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.

Who is the CFA Program for?

University students looking to launch a career in finance, corporate banking or investment management.
Existing industry professionals wanting to establish or enhance their credentials.
Professionals from other industries who want to change the focus of their careers.

Check registration requirements

Study tools to support your learning

The Learning Ecosystem is our comprehensive digital learning platform, available to all registered candidates of the CFA Program. Adaptive and mobile-friendly, it lets you learn at your own pace when and where it’s convenient for you.

Through the Learning Ecosystem, you’ll access the official program curriculum as well as study tools like practice questions, mock exams, flashcards, and more.

Learn more about the CFA Program learning experience

Valued by employers

Who do CFA Charterholders work for?

CFA Charterholders are employed by some of the world’s biggest financial institutions. These include JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Royal Bank of Canada, BofA Securities, UBS Group, HSBC Holdings, Wells Fargo and Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, BlackRock, and TD Bank Financial Group.

Discover where CFA Charterholders work

Case Study

Find out how Moody’s Investors Service is encouraging personal growth and education of its employees through the creation of a global community of CFA Institute members, CFA® charterholders and CFA® Program candidates.

Download PDF

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.

August 2025

Early Registration Fee – Level I & II

USD 990

Early registration period applies from 6 November 2024 through 29 January 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, Level II, and Level III.

Early Registration Fee – Level III

USD 1,090

Early registration period applies from 6 November 2024 through 29 January 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, Level II, and Level III.

Standard Registration Fee – Level I & II

USD 1,290

Standard registration period applies from 30 January 2025 through 6 May 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, Level II, and Level III.

Standard Registration Fee – Level III

USD 1,390

Standard registration period applies from 30 January 2025 through 6 May 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, Level II, and Level III.

November 2025

Early Registration Fee

USD 990

Early registration period applies from 12 February 2025 through 9 April 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, and Level II.

Standard Registration Fee

USD 1,290

Standard registration period applies from 10 April 2025 through 5 August 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I, and Level II.

February 2026

Early Registration Fee – Level I

USD 1,140

Early registration period applies from 29 April 2025 through 7 July 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I and Level III.

Early Registration Fee – Level III

USD 1,240

Early registration period applies from 29 April 2025 through 7 July 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I and Level III.

Standard Registration Fee – Level I

USD 1,490

Standard registration period applies from 8 July 2025 through 5 November 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I and Level III.

Standard Registration Fee – Level III

USD 1,590

Standard registration period applies from 8 July 2025 through 5 November 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET and is available for Level I and Level III.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a CFA charterholder?

It takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program. This takes into account the recommended study time of 300 hours per level.

To become a member and use the CFA charterholder designation, you also need at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, completed in a minimum of 36 months. Work experience can be obtained whilst you study.

How much does it cost to become a CFA charterholder?

Based on exam fees, it costs USD 3520 – 4,600 to complete all three levels of the CFA Program and become a charterholder (depending on whether you register for your exams during the early or standard registration period).

All fees are paid in US dollars. This information is correct starting with the 2026 exams.

What scholarships are available for the CFA Program?

There are three scholarships currently available for the CFA Program:

Access Scholarship – for individuals who may not be able to afford the program fees
Student Scholarship – for students currently attending an affiliated university
Professor Scholarship – for full-time college / university professors or administrators / department heads

To learn more, including eligibility criteria, visit the scholarships page.

What resources are provided to CFA Program candidates?

From studying through to exam day and beyond, there is a variety of resources to help you successfully complete the CFA Program. Visit CFA Program candidate resources to learn more.