FAQs: Approved-Provider Program
Program Purpose
Application/Process
- Who is eligible to participate in the Approved-Provider Program?
- How can my company/organization receive approval from CFA Institute to offer prequalified programs?
- What is the process for becoming an Approved Provider?
Program Eligibility
- What types of programs are eligible for submission?
- What types of programs are not eligible for submission?
Reporting Requirements
General Questions
- Can my company/organization advertise to CFA Institute members?
- Can my company/organization buy a mailing list of CFA Institute members?
Program Terminology
- What is an "Approved Provider"?
- What does "CE" mean?
- What is the CE Diary?
- What does "auto-entry" mean?
The Program
What is the purpose of the CFA Institute Approved Provider Program?
The Approved-Provider Program is designed to provide CFA Institute members an expanded number of high-quality continuing education opportunities through partnership with select organizations. All activities offered under the Approved-Provider Program are prequalified for CE credit and credit earned is automatically recorded, as a convenience to our members.
Application/Process
Who is eligible to participate in the Approved-Provider Program?
Providers of continuing education programs geared toward investment professionals are encouraged to apply for the CFA Institute Continuing Education Approved-Provider Program. Please note that the application process is selective and not all prospective providers may be accepted. Prospective providers should carefully review the program guidelines (CEF) prior to submitting an application. All programs offered under the Approved-Provider Program must be submitted to CFA Institute for review.
How can my company/organization receive approval from CFA Institute to offer prequalified programs?
Companies/organizations interested in receiving admission to the program should complete the Approved-Provider Program application package (CEF). Please note that the application process is selective and not all prospective providers may be accepted. Prospective providers should carefully review the program guidelines (CEF) before submitting an application. All programs offered under the Approved-Provider Program must be submitted to CFA Institute for review.
What is the process for becoming an Approved Provider?
CFA Institute reviews applications received on a regular basis and communicates decisions to prospective providers. Programs must be submitted for review on a program-by-program basis. Please note that programs should be submitted for review no later than forty-five (45) business days prior to the scheduled program date. For each successful program, CFA Institute will forward an electronic version of the CE Qualified Activity logo and accompanying language for advertising use.
Program Eligibility
What types of programs are eligible for submission?
All activities offered under the CFA Institute Approved-Provider Program must meet the program guidelines (CEF).
What types of programs are not eligible for submission?
Activities that do not meet the program guidelines (PDF) may not be offered for CE credit under the Approved-Provider Program. The following program types are not eligible for submission:
- Preparatory courses for designations or exams
- Company presentations or programs with a product marketing focus
- Programs where the speaker is permitted to pay for the presentation opportunity
Reporting Requirements
How do Approved-Providers report CFA Institute member participation in programs offered under the Approved-Provider Program?
Upon admission to the program, CFA Institute provides each Approved Provider with an Excel attendee list template. Approved Providers must use this template to submit electronic documentation of program attendance to CFA Institute within two (2) weeks after the conclusion of each of their approved programs. Upon receipt, CFA Institute enters the CE credit in each participating member's CE Diary.
General Questions
Can my company/organization advertise to CFA Institute members?
All Approved Providers participating in the CFA Institute Approved-Provider Program will receive a complimentary listing on the Approved-Provider Directory.
Can my company/organization buy a mailing list of CFA Institute members?
No, CFA Institute does not sell or provide member lists for marketing purposes. However, Approved Providers are eligible to purchase advertising space in CFA Institute publications, such as CFA Magazine.
Program Terminology
What is an "Approved Provider"?
An Approved Provider is a provider of educational programs for investment professionals that has been approved to offer programs for CFA Institute CE credit. Participating providers must submit all programs they wish to offer under the Approved-Provider Program to CFA Institute for review.
CE is an abbreviation for Continuing Education. CE also refers to continuing education activities under the CFA Institute CE Program.
The CE Diary is a web-based resource that enables CFA Institute members to easily record and keep track of their continuing education activities.
Auto entry is the process of recording program participation in a CFA Institute member's CE Diary. All Approved Providers are required to submit electronic documentation of program attendance to CFA Institute to enable auto entry of member participation in Approved-Provider programs.