Are you thinking about becoming a Mutual Fund Distributor?

The very first step in your journey is clearing the NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributors Exam.

But wait, before you can even apply for the exam, you need to register yourself with NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets). Don’t worry, it’s super simple and only takes a few minutes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of registering with NISM, so you can get started without any confusion.
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What is NISM?

NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) is a public trust set up in 2006 by SEBI.

It provides certifications for professionals working in the financial and securities industry. Some of these certifications are mandatory if you want to work in certain roles, while others are designed to help you learn more and build expertise.
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What is NISM VA?

The NISM-Series-V-A Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination is a qualifying examination to maintain a common benchmark for the required level of knowledge for everyone selling or distributing mutual funds.
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The content of the certification exam covers 

• Basics of mutual funds, their role and structure, different kinds of mutual fund schemes, and their features.
• Develop an understanding of mutual fund distribution in the market, learn how to evaluate different schemes, and how to recommend suitable products and services to investors.
• Understand the legal, accounting, valuation, and taxation aspects of mutual funds and distribution.
• Understand financial planning as a holistic approach to mutual fund investing that enables distributors to build trust and foster long-term relationships with their clients.

The NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributors examination consists of 100 questions, each worth 1 mark, to be completed within 2 hours. You need to secure a minimum 50% to pass the exam, and there is no negative marking.
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How to Register for the NISM Exam?

To appear for the NISM-V-A Mutual Fund Distributor Certification Exam, you need to register with NISM first. The process is simple; you need to create an account on the NISM certification website and upload your personal information, educational, and occupational details.
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What Documents are Required for NISM Registration?

Here’s a list of documents to keep handy before proceeding with registration.

• Scan copy of PAN Card (jpeg/png format, below 1 MB).
• Scan copy of your photograph (recent coloured passport-size photo, jpeg/png format, below 1 MB).
• Scan copy of address proof such as Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Utility Bill, Passport, ECI Card (jpeg or png format, below 1 MB).
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Step-by-Step Process for NISM Registration

Follow the steps below to complete the registration. The process takes 5-10 minutes.

Step 1: Visit  https://cert.nism.ac.in/ for NISM Registration.

Step 2: On the Login Page, go to the ‘Create a New Account’ tab.

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Step 3: Enter your email address, set a password, and click on ‘Next’

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Step 4: On the ‘Personal Information’ page, upload a scan copy of your recent passport-size photograph in jpeg/png format, not more than 1 MB.

Note:

• Passport size photograph in jpeg/jpg format, at least 2 inches x 2 inches and less than 6 months old.
• There should be no other objects in the photos, focus must be clear and sharp.
• The image should be front-facing, showing full face and a white background.
• Photo size not to exceed 1 MB. 
• The Photo File name should not contain more than one full stop.
• Photograph Upload is mandatory prior to examination. 

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Step 5: Upload the scan copy of your PAN card in jpeg/png format, size below 1 MB.

Note:

• Only PAN numbers of individuals are accepted during the registration process of NISM's Certifications.
• PAN scanned image size not to exceed 1 MB.
• The background of the photo should be white.

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Step 6: Next, upload an address proof from the dropdown list (Aadhaar card, driving license, ECI card, Utilities bill, passport copy in jpeg/png format, not more than 1 MB)

• Proof of Address: Scanned image size not to exceed 1 MB. 
• The background of the photo should be white.

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Step 7: Add your personal details and click ‘Next’.

Step 8: Fill in your Contact Information, i.e., complete address, pincode, and mobile number.

Step 9: You will receive an OTP for mobile verification. Add OTP, and the mobile number is verified. Click ‘Next’.

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Step 10: Fill in your Educational Details and click ‘Next’.

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Step 11: Add your Professional Qualifications, such as CA, ICWA, etc, if applicable, from the drop-down list.

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Step 12: Add your Occupation Details. Select occupation from the drop-down and add details such as name of business/employer, designation, address, contact number, etc. Click ‘Next’.

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Step 13: Preview your details. (Go to ‘Previous’ to make any changes).

Step 14: Click Submit and enter the Captcha that appears.

Step 15: Your registration request is submitted, and the account has been created successfully. 

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Now, you can log in to your account. 

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In the Enrolment Section, you can see that your profile has been submitted and will be reviewed within 2 business days. If there are any errors or requirements, you will be notified on this page.

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Step 16: After your profile is reviewed and approved (within 2-3 working days), you can log into the NISM portal with your registered email id and password and enrol for the NISM examination. 

Step 17: Select ‘My Enrollments’ in navigation bar and click on ‘+Enroll’ button at top right corner.

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Step 18: Select ‘Examination’ and Choose Type of Exam: ‘NISM-Series-V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination’. Click ‘Next’.

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Step 19: Select 

• Payment Mode: Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking’
• Available Examination City to write the exam
• Available Examination Centres in the city of choice.
• Date range as per your convenience to select a date from.

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Step 20: Select a suitable date and time slot from the available options.

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Step 21: Make online payment for exam registration fee using the secured payment gateway. 

Step 22: You will receive an email with details of exam registration and how to download the admit card for the examination.
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To Sum It Up,

To register for the NISM VA Certification examination, you need to create an account with NISM. The good news? It’s a simple and easy one-time process that takes just 10-15 minutes and requires your passport-size photo, PAN, and address proof. Once you submit these,NISM takes 2-3 business days to approve. 

Once your registration is approved, you can log in to the NISM portal with your registered email id and password and book the NISM VA examination. Need help? We offer free registration support. You can also join our 2-week live training program with experts to help you clear the NISM VA exam and kickstart your MFD journey now. 
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Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How do I register myself as a Mutual Fund Distributor?

You can register yourself as a Mutual Fund Distributor in a few simple steps:

• Register with NISM
• Prepare for the NISM VA Distributor Certification Examination with AssetPlus Academy’s live training with experts
• After clearing the exam, register with AMFI for ARN (AMFI Registration Number)
• Empanel with AMCs or platforms for MFDs
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2. What is the process of NISM certification?

You need to register with NISM first, and once registered, you can register for the NISM certification examination by paying the relevant fees (Rs 1500 for the NISM VA Mutual Fund Distributor Certification examination). You need to clear the exam for the NISM VA certification.

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3. How to get an ARN number after the NISM examination?

You need to register with AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds of India) to apply for an ARN, submit the required documents, and pay the fees (Rs 3500). Once approved, you will receive the ARN.
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4. What documents are required for NISM registration?

To register for NISM, you need a recent passport-sized photograph, a scanned copy of your PAN card, and Aadhaar card.