About CFA Program

The CFA Program is your pathway to becoming a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). Equipping you with real-world skills in investment analysis, a Chartered Financial Analyst designation helps you thrive in the competitive investment industry.

The CFA charter gives you expertise and real-world skills in investment analysis. Join more than 200,000 professionals who have been recognised globally for their commitment to ethics and professionalism.

What is a CFA Charter?

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter is a designation given to those who have completed the CFA® Program and completed acceptable work experience requirements.

The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. CFA charterholders earn the right to use the CFA designation after program completion, application, and acceptance by CFA Institute. CFA charterholders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.

Stay ahead of the curve

Learn more about what to expect from the CFA Program, download the fact sheet.

Ready to start the CFA Program?

Enrol and register for the CFA exam. Don’t delay. complete your registration to access study materials and candidate resources to begin the CFA Program today.

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Why become a CFA charterholder?

Mark of distinction

Show employers you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and continually evolving investment industry.

Global gateway

Leverage the global recognition of the CFA Charter to pursue investment management roles anywhere in the world.

Insights from experts

Learn key real-world skills in investment analysis from the leaders in investment education.

Career opportunities

Open up new pathways into a wide range of investment decision-making careers, including asset and wealth management, commercial banking, and consulting.

Stay ahead

Equip yourself with the skills to thrive in the evolving finance industry with a Chartered Financial Analyst credential.

Enhanced professional profile

Earn an easily shareable digital badge to display your achievement in your online networks.

How to become a CFA charterholder

1. Pass the CFA Program exams

The CFA Program is made up of three exams. You need to pass all three levels, alongside modules that build your practical skills, to become a Chartered Financial Analyst.

2. Complete qualifying work experience

Your work experience must either be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. You can carry out your work experience before, during, or after you participate in the CFA Program.

3. Apply for membership

You need to be a regular member of the CFA Institute to achieve the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to submit 2-3 professional references to comment on your work experience and professional character. Learn more about applying for membership.

4. Become a member of CFA Institute

Once your application is approved and you have joined CFA Institute, you will have earned your CFA charter.

CFA Program costs

Registration costs vary depending on when you decide to register for the exam.

All fees shown are net of any local Value-Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), Sales Tax or any similar tax payable by the candidate in their country of residence. Where CFA Institute is required to collect such taxes at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment/checkout process.

For information about taxability related to online purchases from CFA Institute, please visit the Tax Policy page.