Frequently Asked Questions

The Commission offers the following Certification Seminars:
	1.	Certification Seminar for Phase 1 of the SEC Certification Examination
	2.	Certification Seminar for prospective Equities Securities Salesmen
	3.	Certification Seminar for prospective Compliance Officers/ Associated Persons for broker dealers in Equities
The upcoming schedules will be announced in the SEC website under Capital Market Professionals (CMP) Notice
What Certification Examinations are offered by the Commission?
The SEC Certification Examination has two phases. The Phase 1 covers general topics, which are applicable to all market professionals while Phase 2 is the industry-specific examination.
Phase 1 is composed of 6 General Topics, as follows:
Module 1:		Fundamentals of Securities
Module 2:		Economic Principles and Market Theories
Module 3:		Fundamentals of Securities Regulation Module
Module 4:		Corporate Governance (CG)
Module 5:		Risk Management (RM) Module
Module 6:		Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Phase 2 is the Module 7, which is composed of five sub-modules, as follows:
Phase 2-7A:		Certified Investment Solicitors (CIS)
Phase 2-7B:		Equities Securities Salesmen (ESS) Phase
Phase 2-7C:		Fixed Income Market Salesmen (FIMS)
Phase 2-7D:		Compliance Officers/Associated Persons (CO/AP) for broker dealers in Equities
Phase 2-7E:		Proprietary/Non-Proprietary Securities (Timeshares) Salesmen (PNPSS)
All prospective capital market professionals need to take and pass both phases before they can apply for the appropriate license. The examinee must wait for the release of examination results before he/she can apply for the Phase 2 exam. However, ESS and CO/AP examinees have to attend a mandatory certification seminar conducted by the SEC before they can proceed to the Phase 2 exam.

One copy of duly accomplished application form with attached ID pictures on the first and second page, one copy of valid identification (ID) card and examination payment of P500.00. Application must be submitted at least 10 working days prior to the preferred examination date.

The examination is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except holidays). For the complete details on how to apply for the exam, kindly click this link.

None. There is no required seminar or training but the SEC conducts a Certification Seminar for Phase 1 Exam (paid seminar but not mandatory) which is designed to help examinees prepare for the Phase 1 Exam.

Yes. There is no required educational background or employer when applying for the examinations.

Yes, non-Filipinos may apply for the exams provided they have a valid Philippine Identification (ID) card.

There is no required waiting period and there is no limit to retaking the exam. Unsuccessful examinees may apply for retake once the List of Passers has been posted.

The following should be brought on examination day:
• One (1) blue or black ballpoint pen
• One (1) pencil (any type)
• One (1) ordinary calculator (scientific/financial/programmable calculators are not allowed)
• 70% Isopropyl or Ethyl Alcohol for personal use
Hard copy or e-copy of:
• A copy of the requirement indicated in Section I in the SEC Health & Safety Guidelines (COVID-19 Vaccine status)
• Certificate of Consent (if e-copy, send to certification@sec.gov.ph)
• Proof of Payment
• Application Receipt (second page of the application form)

Ballpen, ordinary calculator and a scratch paper (provided by SEC). Food, mobile phones/any communication device and wearing of smartwatches are not allowed. Examinees’ pockets must also be emptied before the start of the examination.

Examinees are encouraged to wear smart casual (sleeveless shirt, shorts/short pants and slippers are not allowed).

You may still take the exam within the remaining duration of examination hours allotted.

Your registered Broker Dealer may now apply for your license at the Licensing Unit (LU) of the Company Registration and Monitoring Department of the SEC. For the requirements, you may reach the LU through the following:
• 8818-7187
• 8818-0921-23 local 272
• lu_application02@sec.gov.ph

You have to apply for a license within 3 years from the date of passing the Phase 2 exam, otherwise, you will have to retake the certification examination.

Capital Market Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How to be a Capital Market Professional

What Certification Seminars are offered by the Commission?

What are the requirements, fees and schedule for the examinations?

Is there a requirement prior to taking the Phase 1 Certification Exam?

I am a student/an undergraduate/not employed by a brokerage company, can I apply for the examination?

I am a foreigner/not a Filipino citizen, can I apply for the examination?

How long must I wait to retake the exam from my previous attempt? Is there a limit to retaking the examination?

What should I bring on the examination day?

What things are allowed in the examination area?

Is there a dress code?

What if I arrived late on the examination day?

I passed the Phase 1 and 2 exams, what is the next step?

I passed the Phase 1 and 2 exams and I haven’t applied for a license, what will happen?

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