Earn the Industry Leading Designation
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Secure a Successful Career
Kickstart your career with the skills needed to excel at all stages of your investment management profession.
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Gain a Strong Ethical Foundation
Gain the confidence and clarity in navigating ethical issues within the investment management industry.
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Earn Waivers and Industry Acclaim
Earn recognition and waivers from regulatory agencies, graduate programs, and other organizations.
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Expand Your Knowledge
Our rigorous curriculum equips you for complex investment decisions and real-world scenarios.
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Join a Global Community
Connect with our prestigious group of investment professionals from around the world.
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Access Expert Support
Gain access to career resources, guides, thought leadership, and other educational support.
Real Return on Investment
Open new doors, join the ambitious CFA Program candidates pursuing rich careers in investment analysis and portfolio management.
"CFA Program helped me bridge the gap between academic and real-world finance and helped hone my analytical abilities."
- Nalin Moniz, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Alternative Equity at Edelweiss Global Asset Management
How to Become a CFA Charterholder
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Pass CFA Exams CFA Program contains three levels of curriculum, each with its own exam. Passing the exam for all three levels is a requirement to obtain the CFA charter.
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Achieve Qualified Work Experience Complete work experience requirements before, during, or after participation in CFA Program. Your experience must be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process.
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Submit Reference Letters In support of your membership application, you will need to provide 2-3 professional references. References will be asked to comment on your work experience and professional character.
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Apply to Become a Charterholder Apply to become a regular member of CFA Institute. Once your application is approved and you have joined CFA Institute, you will have earned the CFA charter.
Curriculum Designed with Your Future in Mind
Our rigorous curriculum prepares you to be an effective and ethical investment management professional. The information learned in each level builds upon the previous level and increases in complexity as you progress.
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LEVEL I
Knowledge and Comprehension
- Topic Focus: Investment Tools
- Tests your knowledge of ethical and professional standards
- Topic Focus: Investment Tools
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LEVEL II
Application and Analysis
- Topic Focus: Asset Valuation
- Tests how you apply standards to situations analysts face
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LEVEL III
Synthesis and Evaluation
- Topic Focus: Portfolio Management
- Tests how you apply the standards in a portfolio management and compliance context
Get Familiar with Exam Dates, Fees, and Locations
Testing Centers Around the World
Take exams at testing centers located in major cities around the world; find the center closest to you.
Understand Exam Fees
Learn about fees and deadlines for upcoming exam registration.
We Invest in Your Success
Once you are a registered candidate, you gain access to a wealth of information to help you study for exams and excel in your career. We offer educational materials to help candidates master program curriculum with resources like:
- Online Learning Ecosystem
- Personalized Study Plans
- Flashcards
- Practice Questions
- Mock Exams
- Candidate Discussion Board
Take the Next Step in Your Career
