All about NISM certificate exams
NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) certification is essential for anyone working in India's securities market. Whether you're entering the profession or furthering your knowledge, NISM offers various certifications and courses geared toward building skills and competencies for diverse roles along all points.
Mandatory vs. non-mandatory NISM certification exams
While many NISM certifications are voluntary, few have been made mandatory for professionals in regulated roles, as such cases are mandatory for regulators like SEBI in sectors such as MFDs in relation to becoming an executor.
Mandatory NISM exams
Certain NISM exams are required by SEBI and other regulatory bodies for professionals to work in specific roles within India's securities market. These are non-elective to receive anyone regulated by the financial service of India (demands a trust if they have no certificate management).
- Series V-A – Mutual Fund Distributors
- Series I – Currency Derivatives
- Series IV – Interest Rate Derivatives
- Series VI – Depository Operations
- Series VII – Securities Operations and Risk Management
- Series VIII – Equity Derivatives
- Series IX – Merchant Banking
- Series X-A & X-B – Investment Adviser (Level 1 and 2)
- Series XV – Research Analyst
- Series XVI – Commodity Derivatives
- Series XXI – Portfolio Managers
- Series XXII-A – Model Stock Brokers
Non-mandatory NISM exams
These certifications are voluntary and intended for professionals who wish to deepen their market knowledge or enhance their career profiles. While not required by regulators, they demonstrate core skill expertise to clients.
Popular non-mandatory certifications:
- • Series XIII – Common Derivatives
- • Series XVII – Retirement Adviser
- • Series XXIV- A & B – Alternative Asset Managers
Summary
Mandatory exams: Required for compliance on specific regulated roles that all they offer it involves.
Non-mandatory exams: Voluntary, ideal for added skills and career enhancement.
Discontinued NISM certification exams
Some NISM exams have been officially withdrawn and are no longer available to take (Even if you qualify). If you've obtained a now-extinct certificate exam, users are ready to be prior to the future. Below is the complete list of these SEBI-based Series Set:
- Series II – Compliance Officers (Brokers) – Discontinued: April 15, 2022
- Mutual Fund Distributor (Level 2) – Discontinued since: April 1, 2020
- Equity Sates Certification – Discontinued: May 1, 2017
- Series III – Securities Intermediaries Compliance – Discontinued: April 1, 2022
- Series III-A – Securities Intermediaries – Discontinued: April 2, 2022
- Trustees in Securities Markets Certification – Discontinued: June 1, 2012
Note: If you need answers for any of these exams, you may recommend checking into detail of similar ones (or course via www.nism.ac.in or contact their helpdesk for direct support).
Key points of the NISM certification exam
- 1Regulator-Driven
- 2Role-Based Requirement
- 3Self-Paced Exam
- 4Certificate Validity
- 5Online Testing
- 6Proctored Exams
- 7Immediate Pass
- 8Exam Results
- 9Re-Attempt if Failed
- 10Continuing Education (For certain certificates)
NISM certification exam eligibility
According to NISM guidelines:
Most exams are open to anyone interested in a particular job, regardless of age or educational background. There are no special prerequisites concerning education or age (usually for students).
Special cases: guidance for foreign nationals
Indian nationals only:
Most NISM tests are geared for professionals working in India, so unless you're a foreign national planning to work locally, foreign test or another country mandatory compliance on NISM certification. Always a travel provided support you.
- • CG guidance on residence procedures, visa requirements, and documentation
- • If you are not an NRI with Indian regulatory documents
- • You can connect with your HR department or local advisor specifically for cross-country & cross-service scenarios.
Real Support: certifications.nism.ac.in
Locations:
Exam centres are available across major cities (Delhi, Jaipur, Noida etc. nearby Cities to find a nearby location. Also listed centres:
Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune and many more.
Registration & slot booking:
NISM (directly) has tie-up NISM exam. Can test window your slot (choose your preferred date and find test slot). It is recommended to book early (if this peak season) or to secure a place on roll at current timing for you.
What to carry on exam day
- Government-issued Photo ID: Aadhaar, PAN Passport, or DL
- Admit card (Exam Confirmation): From the portal
- Do not bring notes, phones, calculators or other electronics to the direct exam office.
NISM exam fees
The fee level depends on Supavisor Industry (NISM). Often, a range of certificate exam centers almost vary (for professionals) to the exams (the smallest). The examination fee vary from course to course. They can be scheduled at face of Rs. onwards per NISM test, and Rs. for including.
Certificate validity
The validity of NISM certificates varies according to the specific certificate. Here are general overview of the validity and re-tested process for NISM certificates:
- Most NISM Certifications: Valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.
- Continuous Professional Education (CPE) Certification: If courses (like any of these via IA or PMS program), the validity remains for another 3 years from the date issued after.
How to register for NISM certification
Visit the NISM Website
Go to www.nism.ac.in (NISM's official site) and click on certifications / exams registration.
Pick the official Exam series such as V-A (or) 10-B roll, etc. Register
Completing user profile, PAN, E-mail, and phone
Pay Exam Fees via net-banking and e-document net/cards (in particular), credit/ debit card payments accepted.
Enabling booking CPT courses or net
Select your own date
After completing the first registration and document verification you get told the center (one): 2-booking days.
Download admit card (Admit card / confirmation email)
Print (Admit_card) by 2 days out prior to select selected date-time-date.
Please your exam on the day. Bring the admit card and cum ID.
Attempt exam: By 2 choice(s) RUN any correct selected answer and 'Submit' on final (one/more), among they start/Saving Now.
View Result: Immediately (Once Auto validated) can be after dated apply
Shop/Receipt: Download/receive (Once Roll / certificado comes from they direct email).
Related resources & support
- • Login or Register for Certifications Exam
- • NISM Institute Awareness Test (Proveds NISM Essential Certification)
- • NISM Brochures/Study Materials
- • Complete Guide: NISM Certifications Overview
- • Special Accommodation Policy
If you have unique concerns about the exam process, do sure to review the structured advice or contact the NISM helpdesk for direct support!
FAQs – NISM certification exam
Contact information for NISM exam support
If you have any question with your exam – whether it's booking, rescheduling, technical issues, or general queries, NISM's dedicated help team is available to support you.
Helpline Number:
+91-8068606476
Available: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
(Closed on Public and NISM holidays)
Email your questions to:
certification@nism.ac.inTip:
Be sure to have your registration details or examination ID ready when you contact support.