What is PMA?
The Precious Metals Agent (PMA) designation is a private, standards-based professional charter for individuals and entities operating in the physical precious metals ecosystem. It establishes a verified baseline of competence, conduct, and accountability — through structured education, identity verification, governed examination, and ongoing review.
A private professional standard — not a government license
Six pillars of the PMA charter
PMA qualification is a governed multi-stage process — not a course enrollment. Each pillar serves a specific function in establishing and maintaining professional standing.
Suitability Review
Every candidate begins with a pre-admission suitability assessment. This is a self-selection gate — PMA determines baseline eligibility before any formal application begins.
Identity & Character Verification
KYC verification, AML/sanctions screening, and a formal Character and Fitness review. PMA verifies who you are and evaluates your professional conduct history.
Structured Standards Training
Five core domains with controlled, sequential access. Market structure, compliance, documentation, fraud detection, and settlement operations — each with mandatory competency checks.
Proctored Board Examination
A live-proctored, 90-minute comprehensive exam with government ID verification, room scan, and browser lockdown. Minimum 80% passing score. Maximum 3 attempts.
Charter Issuance & Oath
Successful candidates accept the PMA Oath of Market Integrity. A unique credential ID is issued and your standing is published to the public verification registry.
Continuing Standing
PMA is not a one-time credential. Charterholders maintain standing through 24 CE credits per cycle, periodic attestation, annual renewal, and ongoing Code of Conduct compliance.
What PMA is — and is not
Understanding these distinctions is critical before you apply. PMA is serious infrastructure for serious professionals.
Why PMA exists
The precious metals ecosystem operates largely without formal professional credentialing. Unlike securities, insurance, or real estate — where licensing and continuing education are standard — there is no industry-wide baseline for who can represent themselves as a professional intermediary in physical precious metals.
PMA was created to fill that gap. It is a private, governed charter that establishes a verifiable standard of competence and conduct. When a counterparty sees the PMA designation, they know the holder has been through identity verification, has no undisclosed adverse professional history, has passed a rigorous examination, and maintains ongoing professional standing.
This is not about gatekeeping. It is about raising the bar for an ecosystem that desperately needs one.
See if PMA qualification is right for you
Review the eligibility requirements and complete the suitability assessment to determine your readiness.