CFA program is a course that tests your knowledge in different areas regarding finance over three levels of exam. With the pass rate of 35-40% for level one exam and 45 to 50% for level two, CFA is a very competitive exam. Candidates who clear all the three levels are held in high regard by the industry. With a practice analysis process that leverages the broad expertise and specialized knowledge and input of our global membership, panels of industry experts, and employers, the CFA program curriculum is designed in such a manner to deliver the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills most needed by those working in the investment profession.
Each of the three levels covers the full range of topics but with a different focus. The topic focus for level one is on investment tools, level two is on asset valuation, level three is on portfolio management. The learning focus also changes with each exam, from knowledge and comprehension (level one) to application and analysis (level two) and to synthesis and evaluation (level three). The curriculum is created into 10 general topic areas that provide a framework for making investment decisions.
- Ethical and professional standards
- Quantitative methods
- Economics
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Corporate finance
- Equity investments
- Fixed income investments
- Derivatives
- Alternatively investments
- Portfolio management and wealth planning
Basic Entrance Requirements for CFA Program Candidacy
- Have a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree, or be in the final year of your bachelor’s degree at the time of registration, or have four years of qualified, professional work experience or a combination of work/colleges experience that totals four years.
- Meet the professional conduct admission criteria.
- Be ready to take the exams in English.
- Have a valid international travel passport.
How to become a CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST?
Candidates appearing for CFA exams must fulfill certain conditions to enrol them with the CFA Institute. Here are the four mandatory conditions you should follow while preparing for the level 1 exam:
- You must have prior work experience of 48 months (4 years) while applying for CFA exams. To note here, this work experience will be validated by the CFA Institute.
- You must clear all the CFA exams in sequence without missing any of them.
- Before applying for CFA exams, you must become a member of the CFA Institute and apply for a membership in the CFA Society.
- CFA Institute decides all the rules and guidelines that must be followed compulsorily. This includes CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standard of Professional Court.
Levels in the CFA Program
A candidate must clear the three levels of the CFA Program to become a CFA.
The institute conducts these levels annually one after the other. While candidates can appear for them sequentially. Candidates aspiring to become certified CFA professional must not miss any of these levels. However, while preparing for the practice exams, candidates should keep in mind that Level 1 can give them the most challenging time! Since this stage brings in several unknown aspects, Level 1 should be taken seriously.
A Convenient Course of Study
- The three levels of the program are offered in a self-study format, which means that gaining the charter does not have to disrupt your work or life other studies. While some candidates pursue additional preparation courses, all the required curriculum materials and sample exams are provided to you either in the mail, online as downloads, or both, so that you can finish the program wherever you are and on your own schedule.
- The Level one exam is offered in June and December and levels two and three in June only.
- Over 180 test centres around the world offer the exam.
- Successful students report spending an average of 300 hours preparing for each exam, and completing the entire program takes most candidates between two and five years.
- You may take as long as you want to complete the CFA program. Your exam results never expire, and the Institute doesn’t limit the number of times you can sit for each exam level.
If you are ready to gain the most respected investment credential in the world, then enrol in the CFA program and register for the exam today!
