Credentials that Count

Showcase Your Dedication to M&A Excellence

The Certified M&A Specialist® (CMAS®) designation signifies excellence in M&A. Led by seasoned industry professionals, this program delivers an immersive hands-on experience into mastering the core principles, advanced strategies and best practices of M&A.

Earning the CMAS® certification validates your expertise in M&A fundamentals and advanced strategies while demonstrating your dedication to driving growth through strategic acquisitions. It enhances your professional standing, highlighting you as a skilled and experienced M&A expert capable of leading and inspiring confidence in complex transactions.

How it Works: The Three E’s Explained

Achieving your CMAS® certification involves three essential components: Education, Experience, and the Exam.

Throughout the program, you’ll accumulate credits by completing specialized courses and submitting relevant professional experience, ensuring a well-rounded mastery of M&A. Once you’ve reached a minimum of 200 credits across both Education and Experience, you’ll be eligible to take the final Exam—a comprehensive assessment of your knowledge and skills.

From the date of enrollment, you have a full year to complete all requirements and earn your CMAS® certification, marking a milestone in your professional journey toward M&A expertise.

EDUCATION

Complete Your Course Work

Candidates earn Education credits by attending M&A Leadership Council training courses. Credits are awarded for each hour of participation, with a minimum of 100 credits required through Education.

View the full calendar of training programs for upcoming sessions.

EXPERIENCE

Showcase Your M&A Experience

Real-world experience is key to qualifying for CMAS® certification. Candidates must submit at least one Experience Form for review. Each submission may earn between 25 and 100 credits based on:

• Deal size
• Deal type and complexity
• Duration in your role
• Your impact on deal success
• Innovations or new insights gained

A minimum of 100 Experience credits is required.

EXAM

Pass the Fundamentals Exam

After earning at least 200 credits through education and experience, candidates qualify for an online exam. This 60-question test, based on The Art of M&A, 6^th Edition (provided to all active candidates), covers core M&A topics: Strategy, Due Diligence, and Integration.

A score of 70% or higher is required to pass.

2025 CMAS® Certification Enrollment Includes:

• M&A Library: Candidates will receive the electronic version of our newest book, The Art of M&A^®, 6th Edition. This book is essential to prepare for the Fundamentals Exam.
• Virtual Education Courses: Flexible enrollment options are available to help you meet your Education requirements. Please refer to the pricing chart below to choose the option that best fits your needs.
• M&A Competencies Training Book: Defines the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in M&A.
• Experience Submission: Sample Experience Form and Planning Guide.
• Tracking Dashboard: Personalized portal to monitor certification progress.
• CMAS® Exam: As the final step in your certification process, you can take the Exam, which is included in your enrollment fee.

As a Certified M&A Specialist® (CMAS®), you’ll receive:

• A beautiful frameable certificate of completion
• An announcement on the M&A Leadership Council’s LinkedIn page
• A CMAS® email signature badge

CMAS® Enrollment

Whether you're new to the Council or an Alum, your coursework will apply toward Education Credits. Use the charts below to determine the CMAS® Enrollment option that's right for you.

Are you a Council Alum? 

Check your DASHBOARD (login with your email) to see how many credits you already have, and how many courses you still need.

Are you a new to the Council? 

You'll need 3 Courses to get certified.