CFA® Program
About the CFA® Program
Earn the Industry Leading Designation
Secure a Successful Career
Kickstart your career with the skills needed to excel at all stages of your investment profession.
Gain a Strong Ethical Foundation
Gain the confidence and clarity in navigating ethical issues within the investment management industry.
Earn Waivers and Industry Acclaim
Earn recognition and waivers from regulatory agencies, graduate programs, and other organizations.
Self-paced Home Study
In uncertain times, the Learning Ecosystem provides everything you need to study in a digital format upon registering for CFA Program.
Join a Global Community
Connect with our prestigious group of investment professionals from around the world.
Access Expert Support
Gain access to career resources, guides, thought leadership, and other educational support.
How to Earn the CFA Charter
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.
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.
Submit Reference Letter
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.
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.
AVERAGE COMMITMENT
YEARS
The average time it takes to complete the program.
TIME REQUIRED
HOURS
The average amount of hours of study per exam level.
PROGRAM EXAMS
EXAMS
You must pass an exam for each level of curriculum.
GLOBAL COVERAGE
LOCATIONS
The CFA exams are administered in 170+ cities.
Curriculum Content and Learning Focus
The CFA Program curriculum is built around 10 keys from The Candidate Body Of Knowledge.
Ethical & Professional Standards
Quantitative Methods
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning
Corporate Finance
Fixed Income
Economics
Derivatives
EQUITY INVESTMENT
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.
LEVEL I
Knowledge and Comprehension
- Topic Focus: Investment Tools
- Tests your knowledge of ethical and professional standards
LEVEL II
Application and Analysis
- Topic Focus: Asset Valuation
- Tests how you apply standards to situations analysts face
LEVEL III
Synthesis and Evaluation
- Topic Focus: Portfolio Management
- Tests how you apply the standards in a portfolio management and compliance context
Contact CFA Institute
Candidate Hotline
