Why take the Investment Foundations Certificate as a student?
Foundational knowledge
Learn the essentials of finance from the experts in investment education.
Competitive edge
Give your CV an impressive boost by demonstrating your dedication to learning.
New opportunities
Explore a career in finance, even if your current degree is in a non-related subject.
Specialized vocabulary
Learn the language of finance and overcome barriers caused by unfamiliar terminology.
Accessible pricing
Invest in your future without a large financial commitment.
Career direction
Gain clarity on your next steps after graduating.
A smart investment in your career
The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate is a fantastic opportunity, particularly for first-year and second-year university undergraduate students, to gain a solid understanding of finance and the investment industry. Take your first step into the global world of finance, build your knowledge, and enhance your resume.
What you will learn
This online certificate will teach you investment essentials, such as the different types of markets and how they operate, as well as investment industry ethics.
Curriculum
The Investment Foundations Certificate starts by introducing you to the investment industry's structure, including the types of institutions, functions of participants, and services it consists of. Discover the benefits of the investment industry and the forces that affect its evolution, including technological innovations, the importance of ethics/ethical conduct, and an overview of the purpose and types of regulators and regulations that govern the industry.
Learn about primary and secondary markets and how they operate. In this course, you’ll also be introduced to the concepts of decentralized finance and investment vehicles – how they are structured, and how those structures serve investors.
Become familiar with the types and characteristics of primary investment instruments, including equity securities (stocks), debt securities (bonds), alternative investments, and derivatives.
See how investment professionals identify and analyze relevant information and develop an understanding of how that impacts their investment and financing decisions.
Discover how investment firms serve clients' investment needs and examine risk considerations and management. You will also learn how portfolio performance evaluation helps investment professionals and their clients better understand sources of risks and returns.
Find out about the benefits, key concepts, and approaches to sustainable investing, and how it links to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). You’ll also learn how ethical dilemmas can be addressed using an ethical decision-making framework.
Complete the Investment Foundations Certificate with an online assessment, made up of 100 multiple choice questions. You’ll have two attempts to complete the assessment.
Invest in your future
How you will learn
Work towards the Investment Foundations Certificate through engaging activities that can fit in with your other studies.
Self-paced online learning
Once registered, you'll have access to the course content plus final assessment for 12 months.
Modular structure
The certificate takes approximately 40 hours to complete. Maintain your progress by setting study goals along the way.
Testimonials from certificate holders
I recommend [Investment Foundations] to anyone interested in finance, markets, and macroeconomics.
The [certificate] provides that crucial common language for all the personnel outside investment roles to effectively communicate, support, and raise the overall standards, all grounded in the ethical principles for participants across the profession.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance in your career, this course provides essential knowledge and skills that will set you apart in the finance industry.
How it works
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Fill out the registration form and pay.
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Get instant access to the course content online.
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Study at your own pace and pass the final assessment.
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Add the Investment Foundations Certificate to your resume and digital badge to your Linkedin profile.
Boost your knowledge, skills and resume for just USD 79
Uncover opportunities and take your career in a new direction by learning the language of finance.
Frequently asked questions
You are eligible for student pricing if you are currently enrolled full-time at a recognized university, high school, or college. Full-time status is defined by the institution’s specific requirements, such as a minimum number of credit hours or classes. Both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s, doctoral) students qualify if they meet the full-time enrollment criteria.
Our dedicated University Relations team can help professors who want to learn more about the certificate and the benefits to both students and professors. Contact [email protected] for more information.
You will have access to the learning materials for 12 months from the date of purchase. Learning materials and assessments can be accessed anywhere, online, providing maximum flexibility and convenience to candidates.
The Investment Foundations Certificate covers fundamental topics similar to Level I of the CFA Program, providing you with a solid grasp of the investment industry. It's an excellent place to start if you are interested in pursuing the CFA Program.
The Investment Foundations Certificate is a valuable addition to your resume, demonstrating your knowledge of finance and the investment industry. Earning this certificate can help you stand out to potential employers and open doors to a range of career opportunities in the finance industry, showcasing your dedication and expertise.
Yes, high school students are eligible for the certificate. It's a great way to gain early exposure to the finance industry and build a solid foundation for a future career.
Explore the CFA® Program
If you’re considering the CFA Program, we have information and resources to help you navigate the next step.