ICMA Launches Online ACE Training
for the Global Card Industry
Card manufacturing and personalization/fulfillment demand precision—work is highly specialized, quality expectations are exacting, and small upstream decisions can drive major downstream cost. As competition intensifies, proven expertise matters more than ever.
To meet that need, ICMA has introduced Advanced Card Education-Manufacturing (ACE-M) online training, making ACE-M accessible in a flexible, digital format for card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and other card-industry professionals worldwide. Through rigorous exams, the ACE program validates broad, demonstrated industry knowledge—helping individuals advance while giving companies a credible signal of operational capability.
Industry Wide Training Now Offered Online
ACE is now available worldwide to both ICMA members and non-members, with significant discounts reserved for ICMA members.
ACE Levels – ACE-M, ACE-P, ACE-A
How ACE Works
Complete Training
Build your knowledge through ICMA’s online ACE courses or group training.
Apply & Take the Exam
Apply for and complete the in-person ACE exam.
Earn ACE Credential
Achieve ACE accreditation and industry recognition.
New Online ACE Training Programs
2025 EXPO Training / Exams
ACE-P Training
Tuesday, May 13, 12:00pm EST – 6:00pm EST
ACE-A Exam
Thursday, May 15, 1:00pm EST – 4:00pm EST
ACE-P Exam
Thursday, May 15, 1:00pm EST – 4:00pm EST
ACE-M Exam
Thursday, May 15, 1:00pm EST – 4:00pm EST
Private Group Training / Exams
Companies may elect to host a private training and exam with a minimum of 10 participants. Contact ICMA at info@icma.com for details.
ICMA reserves the right to evaluate the current COVID environment prior to confirming and scheduling a private training & exam.
ICMA now offers ACE-M training through a convenient, self-paced online format designed for working professionals in the card industry. This course provides foundational and advanced knowledge aligned with ACE accreditation standards.
Program Highlights
Online, self-paced courses
Designed for card manufacturing professionals
Exam required to earn the ACE credential
Certificate of completion issued for each course
Group Options for ACE Education & Exam Prep
Organizations enrolling multiple employees in the ICMA Advanced Card Education™ (ACE) program may qualify for group pricing on the ACE Online Course or a private, faculty-led ACE Exam Prep Review.
The ACE Online Course and ACE Accreditation Examination are purchased separately. Examination fees are paid directly to Brightest, ICMA’s examination administration partner, and are not eligible for ICMA group discounts.
Group Discount for ACE Online Training Courses – 10+ Participants
Organizations purchasing the ACE Online Course for 10 or more employees qualify for a 15% group discount on course fees. The ACE Online Course provides participants with structured education and study materials designed to build their knowledge of the subject areas covered by the corresponding ACE Accreditation Examination.
Examination fees are not included in the course fee and are paid separately and directly to Brightest. Contact the ICMA office to inquire about group pricing for 10 or more employees.
Private Faculty-Led ACE Exam Prep Review – 10+ Participants
Organizations with 10 or more participants may also arrange a private, faculty-led ACE Exam Prep Review. The fee is $150 per person for a remote session or $250 per person for in-person onsite review.
The ACE Exam Prep Review is a supplemental session designed to reinforce material in the ACE Study Guide and help participants prepare for the ACE Accreditation Examination. Participants are expected to complete the online training or at a minimum review the ACE Study Guide in advance and come prepared with questions or topics for which they would like additional clarification.
During the session, ACE faculty provide a high-level review of key topics using the ACE PowerPoint presentation and, most importantly, give participants the opportunity to interact directly with faculty, ask questions, reinforce key concepts and address areas where they may need additional guidance before taking the exam.
The ACE Exam Prep Review is not an all-inclusive training course and does not replace the ACE Online Course or independent study of the ACE Study Guide. Private Exam Prep Reviews can provide organizations with additional flexibility in preparing a group of employees for ACE accreditation. Format and scheduling are coordinated with ICMA based on the organization’s needs and faculty availability.
The Exam Prep Review fee does not include the ACE Online Course or ACE Accreditation Examination.
Contact the ICMA office to inquire about a private ACE Exam Prep Review for 10 or more participants.
ACE Accreditation Examinationn
Completed Your ICMA Advanced Card Education™ (ACE) Online Course? You’re Ready for the Exam.
The ICMA ACE Online Course provides the foundational education and study materials designed to prepare candidates for the subject areas evaluated on the corresponding ACE Accreditation Examination. Once you have completed your preparation, the next step is to demonstrate your knowledge by completing the ACE Accreditation Examination.
ACE examinations are administered through Brightest, ICMA’s examination administration partner. Most candidates schedule the examination online through a remotely proctored Brightest Private Exam. The examination fee is paid directly to Brightest at the time of registration. Current examination fees are posted on the Brightest website for each individual ACE examination.
Advanced Card Education – Manufacturing (ACE-M) Exam at a Glance as of 9/28/26
- €259 examination fee
- 106 multiple-choice questions
- 120 minutes
- 75% passing score (80/106)
- English
Contact the ICMA office to receive information and instructions on how to register for your ACE Accreditation Examination.
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