Certified Due Diligence Specialist in Politically Exposed Persons (CDD-PEP)

PEP Due Diligence Certification — Globally Recognised (CDD-PEP)

The Certified Due Diligence Specialist in Politically Exposed Persons (CDD-PEP) is a globally recognised PEP due diligence certification for compliance professionals who identify, screen, and monitor politically exposed persons. PEPs carry some of the highest financial-crime risk any institution faces — this certification builds the practical skills hiring managers look for: PEP identification and verification, enhanced due diligence (EDD), source-of-wealth analysis, risk-based monitoring, and reporting. CDD-PEP is independently accredited and blockchain-verified by ONRIGA, and verifiable by employers through ACBM Graduate Verify.

✓ Globally recognised · Accredited & blockchain-verified by ONRIGA

What you’ll learn in this PEP due diligence certification

• Identifying domestic, foreign, and international-organization PEPs — and their relatives and close associates
• Global regulatory expectations for PEP compliance, including FATF guidelines and jurisdictional variations
• PEP screening tools, techniques, and verification best practices
• Enhanced due diligence (EDD): source of wealth, source of funds, and geographic risk
• Risk-based monitoring, red flags, and event-driven reviews of PEP relationships
• Reporting obligations, record-keeping, and audit-ready documentation

Who this certification is for

Built for KYC and CDD analysts, PEP screening teams, AML investigators, compliance officers, and onboarding specialists at banks, fintechs, and payment institutions — and anyone moving into a role where PEP risk decisions are part of the job.

CDD-PEP: FAQs

What is PEP due diligence? PEP due diligence is the process of identifying whether a customer is a politically exposed person, verifying their identity and associates, assessing the risk they pose (including source of wealth and political exposure), and applying enhanced monitoring throughout the relationship.

Is CDD-PEP a recognised PEP certification? Yes — CDD-PEP is a globally recognised certification issued by ACBM and independently accredited and blockchain-verified by ONRIGA.

Who should take the CDD-PEP certification? Compliance professionals who screen, onboard, or monitor PEPs — KYC/CDD analysts, EDD teams, AML investigators, and compliance managers who own high-risk customer decisions.

How is the exam structured? A 50-question MCQ exam, 40 minutes, 75% passing score, with two attempts included. Study materials are available online through the LMS immediately after enrolment.

Is the certificate verifiable by employers? Yes — verifiable via ACBM Graduate Verify, and accredited & blockchain-verified by ONRIGA.

Enrollment Procedure

Enrolling in the CDD-PEP certification is quick and fully online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Home Page: Navigate to the CDD-PEP program on the home page and click “View Details”.
2. Register: Click “Get Course” and enter your name, address, and contact details.
3. Payment: Complete your payment via our secure payment gateway.
4. Access Materials: Study materials are available immediately on the Learning Management System (LMS).

Exam Details

• Format: 50 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Mode: Online
• Passing Score: 75%
• Attempts: 2 attempts included (additional attempts available for 25% of the fee)
• Results: Instant results upon completion, with immediate certificate download upon passing.

Syllabus

Section 1: Understanding PEPs and Regulatory Standards

1. Introduction to Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
   • Definition and types of PEPs (domestic, foreign, international organization PEPs)
   • Importance of identifying PEPs in compliance
   • Key characteristics and associated risk factors
2. Regulatory Frameworks for PEP Compliance
   • Global AML/KYC standards for managing PEPs
   • FATF guidelines, sanctions, and international regulations
   • Jurisdictional variations and compliance obligations

Section 2: Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for PEPs

1. Identification and Verification of PEPs
   • Best practices for identifying and verifying PEPs and their associates
   • Enhanced due diligence measures
   • Tools and techniques for effective PEP screening
2. Risk Assessment and Risk-Based Approach
   • Conducting PEP risk assessments
   • Implementing a risk-based approach to managing PEP relationships
   • Influencing factors: source of wealth, geographical risk, and political exposure

Section 3: Advanced Monitoring and Compliance Practices

1. Ethical Considerations and Challenges in PEP Compliance
   • Ethical dilemmas (privacy vs. transparency)
   • Managing political influence and reputational risks
   • Strategies for maintaining accountability
2. Ongoing Monitoring and Transaction Analysis
   • Monitoring frameworks for PEP transactions
   • Identifying red flags and suspicious activities
   • Conducting event-driven reviews and reassessments
3. Reporting Obligations and Record-Keeping
   • Reporting requirements for suspicious activities involving PEPs
   • Record-keeping practices and compliance standards
   • Documentation for regulatory audits
4. Case Studies and Practical Insights
   • Real-world examples of PEP compliance challenges
   • Lessons learned and best practices

Why Choose CDD-PEP?

• Globally Recognized Certification: Gain an industry-relevant credential to advance your compliance career.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all aspects of PEP risk management, from regulatory frameworks to advanced monitoring.
• Flexible and Online: Self-paced learning with instant certification download upon passing.

Explore more

PEPs are one pillar of high-risk-customer work — pair CDD-PEP with the Certified Due Diligence Specialist in High-Risk Customers (CDD-HRC), compare options in our best KYC certification global comparison, or prepare for interviews with our free 500 KYC interview questions and answers.