Validates knowledge of corporate treasury, including liquidity management, long-term funding, banking relationships, risk control and treasury technology.
Learn how treasury decisions connect cash availability, funding costs, controls and risk. Work through the current body of knowledge, practise calculations with the on-screen calculator and rehearse 170 questions within three and a half hours.
1Understand the exam
Syllabus
Domain 1Corporate liquidity56–60 questions
AManage optimal cash positioning through short-term investing and borrowing activities
BForecast/manage cash receipts and disbursements
CManage optimal banking structure such as cash concentration/pooling etc.
DManage foreign exchange (FX) exposure
EManage trade financing
FManage intercompany financing
GReview cash balances and reconcile transaction activity to ensure accuracy
HOptimize treasury operations
ICalculate, analyze and evaluate financial ratios to optimize financial decision making
Example scenario: A profitable company faces a large payment before customer receipts arrive. How would you compare cash pooling, short-term borrowing and changes to collection timing?
Domain 2Capital structure and long-term funding34–38 questions
ANegotiate and manage syndicated agreements
BManage investment portfolio
CManage issuance of debt and equity
DManage revolving debt agreements
EAssess impact of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures
FEvaluate current market conditions as they relate to long-term borrowing strategies
GHedge FX, interest rate, and commodities exposure
Domain 3Internal and external relationships13–17 questions
ABuild, maintain, and review relationships with external financial service providers
BAdminister bank accounts and maintain documentation
CIdentify, negotiate, and select relationships and operational agreements with external service providers to ensure best practices and competitive pricing
DServe as an internal trusted advisor and consultant
EBuild and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders
Domain 4Risk monitoring and control24–28 questions
AComply with treasury policies, procedures and controls
BDraft treasury policies and procedures for approval
CDetect and mitigate fraud
DBenchmark performance against external sources to ensure best practices
EEvaluate and manage counterparty risk
FDevelop, maintain, and test business continuity plans
GManage merchant services programs
HEnsure regulatory compliance and report internally and externally on compliance
Example scenario: A payment request arrives with changed bank details shortly before a deadline. Which checks and approval controls should treasury apply?
Domain 5Treasury technology15–17 questions
ALeverage technology systems
BIdentify security issues and concerns associated with new and existing technology
CMonitor information security risk and cyber-related risk
Multiple choice. Choose one answer from the four options shown; some questions give a short scenario or data table first.
CertUp example
A company expects a large supplier payment in six days, but customer receipts will not arrive for ten. Which source best covers the four-day gap at the lowest cost?
Drawing on its committed revolving credit line
Issuing long-term bonds
Selling new shares in a public offering
Renegotiating every customer's payment terms
Show answer
Drawing on its committed revolving credit line. A revolver is built for short, temporary gaps and is repaid when the receipts arrive.
Eligibility and booking
Experience required for certification
1–2 years in treasury or corporate finance
Required
Qualifying experience must be full-time professional work. Internships, holiday jobs and volunteer work do not count.
Standard route
2 years of relevant work
Graduate business degree
1 year of relevant work
You can take the exam before completing the experience. Complete all requirements within six consecutive testing windows, about three years.
Submit your application and experience or education form to AFP. Use the Authorization to Test to book a Pearson VUE appointment in your approved window. Testing windows run in June–July and December–January.
Start with the specifications and a short practice set to identify unfamiliar areas.
Most candidates spend 60–100 hours. Plan for the low end if you already work in treasury or corporate finance; plan for the high end if banking, funding or quantitative topics are new to you.
1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.4 h
3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.41 h
4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.21 h
5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.4 h
3Learn the core concepts
Choose the digital Exam Prep Platform for guided study or the official textbook for a reading-led approach.
Practise with the exam calculator. CTP provides an on-screen calculator. Solve time-value, cash-flow and funding questions with that style of tool during preparation.
4Practice with mock exams
Try AFP’s sample questions first. The Exam Prep Platform adds chapter practice and full 170-question exams.
Treasury and accounting candidates describe recognizing many concepts from their jobs. Start with practice questions to find the areas your role has not covered.
Candidates describe the real questions as more demanding in wording than familiar practice items. Explain the treasury decision instead of memorizing the answer.
Best official courseCTP Exam Prep Platform