About CFA® Program
For the most up-to-date information about the CFA Program, please refer to the official website at https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa
Gold Standard - The CFA charter equips you not only to enter the profession, but also to excel at all stages of your career
What do CFA® charterholders do in real world?
According to CFA Institute website, the top five global chaterholder roles are
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Portfolio manager
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Research analyst
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Chief Level Executive
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Consultant
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Risk manager
(https://www.cfainstitute.org/-/media/documents/factsheet/cfa-charter-factsheet.ashx)
Exam format
(Computer-based Testing)
Level I
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Session 1: A total of 90 MC questions
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Session 2: A total of 90 MC questions
Level II
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Session 1: 11 item sets, total 44 MC questions
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Session 2: 11 item sets, total 44 MC questions
Level III
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Session 1: 11 essay-type questions
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Session 2: 11 item sets, total 44 MC questions
*each session last for 2hr 15m
CFA® Program overview
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The CFA designation is recognized widely by employers globally
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Aim at fluency in practical investment analysis skills
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Consists of three levels of examinations
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Level I exam is offered four times a year
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Level II & III exam are offered twice a year
How do I enter the CFA® Program?
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A bachelor's (or equivalent) degree or be in the final year of you bachelor's degree program OR four years of professional work experience (does not have to be investment related) OR a combination of the above that totals at least four years that accrued prior to enrollment.
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Register directly at CFA Institute official website (www.cfainstitute.org)
Becoming a CFA® Charterholder
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Pass all three levels of exam
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Accrued (before or after the exam) a total of 36 months of relevant work experiences
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Submit 2-3 sponsor statements
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Join CFA Institute as a Regular Member
Fees
Enrollment fee (for Level I new candidates only)
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US$450
Exam registration fee
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US$700 (early) or US$1,000 (standard)
* the fees cover the official curriculum (e-book & pdf), online practice questions and mock exams
Topic Area Weights
Level I Level II Level III
Ethical & Professional Standards 15-20% 10-15% 10-15%
Quantitative Methods 8-12% 5-10% -
Economics 8-12% 5-10% 5-10%
Financial Reporting & Analysis 13-17% 10-15% -
Corporate Finance 8-12% 5-10% -
Equity Investments 10-12% 10-15% 10-15%
Fixed Income 10-12% 10-15% 15-20%
Derivatives 5-8% 5-10% 5-10%
Alternative Investments 5-8% 5-10% 5-10%
Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning 5-8% 5-15% 35-40%
Total 100% 100% 100%