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CFA Program

Achieve one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession: Become a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). As a CFA® charterholder, you will have the knowledge and the skills to thrive in the competitive investing industry.

The CFA® charter gives you expertise and real-world skills in investment analysis. Join more than 170,000 professionals who have been recognized globally for their commitment to ethics and professionalism.

CFA Program

Why the CFA Program Is Right for You

As an aspiring or practicing investment professional, you need the knowledge and skills to thrive in a highly competitive industry. The CFA Program is  designed to equip you with the kind of expertise and real-world skills in investment analysis that will help you advance your career. Whether you are a practicing investment professional, a student, switching careers or looking to start a career in this field, the CFA Program offers a way to move forward and achieve your professional goals.

CFA Program Benefits

  • certificate icon Demonstrating Your Expansive Knowledge and Skills

    Designed with your future in mind, the CFA Program provides a strong foundation in advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. Ongoing input from industry experts ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and prepares charterholders to enter today’s market.

  • stairs icon Relevant in a Variety of Career Paths

    CFA charterholders occupy a range of investment decision-making roles, typically as a research analyst or portfolio manager. CFA charterholders go on to enjoy lifelong careers in asset and wealth management, investment banking, commercial banking, and consulting, alongside a diverse range of career paths in-and-outside the industry.

  • Acclaim Icon Value in an Evolving Industry

    As a globally recognized credential in the investment management profession, earning the CFA charter demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and evolving investment industry. The CFA® designation is a mark of distinction, and investment firms know it represents a higher standard.

Thinking about Your Next Step?

Take our assessment to learn whether becoming a charterholder — and joining the ranks of elite investment professionals — is right for you.

Take the Readiness Assessment

Tools and Resources for Your Journey to Becoming a CFA Charterholder

We Invest in Your Success

Earning the CFA charter requires a commitment to learning and excellence. CFA Institute can help you realize your ambitions to join the global CFA charterholder community with a variety of resources.

  • Study Tools: CFA Institute has developed a comprehensive Learning Ecosystem that is available to all registered candidates. It includes an official program curriculum, study sessions for each level, custom study plans, and more.
  • Prep Providers: In addition to the support provided by CFA Institute, candidates in the CFA Program can benefit from extra exam prep courses and materials. Approved prep providers are required to meet CFA Institute standards.
  • Scholarships: As part of the CFA Institute commitment to promoting the highest standards of professional excellence, scholarships help make the CFA Program more accessible for people who want to advance in their careers.

Are You Ready to Start CFA Program?

Enroll and Register

Learn more about exam dates, costs, test locations, and other important registration details

Register