CGSS | CCAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CGSS Certification Exam (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) | CCAS Certification Exam (Certified Cryptoasset Anti-Financial Crime Specialist) |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions |
| Time | 175 minutes | 175 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 | Set by ACAMS (see the CCAS Candidate Handbook) |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Closed book, computer-based, English only |
| Cost | US$1,995 private sector / US$1,495 public sector package; ACAMS membership required | US$2,095 private sector / US$1,595 public sector package; ACAMS membership required |
| Languages | Arabic, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese | English only |
| Where | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
| Level | Specialist | Specialist |
What each exam covers
CGSS
- Sanctions frameworks and governance (20%)
- Building a sanctions compliance program (50%)
- Detecting and investigating sanctions evasion techniques (30%)
CCAS
- Cryptoassets and blockchain fundamentals
- Financial crime risks and regulatory frameworks for cryptoassets
- AFC compliance programs for cryptoassets
- Crypto AFC case studies and blockchain investigations
Which should you take?
Both are 100-question specialist exams. CGSS covers sanctions programs in general. CCAS covers financial crime in cryptoassets, including sanctions exposure on-chain. Crypto compliance teams usually start with CCAS. Sanctions teams at banks start with CGSS.
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 CGSS and CCAS?
Both are 100-question specialist exams. CGSS covers sanctions programs in general. CCAS covers financial crime in cryptoassets, including sanctions exposure on-chain. Crypto compliance teams usually start with CCAS. Sanctions teams at banks start with CGSS.
Which is harder, CGSS or CCAS?
CGSS: 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in 175 minutes. CCAS: 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 CGSS and CCAS?
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 CGSS and CCAS?
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.