What is CGSS?
CGSS (Certified Global Sanctions Specialist) is ACAMS's sanctions certification. It covers sanctions regimes (UN, US, EU, UK and others), governance and enforcement, sanctions due diligence and screening, evasion techniques and investigations including asset freezing. Since 2022 sanctions work has grown faster than most other compliance areas, and CGSS shows you understand it beyond list screening.
Who is it for?
- Sanctions screening analysts and team leads
- Trade finance, correspondent banking and payments compliance staff
- Sanctions advisory, legal and policy roles
- AML professionals adding sanctions expertise (often after CAMS)
- Mid- to senior-level staff with about 18 months to two years of financial crime experience
Eligibility
- ACAMS states the programme is developed for professionals with about 18 months to two years of financial crime compliance experience
- Check the current CGSS candidate handbook for the formal credit requirements
Exam format
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice and multiple-select |
|---|---|
| Time | 175 minutes |
| Pass mark | set by ACAMS; check the candidate handbook |
| Delivery | Online proctoring (available to all candidates) or test centre |
| Languages | English, Arabic, French, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese |
Exam domains
| Sanctions regimes and authorities | ~25% |
|---|---|
| Sanctions compliance programmes and screening | ~30% |
| Evasion techniques and red flags | ~25% |
| Investigations, reporting and enforcement | ~20% |
Cost in 2026
| Standard package, private sector | US$1,995 |
|---|---|
| Standard package, public sector | US$1,495 |
| Virtual Classroom bundle, private sector | US$2,395 |
| Virtual Classroom bundle, public sector | US$1,995 |
Included: Electronic study guide, four online certificate courses (sanctions frameworks and governance, building a sanctions programme, detecting and investigating evasion, case studies), review questions, flashcards, a practice exam and the exam. ACAMS says certification can take as little as four months.
Prices from ACAMS, in US dollars, checked November 2026. Prices change and can differ by region; confirm on the official site before you buy.
How to register, step by step
- Join ACAMS.
- Buy a CGSS package (standard or with virtual classroom).
- Complete the four online certificate courses and practice exam.
- Apply to sit the exam and schedule it once approved.
- Sit the exam online or at a test centre.
- Keep the certification with continuing education and membership.
Retakes: Retakes require a new exam authorisation; see the CGSS candidate handbook for waiting periods and fees.
Official links
Preparing for CGSS
Read our complete CGSS preparation guide, see what the syllabus and modules cover, and how renewal works. Then test yourself: our CGSS bank has 15 exam-style questions with explanations.
Find out where you stand
Free 10-question CGSS test, scored by exam domain. No account needed.
Independent guide, not affiliated with ACAMS. Facts checked November 2026; always confirm on the official website.