Acams CKYCA Practice Exam Questions & Answers
5 Free Questions
· Last reviewed: September 10, 2026
· Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team
Exam Facts
Acams CKYCA Exam Details
Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
60
Practice Questions (Our Bank)
150 minutes
Exam Duration
- Exam Code
- CKYCA
- Full Name
- Certified Know Your Customer Associate
- Issuing Body
- ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists)
- Question Format (Our Bank)
- Multiple Choice
- Delivery
- Online proctored or at a Pearson VUE test centre
Practice Questions
Free CKYCA Practice Questions
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
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A KYC analyst notices frequent use of letters of credit as a method of trade finance. It further appears that trades covered by letters of credit are not consistent with the customer's usual business. What should be the next action taken by the KYC analyst?
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
Unusual trade finance activity, such as letters of credit inconsistent with the customer's normal business, is a potential red flag for trade-based money laundering. The appropriate step is to make an internal referral for review and possible filing of a suspicious transaction report (STR).
Financial institutions should ensure that a customer's risk weighting:
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
A proper customer risk assessment must consider multiple factors - such as geography, products, services, and customer profile - so that the overall risk rating is balanced and not disproportionately influenced by any single criterion.
Which factor would be a reason for concern when corroborating the source of wealth of an individual client?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Inconsistent or changing explanations from a client when asked for supplementary information about their wealth can indicate potential misrepresentation or concealment, making it a key red flag during source of wealth verification.
According to a reputable financial news source, a client is being taken over by one of its competitors. The public registry has not yet reflected the ownership change. Which step should the KYC analyst take?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Until the ownership change is officially recorded in a public registry, the KYC analyst should obtain legal documents directly from the client to verify the current ownership structure and maintain accurate CDD records.
Which describes the best method for creating a thorough audit trail to prove compliance?
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
A thorough audit trail requires keeping complete, verifiable records, including copies of identification documents and all written communications, so that compliance checks can be evidenced to regulators or auditors.
Domain 1: Customer Identification and Verification
20%
Assess customer type and research sources to complete information gaps. Verify customer identity using appropriate procedures and examine account nature and purpose with focus on shell companies and tax compliance. Identify ultimate beneficial ownership and connected third parties, then review and re-evaluate existing information based on account activity patterns.
Domain 2: Customer Risk Rating
20%
Evaluate customer risk across core categories including customer profile, product type, country jurisdiction, and delivery channel. Recognize and explain red flags signalling money laundering, sanctions evasion, bribery, corruption, and tax evasion. Analyze risk of assets under management and assess risk scores against your company's risk appetite and escalation thresholds.
Sample question from this domain above:
Q5
Domain 3: Customer Screening
15%
Screen customers for sanctions compliance and explore primary and secondary sources for customer information including adverse media. Assess the reliability and relevance of information you find. Distinguish between material and immaterial hits from sanctions checks and transaction monitoring to support effective escalation decisions.
Domain 4: Enhanced Due Diligence
30%
Identify and obtain details of customer source of wealth. Examine complex ownership structures to determine ultimate beneficial ownership. Apply risk evidence to recommend whether to retain the customer, escalate for further investigation, or terminate the relationship. Perform account activity reviews to detect changes that trigger enhanced review requirements.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q1Q2Q3
Domain 5: Customer Profile Documentation and Presentation
15%
Apply data privacy requirements and understand the ramifications of data errors in customer records. Present customer profiles with objectivity and precision. Create a complete audit trail of your decisions and actions. Review and update customer profiles based on periodic review schedules or event triggers such as risk rating changes.
Sample question from this domain above:
Q4
FAQ
CKYCA Exam FAQ
Common questions about the exam itself
What background do I need before taking the CKYCA exam?
CKYCA is designed for early-career professionals and front-line staff working in KYC, customer due diligence, and onboarding roles. You do not need prior AML certifications, though experience in financial services, compliance, or customer-facing roles is helpful. The exam assumes foundational knowledge of financial crime risk concepts.
How does CKYCA fit with ACAMS's other certifications?
CKYCA is an associate-level certification focused specifically on customer identification and due diligence tasks. It complements the senior CAMS credential, which covers broader anti-money laundering topics. Earning CKYCA grants 8 ACAMS credits toward CAMS and CGSS eligibility, and it is often an entry point before pursuing advanced certifications.
How long does it typically take to prepare for CKYCA?
Preparation time varies by background, but most candidates prepare for four to eight weeks of focused study. The exam emphasizes applied judgment over memorization, so practice with realistic case scenarios and customer profiles helps more than cramming definitions. Many employers provide study material and study time as part of training programs.
What will exam day be like for CKYCA?
You will sit 100 multiple-choice and case-based questions in 150 minutes, either at a Pearson VUE test centre or via Pearson VUE's online proctoring system. The test delivery is managed by Pearson VUE, and you must register with an exam authorization code after your ACAMS application is approved and you have paid the exam fee.
What happens if I do not pass CKYCA on my first attempt?
You may retake the exam after 30 days following your first attempt, 60 days after a second attempt, and 90 days after your third and any subsequent attempt. Each retake requires a new exam authorization fee. ACAMS charges different retake fees for private sector and public sector members.
How long does the CKYCA certification stay valid?
CKYCA is an associate-level certification that requires annual recertification. You must maintain your ACAMS membership and earn ACAMS credits to keep the certification active. If you let it lapse, you must retake the exam to regain the credential.
Which objective area is the hardest on the CKYCA exam?
Enhanced Due Diligence carries the highest weight at 30 percent and asks candidates to examine complex ownership structures and make judgment calls about customer retention or escalation. Candidates often find this area challenging because it requires synthesizing evidence and applying risk logic rather than applying simple rules.
What job roles does CKYCA prepare me for?
CKYCA is ideal for KYC analysts, customer onboarding specialists, customer due diligence officers, and compliance operations staff. It validates competencies for roles involving customer identity verification, periodic reviews, account monitoring, and customer profile management at banks, investment firms, money service businesses, fintechs, and crypto platforms.
What languages can I take the CKYCA exam in?
ACAMS offers CKYCA in English, Dutch, German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. You select your exam language when you register with Pearson VUE after receiving your exam authorization.
Can I reschedule or cancel my CKYCA exam appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel through Pearson VUE's system. If you reschedule or cancel within 24 to 72 hours of your scheduled exam time, Pearson VUE charges a USD 100 fee. If you do not show up or cancel within 24 hours, you must contact ACAMS directly and pay a new authorization fee of USD 199.
