How to Become a Certified Cryptocurrency Trader in the USA

This complete guide will cover the necessary steps, certifications, regulations, and useful tips you should apply to become a certified cryptocurrency trader in the United States. 

 

Important Notes: There is no formal government certification for cryptocurrency trading in the USA, but there are a number of private organizations that offer certifications, which may be considered reputable - for example, the Certified Cryptocurrency Trader (CCT) will help you become more credible and knowledgeable in the industry.

Key Takes

• First, as a new trader, you will have to navigate through a complicated regulatory environment that includes the SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN among other agencies. Ultimately, you will need to comply with their rules and regulations, and in the event that you are managing someone else's money, you may have to apply for an additional license, such as the Series 65 for registered investment advisor.
• Second, to get properly educated in the subject matter, you will need to take a number of online courses, pass some exams, and gain hands-on-experience on a trading platform. This entire process may take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on how much you dedicate to your training.
• Obtaining a certification in the blockchain and finance industries will not only expand your range of job opportunities but will also equip you with the competency that can help reduce your risks in the uncertain nature of crypto where data shows that over 80% of day traders lose money as of 2023.
• It is paramount to stay current with regulations as they continually shift and evolve. An important example of this is the new legislation proposal for crypto in 2024, within an continually expanding industry and a market capitalisation of more than $2 trillion in 2025.

Introduction

Have you experienced the feeling that the world of trading cryptocurrency is passing you by? Have you even wondered how to take your interest and turn it into a real, money-making endeavor without getting ripped off or experiencing the woes of regulatory issues? Many Americans wanting to be traders may have had the same feeling, especially due to the unregulated, high-volatility, high-risk markets where one can lose money only because they’re not prepared or don't know what is going on; for instance, the crypto winter of 2022 wiped off trillions in market value.  

 

If you're wondering how to become a certified cryptocurrency trader, don't worry: this guide will teach you everything you need to know to successfully become a cryptocurrency trader. This guide prepared you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence you will need to be successful in such a fast-paced world. At the end of the guide, you will feel like you have an extensive game plan of which certified cryptocurrency trader certification you want to get, how to learn and use various trading platforms for trading cryptocurrency, and what rules to showcase in your trading plans. You will be well-positioned and prepared for an exciting journey in the crypto space!

Understanding Cryptocurrency Trading in the USA

Investing in cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly common across the United States. Today, millions of American citizens are trading, and holding one or more digital asset(s), like Bitcoin and Ethereum, among other cryptocurrencies. According to the Pew Research Centre, as of 2024, around 16% of all U.S. adults invested in cryptocurrencies, a significant jump from around 1% in 2015 when the market was young.

 

This information demonstrates that more people are engaging with cryptocurrencies as an alternate asset class to adding to their portfolio(s), but, more importantly, it also highlights the trend in accredited investor education and certifications related to the challenges of crypto trading.

 

In the U.S., for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting, cryptocurrencies are treated as property not just currency. As a result, every trade can initiate capital gains taxes requiring traders to track every coin sold to maintain fair reporting and avoid penalties. The regulatory aspect adds additional complexity because each government agency is responsible for a particular part of the market. Therefore, it is necessary for traders to stay aware of compliance requirements that could impact their operations.

 

In order to become a certified cryptocurrency trader, you generally are required to complete courses through reputable organizations which train you in subjects ranging from blockchain basics to advanced trading concepts. Even though these certifications are not government regulated and issued, you would be demonstrating, at the very least, confidence in your familiarity with finance, technology or investment advisory firms. Having this recognition demonstrates to potential employers your willingness to learn more in the field. 

 

In 2013 FinCEN categorized virtual currency exchanges as money services businesses, which was the first substantial step in U.S. regulation of crypto. They were required to register and follow, among other, anti-money laundering laws. All of this has contributed to legitimizing the industry and keeping consumers safe from scams. 

 

A major consideration, however, is distinguishing casual trading and professional trading. If you want to trade professionally, or manage other people's investments, there may be next steps you need to take to be legally allowed to do so, particularly by registering as a business entity. For an example, if some client wanted your assistance with their cryptocurrency portfolio, you may have to register as a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC, which typically requires you to pass the Series 65 exam and act in accordance with fiduciary standards.

 

Trading in this space has a lot of risk, for example, the market is unpredictable (Bitcoin dropped in value nearly 70 percent in 2022) and there is risk of a security breach (exchange hacks have cost billions) is a factor. That said, there are opportunities to make significant gains; traders have generated over 100% in returns during bull markets. You can trade from any location with an internet connection.

 

In order to minimize these risks, new traders should be very focused on learning all the time. They ought to start with a grasp of the fundamental concepts, and then move systematically into the practical application. This alone illustrates why being certified cannot just be viewed as optional or chosen by traders; it is a good option for someone serious about success trading crypto in the U.S. market. It ensures you are prepared to fulfill the demands of the market.

The Regulatory Landscape for Crypto Traders

Becoming a certified trader in the United States requires knowledge of the legal framework surrounding trading in the cryptocurrency landscape, since failure to comply could result in unforeseen financial and legal consequences. As of 2025, although there is not an overarching federal framework to regulate cryptocurrencies, there are various federal agencies imposing regulations depending on how they classify digital assets.

 

For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission treats many tokens as securities when the tokens fit the definition of being an investment contract per the Howey Test (1946). The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates derivatives like Bitcoin futures that began trading on major exchanges in 2017. This was a significant signal to the traditional financial space that legitimized crypto and began encouraging institutional capital in the crypto space. Finally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires cryptocurrency exchanges to register as money service businesses and implement anti-money laundering and know-your-customer procedures to limit illegal activity in that space.

