TCCA Examination Syllabus

TrustCrypto Certified Crypto Advisor (TCCA)

Examination Syllabus

Version: 2.4
Effective date: 1 January 2026
Review cycle: Annual (or earlier if standards change)

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1. Purpose and Scope

This document defines the authoritative scope of the TrustCrypto Certified Crypto Advisor (TCCA) examination.

Candidates are assessed only against the domains, weightings, and learning outcomes specified herein.

This syllabus applies to all TCCA examination sittings unless superseded.

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2. Certification Overview

The TCCA certification is intended for client-facing professionals providing cryptocurrency-related advice, portfolio guidance, or consultancy.

Certification is awarded following successful completion of a standards-based examination and verification checks.

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3. Assessment Structure

• Examination format: 50 multiple-choice questions and 1 scenario response
• Delivery: Online, with identity verification
• Total duration: 105 minutes
• Pass standard: 70%
• CPD awarded on pass: 30 hours
• Scenario response: 1 × ~300-400 words
• Scenario marking: Assessed against a published rubric
• Scenario weighting: 15% of total marks

Professional judgement applies until a defined Institute threshold is met, at which point mandatory duties under the Code of Professional Conduct are triggered, as set out in the Judgement → Duty Guide.

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4. Examined Domains and Weightings

4.1 Cryptocurrency Fundamentals and Market Structure (20%)

Learning outcomes:

• Explain core cryptocurrency concepts and network mechanics
• Interpret market structure, liquidity, and volatility drivers
• Distinguish between asset classes within the crypto ecosystem

4.2 Portfolio Construction and Risk Management (25%)

Learning outcomes:

• Apply portfolio allocation principles to crypto assets
• Assess volatility, drawdown, and correlation risks
• Construct risk-adjusted portfolio strategies appropriate to client circumstances

4.3 Custody, Operational Risk, and Security (20%)

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate custody models and associated risks
• Identify operational and counterparty risks
• Assess security practices and failure scenarios

4.4 UK Regulatory Obligations and Disclosures (20%)

Learning outcomes:

• Apply FCA guidance relevant to crypto advisory activity as in force at time of examination
• Identify disclosure and financial promotion obligations
• Recognise conduct and suitability requirements

Note: Assessment emphasises understanding of regulatory principles and obligations rather than memorisation of specific guidance references or publication dates.

4.5 UK Tax Principles and Professional Conduct (15%)

Learning outcomes:

• Apply HMRC cryptoasset tax principles
• Identify evidence and record-keeping requirements
• Apply ethical and professional judgement standards

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5. Assessment Principles

Assessment focuses on applied competence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance
• Ability to apply published standards to realistic advisory scenarios
• Professional judgement appropriate to the role

Candidates are not expected to:

• Memorise specific regulation references, section numbers, or dates
• Provide specialist legal or tax advice beyond the advisory role
• Demonstrate technical blockchain development or coding skills

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6. Standards Framework Reference

All examination content is derived from the TrustCrypto Standards Framework v1.0.

The Standards Framework defines:

• Professional conduct expectations
• Technical competency baselines
• Compliance and risk management principles
• Regulatory alignment requirements

Candidates are expected to demonstrate familiarity with the Standards Framework and ability to apply its principles to novel situations.

The Standards Framework is available at: https://trustcrypto.co.uk/standards

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7. CPD Hours

Successful candidates are awarded 30 CPD hours upon passing the TCCA examination.

CPD hours are awarded for assessment completion, not for study time. Hours are not awarded for unsuccessful attempts or participation without certification.

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8. Certification Validity & Renewal

TCCA certification is issued with an expectation of ongoing standards alignment.

The Institute does not currently mandate time-limited renewal, but reserves the right to implement renewal requirements to ensure continued professional currency.

Certificate status may be:

• Active: In good standing
• Lapsed: Renewal requirements not met (if introduced)
• Revoked: Removed due to misconduct or material breach

Public verification is available via the TrustCrypto registry.

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9. Study Approach

The Institute does not provide mandatory training or prescribed study materials.

Candidates are expected to:

1. Review the TrustCrypto Standards Framework
2. Study TrustCrypto Institute Guides (primary authoritative resources)
3. Consult TCCA Reading List v2.6.0 for supplementary materials
4. Familiarise themselves with assessment format via indicative examples
5. Apply professional judgement to examination preparation

Institute Guides: TrustCrypto Institute Guides are the authoritative reference for examination content. All marking criteria and model answers are derived from Institute frameworks. External materials are supplementary and provided for contextual understanding only.

The syllabus defines scope. Candidates are responsible for achieving competency within that scope.

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10. Policy References

• Examination governance: https://trustcrypto.co.uk/exams
• Examination policies: https://trustcrypto.co.uk/exams/policies
• Standards Framework: https://trustcrypto.co.uk/standards
• Reading List: https://trustcrypto.co.uk/resources/tcca/reading-list

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11. Contact

Syllabus enquiries: exams@trustcrypto.co.uk

TrustCrypto Institute
Version 2.4 | Effective 1 January 2026 | Review cycle: Annual (or earlier if standards change)