ICA Certificate in Compliance

This introductory course provides a fundamental understanding of the disciplines’ core compliance elements.

Enrol now

Access to ICA Learning Hub

Suitable for beginners

Two months access

AI study support

20 ICA CPD hours

Available for in-house and groups

Course overview

Build a clear understanding of compliance, and how it works in practice

The ICA Certificate in Compliance is an introductory (Level 2) qualification awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester. Written by subject matter experts, it explains what regulation is, why it exists and how compliance operates inside a firm, giving you the foundation to start or move into a compliance role with confidence.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Explain what regulation is and why it is needed
  • Describe the role compliance plays in a working environment
  • Understand the key compliance areas and how they relate to each other
  • Identify risk and the regulatory frameworks that apply to your role

Successful candidates earn the Cert(Comp) designation.

Training a team? Group booking discounts are available.

See what you'll learn
Awarded in association with AMBS

Course details

Qualification LevelLevel 2 | Introductory
Course fees£765 | €860 | $1030
Membership fees£195 | €220 | $260Applicable taxes will be added on checkout. If you are not an existing ICA Member, a fee for 12 months' membership will be added to your booking.
ICA CPD Hours20
Duration2 months
Qualification designationCert(Comp)
CertificateAwarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester
Explore moreICA's interactive brochure outlines the certificate programmes. View ICA Certificates brochure (opens in a new tab)
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Enrol now

Study online at your own pace, with up to two months to complete the course and sit your assessment. Choose where you're based to see your price and enrol.

ICA Membership is required to undertake this qualification

To study with ICA you need to be a member. If you're not one yet, 12 months' membership (£195 | €220 | $260) is added to your basket at checkout. Existing members pay the course fee only.

What membership gives you
  • Access to the personalised ICA Learning Hub
  • Weekly webinars on the latest industry developments
  • Discounts on ICA events and further ICA courses
  • A place in an international community of over 30,000 members

Applicable local taxes, membership fees and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.

  • Internationally recognised qualification
  • Take your exam whenever you're ready
  • Results available immediately
Course fees
Course fee£765 | €860 | $1030
12 months' ICA membership (non-members only)£195 | €220 | $260

Applicable local taxes are added at checkout. The price shown after you choose your location is in your local currency.

Group booking discounts

Training a team? Discounts are available when you book for a group. Ask about group bookings

Do you need more information?

Review our comprehensive FAQs.

If you still need to get in touch, please contact us.

View course outline

Course outline

What will I learn?

The ICA Certificate in Compliance is made up of seven units.

Select a unit to see its full topic list in the syllabus.

 

Want the detail behind each unit?

Download full syllabus
4.9

ICA overall

from 732 reviews

Rating out of 5 from learner reviews on Coursecheck

  • This certification has significantly strengthened my understanding of sanctions risk management.

    Dina M, ICA Certificate in Managing Sanctions Risk
    Coursecheck review, June 2026

  • The tutors were all clearly expert in their respective fields.

    ICA learner, ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance
    Coursecheck review

  • An enriching experience that significantly enhanced my understanding of compliance, governance and risk management.

    Learner, ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance

  • Great course, well structured content, interesting and engaging.

    Andrew E, ICA Diploma in Managing Sanctions Risk
    Coursecheck review, September 2026

  • Excellent course. I have a far greater understanding of the risks associated with AI.

    Learner, ICA Specialist Certificate in AI for Compliance Professionals

  • Earning my Diploma in AML has been a game-changer for my career.

    Learner, ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering

  • Great material, well-structured and easy to read.

    Learner, ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering

  • The exercise with the immersive scenario was really helpful.

    Learner, ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering

  • The class was lively and engaging. The study material was very comprehensive.

    Learner, ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering

  • Material provided is very high quality and easy to ingest, with very good examples to bring laundering threats to life.

    Learner, ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering

  • I feel more confident in my ability to identify and prevent money laundering risks.

