The industry of finance is highly competitive and requires good qualifications and experienced personnel. There are many courses that an individual is required to take to increase their credibility. But many of them are highly priced or have a very low pass percentage. NISM certifications act as a gateway to enter this sector at a comparatively lesser cost and with high validity and acceptability.
This article will help you understand all the relevant information about NISM certification, including its need and how to get one.
What Is NISM Certification?
The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), an educational program of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), offers the NISM Certification as a professional credential. This certification is intended to guarantee that those employed in the Indian securities markets, including investment advisers, equity dealers, mutual fund agents, and research analysts, are knowledgeable about financial laws, ethics, and procedures.
Key Features:
- Regulatory Recognition: SEBI requires these certificates for various financial roles.
- Enough Study Materials: More than 20 modules, including Research Analyst, Equity Derivatives, and Mutual Fund Distributors
- Focused Education: Certifications designed for particular financial positions
- Fees: Exams are typically reasonably priced, ranging from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 3,000.
- Validity: Good for three years, then must be renewed by exam or CPE.
- Computer-Based Test: Most exams are computer-based and are conducted at approved testing centers throughout India. Some modules may also be available through online proctored examinations.
Why Should You Get NISM Certified?
There are more advantages to becoming NISM certified than just meeting a work requirement. It’s worth your time and money for the following reasons:
1. Required for Certain Financial Positions
It is legally required by SEBI that you complete the NISM modules if you intend to work as a research analyst, mutual fund distributor, or equity dealer. For instance:
- Mutual Fund Distributors‘ Series V-A
- Research Analyst Series XV
- Equity Derivatives Dealers’ Series VIII
2. Enhances Your Career Prospects and Resume
In the finance industry, having a NISM certificate on your resume increases your employability and credibility. Employers look for training that demonstrates both technical and ethical knowledge of securities markets.
3. Provides Opportunities for New Hires and Career Changers
NISM serves as a gateway to the financial industry, even for those without a background in finance. It provides an organised and acknowledged means of developing pertinent skills for professionals and students attempting to make a career change into finance.
4. Updates You on Regulatory Developments
According to SEBI guidelines and market trends, the NISM syllabus is updated on a regular basis. This guarantees that you’re constantly learning the most pertinent information in the contemporary financial landscape.
5. Low Price, Great Value
NISM certifications are short-term, reasonably priced, and industry-recognized, in contrast to lengthy degree programs. People who are new in this field and want to step up their resumes can opt for it.
How To Get NISM Certified?
Let us look at the steps to get the certification:
1. Select the Appropriate Module
Examine the available certifications on the official website, www.nism.ac.in. Choose a module that fits your present position or your long-term professional objectives.
For instance:
- Are you looking to sell mutual funds? Then opt for Series V-A
- Do you want to work as a research analyst? Then opt for Series XV
2. Sign up for the Certification Portal.
Create a profile by going to https://certifications.nism.ac.in. You will require:
- A legitimate ID, such as Aadhaar or PAN
- A passport-sized photograph
- Mobile number and email address for correspondence
3. Exam Payment Fee
The fees may vary from module to module, depending on the industry demand and other factors. A few typical ones are:
| Module | Fee (Approx.) |
| Mutual Fund Distributor (V-A) | Rs. 1,500 |
| Research Analyst (XV) | Rs. 1,500 |
| Investment Adviser (Level 1) | Rs. 1,500 |
4. Schedule the Test
You can select your exam date and location after payment is complete. All throughout India, exams are held at locations authorised by NISM.
5. Prepare Completely
Study resources consist of:
- Official NISM workbooks (available for download)
- Online mock exams are accessible.
- YouTube courses or tutorials from sites such as Zerodha Varsity
Every test has:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 60% is the passing score.
- Time frame: two hours
6. Take the Test to Obtain Certification
You can obtain your certificate from your NISM portal dashboard after passing the test. It is valid for three years after it is issued; then it is required to be renewed.
Bottomline
The conclusion can be drawn that NISM certification is a SEBI-endorsed credential, with NISM acting as SEBI’s official certifying body for various finance roles. The registration process is simple and can be done from the official website, which requires some essential documents. The learning time required to clear the test varies from person to person, but most candidates typically prepare for 1–2 months, depending on their background and familiarity with the subject. It is not that difficult to crack, but it requires the individual to sincerely study.
Opting for the right NISM certification depends on your career goals and objectives. It is a good way of entering the competitive field of finance.