Become a Member
Demonstrate your commitment to the investment management profession
CFA Institute is currently home to more than 150,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in 165+ countries and regions.
CFA Institute membership offers you opportunities to engage with the issues affecting the profession, connect with local and global colleagues, and access top-tier educational resources and the latest industry insights throughout your career.
Membership also supports critical advocacy and outreach work all around the world that's inspiring greater investor trust, raising professional standards, and shaping a stronger future for the entire global investment industry.
Additionally, you must be a regular member of CFA Institute to use the CFA designation and the CIPM designation.
Join a global community of investment management professionals dedicated to high ethical and educational standards.
Learn more about member benefits
Before applying, review the OFAC Compliance Policy. Residents of certain countries or markets may be prohibited by law from becoming a CFA Institute or society member.
For applicants in mainland China, to comply with local regulatory requirements, we only accept individuals who are eligible for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, having passed Level III of the CFA Program and meeting professional work experience requirements as noted below. Additionally, the CIPM designation is not offered in mainland China.
Ready to Apply?
CFA Institute Membership
| Regular Membership | We recommend regular membership for all investment professionals directly involved in or supporting the investment decision-making process. Regular membership is a prerequisite to earning the CFA charter and CIPM designation. | You must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent education/work experience and a passing score for the Level I CFA Exam, CIPM Program Level II Exam, RBA Netherlands Exam, or the self-administered Standards of Practice Exam. | You must have 48 months of professional work experience in investment decision making. | Yes, 2-3 professional references. |
USD275 for CFA Institute. Society dues vary by society. Membership Period: 1 July–30 June Annual dues will be pro-rated for those joining CFA Institute and a member society for the first time. |
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| Affiliate Membership | We recommend affiliate membership for investment professionals who do not meet the requirements of regular membership and do not intend to participate in the CFA Program or CIPM Program. | You must meet the eligibility requirements for your selected member society and become a member of that society. | You must meet the work experience requirements for your selected member society. | Yes, 2-3 professional references. |
USD275 for CFA Institute. Society dues vary by society. Membership Period: 1 July–30 June Annual dues will be pro-rated for those joining CFA Institute and a member society for the first time. |
* CFA Institute and society dues are non-refundable and non-transferable. CFA Institute accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and Discover.
Prorated Dues Schedule for New Members
The Member Year runs from 1 July through 30 June.
CFA Society Membership
When you apply for CFA Institute membership, you concurrently apply to a CFA Society.
While CFA Society membership is voluntary, it gives you access to a community of investment professionals in your area, as well as local continuing professional development activities and networking events.
Next Steps
Explore some of our membership requirements in detail so you can be sure you are ready to apply.