Education and Examinations

Professional Licensing Examinations in the Capital Market

History
Since 2003, when the first professional examinations of Iran’s capital market were launched, more than 3,000 individuals have successfully obtained professional licenses. The first examination on “Basic Principles and Securities Analysis” was held on June 11, 2003, with about 600 participants, of whom 22 passed.
In 2004, under an agreement with the Higher Institute of Banking Sciences, it was decided that five exams would be held annually, four of which took place in that year and the fifth in 2005. Subsequent examination sessions were held as follows:

• 2nd: June 11, 2004
• 3rd: September 17, 2004
• 4th: November 26, 2004
• 5th: March 4, 2005
• 6th: May 27, 2005
• 7th: November 11, 2005
• 8th: August 18, 2006
• 9th: April 27, 2007
• 10th: November 9, 2007

Due to the growing number of applicants and the need to enhance exam quality, the ninth exam was administered through the National Organization for Educational Testing, and the tenth through the Faculty of Management at the University of Tehran.
Subsequent examinations (11th to 16th sessions held between 2008 and 2010) were organized by the Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO).

To date, 3,315 individuals have received certificates from the Organization, including:

• 2,169 for Basic Principles of Securities,
• 421 for Basic Principles of Commodities,
• 294 for Securities Analysis,
• 42 for Commodity Analysis, and
• 389 for Futures Trading.

With the expansion and diversification of exams and the increase in the number of applicants, the SEO established the Professional Licensing Department. This department introduced major improvements such as online registration, standardized exam design, and curriculum development.

One of its recent initiatives has been the full digitalization of the examination process—from registration to result announcement. To further ensure exam quality, an Examination Committee consisting of industry experts was formed to oversee policy-making and regulation of all exam procedures.

For more information, visit: https://testcenter.semedco.ir

Objectives

• Enhancing analytical skills, specialized knowledge, and professional competence among capital market participants to foster an efficient, transparent, and professional market.
• Establishing standards of professional qualification for financial institutions through the issuance, suspension, revocation, and renewal of licenses.
• Monitoring the professional conduct of license holders and developing ethical standards.
• Creating a database of license holders and providing training and career development opportunities.

Functions

• Managing all licensing processes, ensuring quality, and maintaining alignment between certifications and professional objectives.
• Setting policies and operational guidelines for each type of license and for financial institutions such as brokerage firms, investment companies, funds, credit rating agencies, and investment banks.
• Supervising license applications and monitoring performance of license holders to ensure compliance with regulations and maintenance of required professional standards.
• Conducting research and collaborating with domestic and international professional bodies to improve certification frameworks and ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of existing regulations.
• Maintaining an effective information system to ensure transparent and accurate dissemination of information on all licensing activities.

Benefits of Certification

For Candidates:

• Recognition of professional competence within the capital market.
• Competitive advantage and improved career prospects.
• Eligibility for specialized job positions.
• Broader professional networking opportunities.
• Increased visibility to potential employers.

For Employers:

• Enhanced professional standards and knowledge within the organization.
• Time and cost efficiency in employee selection and recruitment.

For Society:

• Improved professional knowledge across the financial sector.
• Greater market transparency and efficiency.
• Higher public financial literacy and engagement in securities markets.
• Establishment of standards for professional excellence.

Professional Capital Market Certificates

• Capital Market Principles Examination
• Capital Market Analysis Examination
• Capital Market Trading Examination
• Securities Valuation Examination
• Capital Market Institutions Management Examination
• Offering and Listing Advisory Examination
• Portfolio Management Examination
• Capital Market Analysis (for CFA holders)
• Capital Market Principles (for CFA holders)
• Professional Capital Market Expert Program (MBA)

To facilitate and accelerate professional licensing examinations, the Securities Information and Training Company has equipped a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Center.

With modern testing software, candidates now have multiple opportunities throughout the year to take the exams.

For more details and registration, visit:
👉 https://testcenter.semedco.ir