Top 6 Certification Courses for MBA Finance Students

NISM certifications, Certified information systems auditor, and advanced Excel courses are a few best to help them get a competitive edge over others and understand the changing market trends. Candidates can also refer to the benefits these courses offer to MBA Finance students in upgrading their resumes and increasing their chances of standing out and getting recognised in the corporate world.

Top 6 Certification Courses for MBA Finance Students 2023

Candidates who are pursuing their MBA Courses in order to increase their chances of getting placed and landing a well-paying job in the corporate sector.

1. NISM Certifications

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) is one of the most preferred certification courses for MBA Finance Students. The NISM certifications are offered in different fields, which are listed below.

1. Derivatives
2. RTA: Corporate
3. RTA: Mutual Fund
4. Compliance
5. Mutual Fund
6. Operations
7. Merchant Banking
8. Investment Adviser
9. Basics of Securities Markets
10. Research Analyst
11. Retirement Adviser
12. Financial Education
13. Taxation in Securities Markets
14. Alternative Investment Funds
15. Portfolio Management Services
16. Fixed Income Securities
17. Social Auditors
18. IBBI-Valuation

• Eligibility: A master's degree from a recognized university.
• Fees: NISM certification course costs between INR 1500 and Rs 3000. 
• Validity: The certificate will be valid for around 3 years.

2. Chartered Financial Analyst

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is given to students who successfully complete the CFA Program and meet the necessary work experience requirements. The CFA Program consists of a three-part examination that assesses knowledge in: 

1. Investment Tools
2. Asset Valuation
3. Portfolio Management
4. Wealth Planning

Candidates with educational backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business can pursue this program, and once they successfully clear all the levels, they become CFAs and can work in different fields such as investment banking, IT services and Consulting roles.

• Eligibility: A master degree from a recognised university.
• Fees: CFA Course Fees in India range from INR 190,000- 5,86,000.
• Duration: The duration of the course is 1.5 to 4 years.

3. Certified Information Systems Auditor

ISACA's Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) degree on of the popular certification courses for MBA Finance students, for professionals in the fields of IS audit control, assurance, and security. 

Candidates with a certificate as a Certified Information Systems Auditor will have proficiency in 

1. Conducting Audits
2. Evaluating Vulnerabilities
3. Ensuring Compliance
4. Implementing Effective Controls in Organizations

Eligibility: To obtain the CISA certification, candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security, as outlined in the CISA job practice areas. 

This work experience should be acquired within the ten years leading up to the application date for certification. After passing the CISA exam, candidates have five years to apply for the certification.

Fees: Course Fees in India range from INR 198,859 to INR 205,550.

Duration: The duration of the course is 3 months.

4. Finitiatives Learning India Private Limited Courses

Finitiatives Learning India Private Limited (FLIP) is an e-learning and certification company that has a specialization in the banking and finance fields in India. They offer a wide range of certification courses for MBA Finance students in different sectors, such as: 

1. Capital Markets Courses
2. Corporate Banking Courses
3. Banking Courses
4. Wealth Management Courses
5. Investment Banking Courses
6. Banking and Finance Courses
7. Risk Management Courses
8. Equity Research Courses
9. Finance Certifications for MBA Students
10. Treasury Courses

• Eligibility: An undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
• Fees: FLIP Course Fees in India are approx INR 5000.
• Duration: The duration of the course is 1 month.

5. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is also one of the professional certification courses for MBA Finance students provided by the CAIA Association to investment professionals who successfully complete a specified course of study and clear both levels of the exams.

The whole curriculum's focus is primarily on the "alternative investments" sector, which involves asset classes and investments beyond traditional equity or fixed-income products. These alternative investments include: 

1. Hedge Funds
2. Private Equity
3. Real Assets
4. Commodities
5. Structured Products

• Eligibility: A master's degree from a recognized university.
• Fees: Course Fees in India is approx INR 320,000.
• Duration: The duration of the course is 1 year.

6. Advanced Excel Course

Microsoft Excel Certification confirms an individual's proficiency in using MS Excel applications and tools. MS Excel is a spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft and widely used in various data entry roles. It empowers users to utilize essential spreadsheet functions such as: 

1. Graphic Tools
2. Calculators
3. Different Formulas for Calculations
4. Charts
5. Macro Programming Language

The most popular Advanced Excel certification course for MBA Finance students is from Macquarie University and is available on Coursera, through which candidates who are currently students can use the financial aid option and pursue the certifications free of charge.

• Eligibility: A master's degree from a recognized university.
• Fees: Course Fees in India is approx INR 3808.
• Duration: The duration of the course is 25 hours.

Benefits of Certification Courses in MBA Finance 2023

Listed below are a few of the benefits of completing the certification courses in MBA Finance 2023 to get an overview of the same:

• By obtaining these certifications, candidates can stay updated with ongoing market trends, changes in industries, and current financial trends and developments in financial markets.
• Candidates pursuing these certifications during their MBA program can enhance and upgrade their resume by making them stand out among other applicants.
• It will also increase your chances of getting selected, making you more appealing to potential employers.
• These courses equip you with diverse skills, providing opportunities for career growth and expanding your career options.
• Acquiring specialized knowledge through these courses can lead to more attractive salary packages in the job market. Also, these courses allow students to explore various job roles and find their best-fit career path.