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Elevate your career with CFA Institute

Enhance your Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics expertise with financial acumen to unlock new opportunities.

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Stand out from the crowd with the CFA® Charter

Your STEM expertise has equipped you with sought-after skills in the financial world. Are you ready to bridge the gap?

The globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) credential represents the gold standard in investment qualifications – awarded after you complete the CFA® Program. With this prestigious achievement to set you apart, your career can gain a critical edge.

Why become a CFA® Charterholder?

Broaden your career opportunities

Leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills in new, lucrative career paths – within or beyond STEM fields.

Increase your earning potential

Command a higher salary, compared to non-CFA charterholders, thanks to your financial knowledge and expertise.

Enhance your global career mobility

Gain a globally-recognized qualification valued by top employers in the finance and investment industry worldwide.

Ready to accelerate your career?

Download the Career Jumpstarter Kit and learn how the CFA Program can help you succeed in STEM and beyond.
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USD 267,000

Average total compensation across all job functions

190,000+

Charterholders globally - the biggest network of investment professionals in the world

90%

Of Hiring Managers prefer CFA charterholders for executive positions

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Typical sectors among CFA Charterholders

  • Asset management
  • Private wealth management
  • Commercial banking
  • Investment banking
  • Fintech
  • Insurance
  • Consulting
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Typical jobs for CFA Charterholders

  • Portfolio management
  • Data Science
  • Research
  • Consulting
  • Risk analysis and risk management
  • Financial planning
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CFA Charter vs other designations

  CFA MBA CPA CFP
Recognition Preferred by nearly 90% of executives and senior level positions for investment management roles. Not a requirement for most positions Increasingly becoming required Required to become a financial planner
Focus Investment tools and valuing assets  Broad list of business concepts  Auditing, business concepts, financial accounting, regulation Financial and investment planning
Difficulty 38% pass rate for Level I Pass rate depends on individual universities 53 - 64% pass rate  62 - 66% pass rate
Professionals  178,000 >100,000 degrees awarded annually 659,000 181,000
Average salary USD180,000 USD107,000 USD70,000 USD80,000
Costs Min. USD3,050 - 3,950* USD80,000 - 125,000 USD800 USD825
* The minimum estimate assumes passing all three levels on first attempt.

The CFA Program – your pathway to success

Cumulative knowledge
The CFA Program is a series of three exams: Levels I, II, and III. Each level of the curriculum builds on the prior level, helping develop your skills over time.

Personalized learning
Study at your own pace with our customized online learning tool. By adapting to your needs, strengths and weaknesses, it can help you focus on areas to work on.

Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarships to help more people advance their careers and reach the highest standards of professional excellence.

Learn more about the CFA Program

From STEM to success

Watch inspiring stories of professionals who leveraged their STEM backgrounds with the CFA charter to unlock new opportunities.