About the CFA® Charter

The CFA^® charter is globally regarded as a designation of excellence in the investment community. It is a key certification for investment professionals, especially in the areas of Research and Portfolio Management. The CFA designation sets the standard in exam based qualifications for the global financial industry and is recognized by employers as a badge of distinction by which to measure serious investment professionals.

The CFA designation is now entering its fifth decade having been established in 1962. The CFA Institute network boasts:

• Almost 100,000 members in 135 countries.
• More than 88,000 CFA charter holders.
• 137 member societies in 58 countries

Benefits of CFA Designation

• The CFA designation is desirable for career progression in a bull market but also greater job security in bearish markets.
• Regarded as the Global Gold Standard and is considered a designation of excellence in the investment community.
• Portable reputation – the charter remains a mark of quality, whether you change company or move country.
• Global relevance – an international standard for measuring competence and integrity - principles that are common to any market.
• Career-enhancing – demonstrates your commitment to knowledge and high ethical standard to employers and clients
• Credible – praised and supported by the clients, employers and regulators; the investment community at large
• More and more of our corporate clients view participation in the CFA® program as a prerequisite for job progression.

Advantages over an MBA

• Unlike MBA program the CFA content and exam are standardized around the world.
• The CFA program can cost one tenth of an MBA and allows you to carry on working whilst studying, unlike an MBA.
• The 2005 CFA Institute and Russell Reynolds Associates’ Survey indicated CFA charterholders out earned their MBA counterparts by 18%.

How do I earn the CFA Charter (Requirements)

To earn the CFA charter, you must first become a candidate and sign up for the Level 1 exam. To become a CFA charterholder, you must:

1. Pass three rigorous six-hour exams over at least three years.
2. Have at least four years of professional investment experience.
3. Become a regular member of CFA Institute
4. Commit to abiding by CFA^® Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

CFA Program Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the Candidate Body of Knowledge which is divided into 4 major areas:

• Ethical and professional standards
• Tools and inputs for investment valuation and management
• Asset valuation
• Portfolio management

The focus of the questions alters as you progress through the CFA levels. CFA Institute also ensures they reflect changes within the global investment community. Every Level places an emphasis on ethical and professional standards within the industry.

Source: www.cfainstitute.org

Source: www.cfainstitute.org

Exam Structure: 

• The exam is structured as 3 Levels: Level 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 Exam is conducted twice every year in June and December. Level 2 and 3 Exams are conducted only once every year in June every year.
• Exam format: Level 1 & 2 are completely multiple choice. Level 3 has one written paper and one paper which is multiple choice.