CTP (AFP) study guide
CTP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) is a professional credential administered by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), the certifying body in treasury and finance. AFP describes the CTP designation as setting the standard in the treasury profession and as a global symbol of excellence, and it establishes and administers the credential alongside the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) designation. The credential is aimed at corporate treasury and finance practitioners - professionals whose work spans cash positioning, liquidity, banking and payment operations, and financial risk - who want an externally recognized marker of treasury competence rather than an employer-specific title. AFP positions its certifications within a broader practitioner-driven ecosystem that includes member resources, continuing education, webinars, conferences, and a formal process for maintaining a credential through submitted credits. The CTP study guide has 4 sections and about 1,437 words.
01Treasury Management Fundamentals
Treasury sits at the intersection of finance, operations, and banking. Its core responsibilities are forecasting and managing cash, funding the enterprise at the lowest prudent cost, managing financial risks (interest rate, FX, commodity, counterparty), and overseeing bank accounts and payment infrastructure.
328 words, about 2 min02Cash and Liquidity Management
Cash management ensures the right cash is in the right account at the right time; liquidity management ensures the firm can meet obligations without forced borrowing or asset sales. Key tools include daily cash positioning, forecasting, concentration structures, and a short-term investment portfolio.
293 words, about 1 min03Risk Management
Treasury risk management identifies, measures, and mitigates financial exposures so that unexpected market moves do not threaten liquidity or earnings. The main categories are market risk (interest rate, FX, commodity), credit and counterparty risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk including fraud.
286 words, about 1 min04Payments, Technology and Banking Relationships
Payments is about moving value securely, efficiently, and with clear finality. Candidates should know the major rails, their settlement characteristics, and the controls that prevent fraud and error.
530 words, about 3 min