I'm taking the CAMS exam in the next 4 weeks. For anyone that's taken it, what did you study besides the online ACAMS study program, the Wolfsberg Principles, the FATF 40, and the 3rd European Directive?

I took it about 2 years ago and they didn't have the online program then. However, some basic suggestions would be, know all your international organizations and what areas they cover (like the Egmont Group, FATF, etc.) Terminology and examples are important, especially the terms:placement, layering, integration (be sure you know examples for each). Other terms would include gatekeepers, beneficial owners, cross border, shell bank, nesting, trade price manipulation, black market peso exchange, hawala, and predicate crime.

The rest is your experience and expertise in answering scenerio questions. Do well!

I took it three years ago and as Waterfall mentioned there wasn't an online program (just a really big study guide book and a supplemental study guide book). And knowing international aspects of AML is a big part of the exam. All that Waterfall mentioned above is a good overview of what to expect.

I took mine about three years ago as well and I agree with the last two poster's comments as well.

That will give you a good basis I believe.

Good luck!

The test is examining your application (not 'regurgitation') of the information found in the exam prep guide. Waterfall is correct. Good luck!

Thanks - sounds like I'm covered. The ginormous study guide is, in many ways, more helpful than the online study program. I noticed that there's no way to regurgitate your way to success! Glad I've got the experience and background.

I just took it and passed. I agree with Waterfall - and would advise studying about how the USA Patriot Act impacts non-US institutions and persons.

Congratulations!!

I am studying now. I was hoping for a little bit more out of the online study program. But the study guide and audio files are great. What did you think about the actual test? I read on another site that someone knew the material but still failed because they underestimated how strenuous the test was. I didn't know if this was an exaggeration.

Test wasn't hard if you knew your material and read your questions. Some are straight forward right or wrong answers and some are scenerios that you have to think through. I finished in 1/2 the time, but took more time to review all of my questions again and make sure I didn't answer anything too quickly.