New platform expands access and provides flexible testing options for card-industry professionals worldwide
EAST WINDSOR, N.J.—September 10, 2026—The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) today announced that the ICMA™ Advanced Card Education – Manufacturing (ACE-M) Accreditation Examination is now available online, giving card-industry professionals worldwide greater flexibility in pursuing this respected industry credential.
As the leading global trade association for the card ecosystem, ICMA advances professionals and organizations through education, industry resources, networking and events. Through its examination administration partner, Brightest, ICMA offers remotely proctored online examinations and on-site testing, giving candidates the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their location, schedule and preferences.
“Expanding access to ACE accreditation and advanced industry education is an important priority for ICMA,” said Megan Anthony, ACE-M, ACE-P, ICMA President. “By combining ICMA’s online ACE training with flexible, professionally proctored examination options, the program provides a modern and accessible path toward professional development within the global card industry.”
Training and Examination Lead to ACE Accreditation
The ICMA™ ACE online training provides the foundational knowledge and study materials candidates need to prepare for the subject areas evaluated on the examination. Passing the ACE-M examination is the final step in completing the learning and accreditation process.
Professionals who earn the ICMA™ ACE–M designation demonstrate broad knowledge of the materials, processes, technologies and quality requirements involved in card manufacturing. The examination covers the principal stages of the manufacturing process, including plastics, inks, adhesives, printing, collation, lamination, die-cutting, standards and final product testing.
ACE accreditation allows professionals at different stages of their careers to validate their industry knowledge, strengthen their expertise and distinguish themselves within the global card ecosystem. For employers, the ACE designation provides a meaningful way to recognize demonstrated knowledge and support continued professional development.
An Accessible and Affordable Path to ACE Accreditation
The launch of the ACE-M examination represents the first step in bringing ICMA’s ACE examinations to the Brightest platform. The ICMA™ Advanced Card Education – Personalization (ACE-P) Accreditation Examination is scheduled to launch later this year.
The ACE-M examination fee is €259 for all candidates and is charged in euros. Any U.S. dollar equivalent may vary based on current exchange rates and payment-provider conversion rates.
“Keeping ACE accreditation affordable is another important part of making advanced industry education more accessible,” said Karen Brooker, ACE-M, ICMA Vice President. “The €259 examination fee reflects ICMA’s commitment to reducing barriers for professionals who want to validate their manufacturing knowledge and earn a credential recognized across the global card industry.”
Professionals ready to pursue ACE-M accreditation can complete the ICMA ACE-M online training, review the examination requirements and schedule their examination through Brightest.
For more information, icma.com/training/ace-accreditation or contact ICMA Headquarters at info@icma.com or 609-799-4900.
About the International Card Manufacturers Association
The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is the leading global trade association for card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and other organizations throughout the card ecosystem. As the epicenter of the global card industry, ICMA connects professionals worldwide through professional development programs, including Advanced Card Education, as well as industry resources, networking opportunities and events that foster innovation and advancement across payments, identity, security and card manufacturing. ICMA’s flagship programs include ICMA EXPO, CardTREX and the Élan Awards of Excellence. Learn more at icma.com.