 

Individuals participating in trading should be aware that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires individuals to report all cryptocurrency transactions on their tax returns. Short-term gains on cryptocurrencies will be taxed at normal income tax rates, up to 37 percent, in 2024. Less adherence has triggered an uptick in audits, and the IRS was able to recover more than $1 billion in unpaid crypto tax in 2023 alone due to improved tracking mechanisms.

 
Turnkey business, or offering money management services, is an involvement that requires dealing with additional requirements. For example, if you are engaged in dealing with securities-origin products of any nature, to provide services dealing in that area, you'd need to obtain a Series 7 license (or equivalent, depending on the jurisdiction).  If the field of investing or managing was related to giving advice regarding futures, you would need to register under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a Commodity Trading Advisor. Credentials through licenses assure the ethical treatment by business and investor protection. This coincided with the push from governmental agencies toward transparency after the FTX collapse of 2022 endangered millions.

 

In 2024, proposed laws like the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act tried to make it clear what the SEC and CFTC were supposed to do, which could have made oversight easier and encouraged new ideas in the crypto industry while filling in gaps in consumer protection.

Aspiring certified traders should learn these rules as part of certification programs that cover the changes in the law. This will enable them to understand how to conduct their business legally and ethically. In a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2025, 68% of investors said that regulatory uncertainty will deter them from investing. This understanding will not only help you avoid costly errors, but also will help you present as a credible professional.

Choosing the Right Certification Program

Choosing a cryptocurrency certification program is a crucial step toward becoming a certified cryptocurrency trader in the United States. It can provide you with the credentials and knowledge you'll need in the field and also enhance your credibility as a trader in a crowded marketplace. With many certification programs being marketed by private companies, it is even more essential than ever to choose a program based on the thoroughness of the program, the credentials and name of the issuing organization, and after considering your career goals. This will help you use your time and money wisely.

 

The Blockchain Council's Certified Cryptocurrency Trader is a well-known certification in the marketplace. The program has certified over 50,000 professionals around the globe since 2017. The certification focuses primarily on practical trading skills and market evaluation. The CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium offers a well-known certification option called the Certified Bitcoin Professional which is Bitcoin-centric knowledge. The certification requires participants to successfully answer 75 questions with a passing score of 70%. All certifications are good for two years.

 

Lastly, the Crypto asset and Blockchain Certificate from ACAMS provides participants with a four-hour course on blockchain risks and compliance for individuals interested in anti-financial crime to pursue. It is beneficial for people who work in regulated industries given its cost of $595 to $795 as of 2025.

 

When deciding on an option, remember to consider factors such as fees. For example, some certification programs, such as the Certified Cryptocurrency Expert certification, starts at $229 and completes the program with 11 hours of study. According to Bloomberg, the materials are clearly written and easy to understand. The Blockchain Council has had an estimated 10,000+ new tokens launched in 2023 alone, so there is always something to do. Pursue programs with plans that allow you lifetime access.

 

A 2023 report from LinkedIn states that qualified traders have the potential to elevate their earning capacity by as much as 20% in fintech, while also developing their skill set for risk mitigation. One downside could be the time and fees involved, which can accumulate if you seek multiple qualifications. Many programs offer the retake option as an added convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Certification

In order to attain certification, it is important that you follow a plan. The step-by-step format below will help you finish the certification process in the quickest way possible, while also giving you a strong foundational knowledge of how to trade cryptocurrencies in the U.S.

 

First, research and select a program that does what you need. For example, the CCT from the Blockchain Council is an appropriate program because it provides you with complete training, without prerequisites, and easy for a beginner to start.

 

Step 1: Go to the official website of the certification program you want to join, complete the registration form, and pay the registration fee. This step only takes a few minutes and is a good way to get started.

 

Step 2: Once you are signed into the course, plan to spend time on a daily basis with coursework on things like blockchain fundamentals, technical analysis, and trading strategies. The CCT is approximately 15 hours long, and a motivated learner can complete the CCT's coursework in 1-2 weeks. Engage with videos, quizzes, and capstone projects in the curriculum to help you retain information.

 

Step 3: For the test preparation, practice for exams and study important concepts. In addition to the materials given to you for the CBP, make sure to become familiar with the 33 topics under the six categories. To pass, you should aim to get 70% of the answers correct.

 

Step 4: Once you are prepared, schedule your exam. Many programs have exam questions consisting of multiple-choice questions you can take in your own environment. If you have decided to take the CCT, you can re-take the test up to three times in 24 hours. Each exam will have a passing score in the 60% range for CCT, and certification will be awarded right after passing the exam.

 

Step 5: Stay up to date with your certification (for example, the CBP certification is up to two years), and you will need to re-examine in order to maintain the membership. Continue to seek out knowledge! Join your industry forums and find ways to stay engaged with what's going on in the market so that you are continuously learning, and keeping your skill set current.

Conclusion

Being a licensed crypto trader in the US requires you to learn about reliable programs, regulations, educate yourself on ethical practices for trading, develop your skills, and establish your presence on regulatory compliant platforms. You need to manage risk for the opportunity to keep your license. With this guide, you now have the information you need to move forward with more confidence. You can even find real examples and milestones here to show just how shiny the industry is.  As related next steps, you can sign up for a certification program, such as CCT today, you should practice and learn on a demo account, and you can join the online communities by connecting with others in the field. While you put your nose to the grindstone - find enjoyment in the journey, succeed in the path you decide, and help contribute to determining the future finance space. 

 

This article is contributed by an external writer: Kubiat Sylvester.
 

Disclaimer: The content created by LBank Creators represents their personal perspectives. LBank does not endorse any content on this page. Readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.