Compliance · CCO

Certified Compliance Officer

A core professional qualification covering compliance risk assessment, regulatory obligations, policies, monitoring, reporting, training, escalation and professional ethics.

CCO certification badge
Overview

What This Certification Covers

The Certified Compliance Officer certificate equips participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills in compliance, with a focus on managing regulatory risk, applying global best practice and building effective compliance systems within financial institutions. The programme also covers the latest trends and challenges in compliance, including the impact of technology and continuous regulatory change.

As regulatory and financial legislation tightens worldwide, compliance has become a cornerstone of the sustainability of financial institutions and of their protection from legal and operational risk. Compliance functions play a pivotal role in promoting transparency, reducing financial crime and ensuring adherence to local and international regulations.

Like every ACS credential, the CCO is awarded only after a formal assessment of defined qualification outcomes — evaluating understanding, application and professional judgement, not attendance alone.

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Be Able to Do

  • Understand the concept and importance of compliance, the drivers and trends of compliance risk in the financial sector, and the regulatory and supervisory frameworks that govern it
  • Build an effective compliance governance framework, strengthen compliance culture and ensure the independence of the compliance function within the organisation
  • Apply the Three Lines of Defence model and integrate compliance management into enterprise-wide risk management
  • Assess and manage compliance and financial crime risks using a risk-based approach
  • Monitor compliance, prepare internal and external reports, and manage relationships with regulators and auditors
  • Use regulatory and supervisory technology (RegTech and SupTech) to develop the compliance framework and address its future challenges
Curriculum

The CCO Programme in 8 Modules

01Drivers and Trends in Compliance Risk4 topics
  • Drivers and trends of compliance risk in the financial sector
  • The concept of compliance and its importance in financial institutions
  • Regulatory and supervisory bodies
  • Compliance with the instructions of indirect supervisors and with other laws and regulations
02Compliance Governance and Organisational Culture5 topics
  • Compliance culture
  • Compliance governance
  • Independence of the compliance function and its position in the organisational structure
  • The compliance function within financial institutions
  • Defining the responsibilities of executive management for compliance monitoring
03Compliance and Risk Management Models and Frameworks4 topics
  • The three lines of defence model
  • Compliance management and enterprise-wide risk management
  • Financial crime risk assessment framework
  • Managing regulatory compliance risk
04Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management3 topics
  • The risk-based approach to compliance
  • Risk-based regulatory compliance review procedures
  • Assessing and managing compliance risk
05Principles of Compliance Management (Policies and Risk Appetite)4 topics
  • Core principles of compliance management: policies and risk appetite
  • Compliance with the organisation’s internal policies
  • Oversight and control mechanisms
  • Compliance monitoring
06Managing Regulatory Compliance Risk3 topics
  • Compliance analysis
  • Internal and external reporting
  • Managing the relationship with regulators and auditors
07The Relationship Between Compliance and Other Functions2 topics
  • Internal audit, legal, risk and anti-money laundering
  • Executive management, the board of directors and its committees
08Technology and the Future of Compliance3 topics
  • The impact of technology on financial compliance management
  • Implications of digital transformation: RegTech and SupTech
  • Future challenges and opportunities in compliance
Who Can Apply

Built for These Roles

  • Managers, heads and staff of compliance and AML departments
  • Compliance, AML and risk-management officers and staff
  • Internal audit and governance professionals
Assessment

How the CCO Is Assessed

  1. 01

    Candidates complete the examination registration form and attach a copy of their passport and their most recent academic qualification

  2. 02

    The examination is taken online at an accredited test centre

  3. 03

    100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours

  4. 04

    Minimum passing score: 70%

  5. 05

    Available in several languages

  6. 06

    Candidates who do not pass at the first attempt may resit once free of charge after a 10-day waiting period

Unless otherwise stated, candidates must achieve a minimum assessment score of 70%. Full entry requirements and the certification process are listed on the Certifications.

Register

Start the CCO Certification

Registration opens on a rolling basis through ACS or an authorised ACS centre. Reach out and our team will walk you through eligibility, registration and assessment windows.

Get Registration Details