Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on January 25, 2024

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Definition of Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Certified Treasury Professional is a globally recognized certification for professionals who specialize in treasury management.

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) administers the CTP certification program, which aims to assess the skills and knowledge of treasury professionals and ensure that they meet the standards of the industry.

The CTP designation signifies a high level of expertise in areas such as cash and liquidity management, financial risk management, and corporate finance.

It is essential for individuals who want to advance their careers in treasury management or improve their professional credibility in the industry.

Importance of the CTP Certification

The CTP certification program is designed to equip treasury professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their field.

The CTP designation indicates that a professional has demonstrated proficiency in areas such as cash and liquidity management, financial risk management, and corporate finance.

The certification program involves rigorous training and examination, and individuals who hold the CTP designation are recognized for their expertise and commitment to their profession.

The CTP certification program has become increasingly important in recent years as organizations place more emphasis on financial risk management and liquidity management.

What Does a Certified Treasury Professional Do?

Here are some of the specific tasks that a CTP may be responsible for:

Cash Management

CTPs are responsible for managing a company's cash flow to ensure that it has enough liquidity to meet its obligations. This involves developing and implementing cash management strategies, monitoring cash balances, and forecasting future cash flows.

Financial Risk Management

These professionals are responsible for identifying and mitigating financial risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, and credit risk. They may use hedging strategies, such as derivatives, to manage these risks.

Investment Management

Certified Treasury Professionals may be responsible for investing a company's excess cash in short-term or long-term investments to earn a return on the company's cash reserves.

Banking Relationships

CTPs are responsible for managing relationships with banks and other financial institutions. This includes negotiating fees and services, selecting banking partners, and ensuring that the company's banking needs are met.

Compliance and Regulation

They are responsible for ensuring that their company is in compliance with all applicable regulations related to treasury management. This includes regulations related to cash management, foreign exchange, and financial risk management.

Responsibilities of a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)

Benefits of Obtaining the Certified Treasury Professional Certification

A CTP certification can help individuals stand out in a competitive job market and advance their careers in the treasury management field.

Career Advancement

The CTP designation is highly regarded by employers, and it can open up new job opportunities for individuals who hold the certification.

Earning Potential

According to the AFP, individuals who hold the CTP designation earn an average of 16% more than their non-certified counterparts.

Recognition and Credibility

Employers and peers recognize the CTP certification as a mark of excellence in the treasury management field. Holding the CTP designation can help professionals gain respect and recognition for their skills and knowledge.

Eligibility Requirements for the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Certification

To be eligible for the CTP certification, candidates must meet certain requirements.

Education and Experience Requirements

First, they must have a minimum of two years of experience in the field of treasury management or a related field. Second, they must have a bachelor's degree or higher, or have five years of professional experience in the field of treasury management or a related field.

Examination

Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as cash and liquidity management, financial risk management, and corporate finance.

The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass the exam.

Renewal Requirements

The CTP certification program also has specific requirements for renewal. The certification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed.

To renew their certification, individuals must complete a minimum of 36 continuing education credits, with at least 18 of those credits related to the core content areas of the CTP exam. Failure to renew the certification on time may result in the revocation of the certification.

Other Professional Certifications in the Field of Treasury Management

There are other professional certifications in the field of treasury management that individuals may consider.

Certified Cash Manager (CCM)

The CCM certification is administered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) and focuses on cash management and treasury operations. The certification program covers topics such as cash forecasting, working capital management, and cash concentration.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

The FRM certification is offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and is designed for individuals who specialize in financial risk management. The certification program covers topics such as market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The CFA certification is administered by the CFA Institute and is a general certification that covers a range of topics related to investment management. While not specific to treasury management, the CFA certification may be beneficial for individuals who work in finance and investment management.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The CPA certification is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is designed for individuals who specialize in accounting and finance.

While not specific to treasury management, the CPA certification may be beneficial for individuals who work in finance and accounting and who want to enhance their skills in these areas.

Corporate Treasury Management (CTM)

The CTM certification is administered by the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) and focuses on the strategic aspects of treasury management. The certification program covers topics such as financial strategy, risk management, and treasury operations.

Final Thoughts

The Certified Treasury Professional certification is a valuable credential for individuals who work in the field of treasury management.

It indicates that a professional has demonstrated proficiency in areas such as cash and liquidity management, financial risk management and corporate finance.

They are responsible for managing a company's cash and liquidity, mitigating financial risks, optimizing financial performance, and managing banking relationships.

CTPS identify and manage financial risks, invest excess cash reserves, ensure compliance with regulations, and develop cash management strategies.

The CTP certification offers numerous benefits, including career advancement opportunities, increased earning potential, and recognition and credibility in the industry.

To be eligible for the certification, candidates must meet certain requirements related to education, experience, and passing a comprehensive exam.

While there are other certifications in the finance industry, the CTP certification is tailored to the needs of treasury professionals and is more specific to the field of treasury management.

Pursuing the CTP certification can be a wise investment for finance professionals who specialize in treasury management.

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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