Publishing RAD Zone1
Each year, we survey CFA Program candidates before and after the June exam to measure and improve the CFA candidate experience. The surveys ask for feedback across several areas, including exam preparation, charter value, exam day feedback, and employment outlook.
The June 2017 CFA candidates represent a diverse, global community of current and aspiring investment management professionals, ranging in age from 21 to 76, from 184 international markets. 70% report they have full- or part-time employment.
Top job functions of employed candidates
16% |
Research, investment, or quantitative analyst |
9% |
Accountant or auditor
|
8% |
Consultant |
5% |
Credit analyst
|
5% |
Risk analyst/manager
|
5% |
Portfolio manager
|
5% |
Relationship/account manager
|
Average amount of time preparing for the exam
Candidates spent an average 320 hours preparing for the exam, with Level III candidates reporting the most time preparing. The most commonly used study materials were the CFA Institute curriculum (78%) and the CFA Institute mock exam (76%).
Candidates use these resources to prepare
Overall, candidates are highly satisfied with the quality of the exam and exam administration experience, with 97% agreeing that the CFA Program curriculum improved their understanding of important topics and that the end of reading problems helped explain the concepts.
Candidates report that exam questions
91%
|
Are based on the Learning Outcome Statements
|
91%
|
Fairly represent the 2017 CFA Institute-assigned curriculum
|
88%
|
Cover subject matter important to investment professionals
|
79%
|
Are clearly written
|
58%
|
Are as difficult as they had expected (24% more difficult than expected and 9% less difficult than expected)
|
Top 3 most difficult topic areas
Candidates rate the value of earning the charter very high: 8.9 out of 10. In terms of CFA Program awareness, 88% of employed candidates report their employer is aware of the CFA Program. Career advancement remains the primary motivation for registering for the exam and 86% said they are likely to recommend the CFA Program to someone else.
Candidates first became aware of CFA Program from a
19%
|
Friend
|
17%
|
Professor
|
16%
|
Classmate
|
15%
|
Colleague
|
6%
|
Manager
|
6%
|
Family member
|
Primary motivations for registering for the June 2017 CFA exam
In the coming 12 months, do you expect employment opportunities for investment management professionals in your local market to increase, decrease, or stay about the same?
To compare responses, select a market from the dropdown menu. Answers with 3% or less are not displayed. Responses may not add up to 100%.