How to Earn the CFA Charter

Achieve the highest distinction in the investment management profession—the CFA designation.

About

The CFA Charter

The CFA charter is a designation awarded by CFA Institute to those who have completed the CFA Program and achieved CFA Institute regular membership. As the highest distinction in the investment industry, the CFA charter is the gold standard. It is globally recognized and held by over 190,000 professionals worldwide in over 160 markets. CFA charterholders are qualified to work in senior management positions across the investment industry.

Benefits

of becoming a charterholder

Widely considered the apex for professional development in the investment industry, the CFA designation is valued by employers for roles and functions in every sector of global finance, including portfolio management, analysis, private wealth, and consulting. Distinguished by their commitment to set a higher standard of excellence, charterholders are sought after as investment industry professionals.

With over 190,000 CFA Institute regular members around the globe, CFA charterholders have an instant network of like-minded professionals that can help support them in their careers.

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.

Expansive Knowledge, Skills, and Commitment to Ethics

Gain the strongest foundation in advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills for a career advantage.

Join a Global Community

Connect with our prestigious group of investment professionals from around the world.

Value in an Evolving Industry

The CFA charter demonstrates to employers that an individual has the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and evolving investment industry.

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.

Are you ready to take the next step?

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

Learn more about the CFA Program

About

CFA PROGRAM

 

Achieve the highest distinction in the invesment management profession — the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. As a CFA charterholder, you will join over 190,000 professionals recognized globally for their commitment to ethics and professionalism.

courses

IBF ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

 CFA Society Singapore owns the exclusive rights for the CFA Singapore Preparatory Programmes for CFA Levels 1. These programmes are accredited under the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS).

courses

CFA SOCIETY SINGAPORE PREP PROGRAMME

CFA Society Singapore is dedicated to providing candidates the support needed to exam success.  As an exclusive CFA® Program training provider in Singapore, CFA Society Singapore has put together a compelling combination in CFA® Program training.