    Learner, ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
Read all 732 ICA reviews on Coursecheck (opens in a new tab)

Course format

Study in your own time and at your own pace

Available on the ICA learning app, bringing everything you need into one place for a fully interactive learning experience. 

  • Course can be completed in as little as four weeks, but you will have access for up to two months. 
  • Your results are available immediately. 
  • Downloadable certificate to demonstrate your achievement. 

Assessment 

You'll be assessed by a one-hour online multiple-choice exam, which you can take at any point during your studies. 

AI Study Support

This course includes two AI-powered tools designed to support your learning throughout your studies.

The AI Tutor is here to help you revise and build confidence with the course materials. Use it to:

  • Explore concepts you find challenging or want to understand more deeply
  • Test your knowledge through interactive quizzes
  • Reinforce your understanding of key topics

The AI powered role play allows you to apply the knowledge you've gained in a realistic scenario - putting your understanding into practice before your assessment.

Who is the ICA Certificate in Compliance for?

This introductory course is open to anyone who wants to learn more about compliance. It's particularly suited to:

  • All those working in or aspiring to work in the compliance arena
  • Those working in risk functions
  • Regulatory representatives
Not sure? Take our short quiz to find out

Where could a compliance qualification take you?

An ICA Certificate is the first step into a rewarding career in compliance. 

Every regulated firm needs people who understand compliance, from banks and insurers to fintechs and professional services. The knowledge gained can support progression into compliance, risk and regulatory roles.

  1. Level 2 | IntroductoryThis qualification (Past)

    ICA Certificate in Compliance

    Completion of this qualification equips you with a fundamental understanding of core compliance elements. You can also progress to the higher Advanced Certificate level qualification.

  2. Level 4 | Intermediate (Now)

    ICA Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk & Compliance

    This qualification is designed for practitioners working within organisation subject to the oversight, authorisation or licensing of a specific regulatory authority.

  3. (Now)

    ICA Advanced Certificate in Business Compliance

    This qualification is designed for compliance professionals working in non-regulated business environments, but which have significant compliance obligations nonetheless.

Where this course fits

Your ICA qualification journey

The ICA Certificate in Compliance is the starting point for a clear progression route. From here you can apply your knowledge through the ICA Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance, then go on to manage and lead with the ICA Diploma and Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance.

Frequently asked questions

More information

How long does the ICA Certificate in Compliance take?

You have up to two months to complete the course and sit your assessment, and it can be completed in as little as four weeks. You study online at your own pace, so you can fit it around work.

How is the course assessed?

You're assessed by a one-hour online multiple-choice exam, which you can take at any point during your studies. Your results are available immediately, and you can download your certificate once you pass.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ICA Certificate in Compliance is an introductory (Level 2) qualification, designed for anyone working in or aspiring to work in compliance.

Why do I need to be an ICA member?

ICA membership is required to take this course. It gives you access to the personalised ICA Learning Hub, weekly webinars on the latest industry developments, regulatory alerts and discounts on further courses. Existing members pay the course fee only.

How will I study?

Everything is online in the ICA learning app, so your course materials are in one place and you can study whenever suits you. The course also includes AI study support: an AI Tutor to help you revise and test your understanding, and an AI role play that lets you apply what you've learned in a realistic scenario.

What qualification will I receive?

You'll receive the ICA Certificate in Compliance, awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester. The qualification designation is Cert(Comp), and the course counts for 20 ICA CPD hours.

What can I study after this course?

The next step is the ICA Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance or ICA Advanced Certificate in Business Compliance, followed by the ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance. You can then go on to the ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance. 

Is the course available in other languages?

Yes. The course is also available in Arabic through the ICA Certificate in Compliance (Arabic). To register in Korean, complete the Korean enrolment form and return it to courseenquiries@int-comp.org.

Can I book the course for my team?

Yes. Discounts are available for group bookings. See Group booking discounts for details.

Still have a question? Contact our team