To give or not to give…the CFA Exam
What is CFA and the CFA Exam?
The CFA credential was introduced and is administered by the CFA Institute.
It is the mark of distinction and benchmark which is recognized globally for measuring the expertise, experience, and ethics of keen investment professionals.
It is an advanced certificate that equips the professional with a strong foundation and mastery of a wide range of investment analysis and portfolio management skills.
Benefits of the CFA Program
- It will help to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for investment analysis and management in today’s dynamic global markets.
- CFA will broaden your perspective and understanding of the industry, and to gain confidence in your analytical capability, with an advanced investment management and analysis curriculum that leverages current best practices and the expertise of professionals around the world.
- It will prove helpful to gain instant credibility with peers, employers and clients, and stand out in the competitive global industry.
- CFA will help you learn how to uphold and apply the best practices of ethics, gaining the needed skills to demonstrate a high level of commitment to the standards of accountability and integrity.
- It will help you to become a part of a large network of investment professionals worldwide.
- Enrolling in or completing the CFA program gives you the eligibility of waiving exams, courses and programs related to many universities, regulatory agencies and financial/investment-related certification organizations located across the globe.
Who is the CFA Exam for?
It is for those who want to pursue their careers as a portfolio or wealth management, investment and research analysts, professionals involved in the investment decision-making process, and finance stream students who want to work in the investment management profession.
What are the Prerequisites?
- An undergraduate bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree (or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program)
- Four years of work experience
- A combination of professional work experience or teaching experience that totals at least four years
How Long Does it take?
- A minimum of 3 years to complete 3 exams that are Level I, II and III. Assuming 4-year work experience requirement is already met.
How Do I Complete the Program?
- Successfully pass the three exams
- Have four years of professional work experience in the investment decision-making process (accrued before, during, or after passing the CFA exams)
- Join CFA Institute as a regular member
Why Should You Give the CFA Exam?
There always arises a question about whether to take admission in a particular course or not. Here’s why you should get into CFA program
Affordable Course
The total cost to earn the Charter is around RS. 200,000 – 600,000, making CFA a very affordable professional qualification. (ROI perspective)
Job Opportunity
CFA is very impressive to add to your CV, but no amount of CV padding ‘gets you a job’. You need to put on all your efforts to get a great opportunity but this CFA program will definitely help.
Global Recognition
One of the most recognized professional qualifications in finance stream, highly Transferable across geographies. This is because the CFA charter has global recognition.
CFA vs. MBA?
Who says you have to choose? You can always obtain the CFA charter in addition to an MBA. In fact, a lot of people do.
Finance Knowledge
The exams are tough for a reason. You will definitely get a good, solid grounding in up-to-date financial knowledge.
Enhanced Career
If you wish to work in Finance Corporation or aspire to, as a CFA charter holder you will definitely stand out more of the crowd and have an edge. More so in some roles than others though.
Better Opportunities
Surveys have shown that CFA charter holders a higher-paid on aggregate. Just don’t expect an instant pay rise. But definitely after a certain period of time with relevant experience, your pay will increase.
