Become a member
Discover everything you need to know about becoming a member of CFA Institute, including the requirements by member type, and how to prepare for your application.
Why become a member
When you become a member of CFA Institute, you become part of one of the most prestigious global organizations in the financial industry, signaling your dedication to continued education and professional ethics. Plus, you can take advantage of exclusive benefits that support you at all phases of your career.
Please note that in order to use your CFA® and CIPM® designations, you must maintain your annual regular membership.
Review membership types
You can either become a charterholder/regular member with qualifying work experience in the investment decision-making process, or an affiliate member of CFA Institute. See the chart below to choose the right option for you before you start the application.
Before applying, review the OFAC Compliance Policy. Residents of certain countries or markets may be prohibited by law from becoming a CFA Institute or society member.
For applicants in mainland China, to comply with local regulatory requirements, we only accept individuals who are eligible for the CFA® designation, having passed Level III of the CFA® Program and meeting professional work experience requirements. Additionally, the CIPM® designation is not offered in mainland China.
| Question | Charterholder membership | Regular membership | Affiliate membership |
| Who is this for? | The most distinguished professionals in the industry. Demonstrates a mastery of investment management skills and a commitment to continued excellence and ethics. Access to all member benefits. |
Investment professionals directly involved in or supporting the investment decision-making process. regular membership is a prerequisite to earning the CFA charter and CIPM certificate. | Investment professionals who do not meet the eligibility requirements of regular memberships or do not intend to participate in the CFA Program or CIPM Program. |
| How do I become eligible? | Passed all three levels of CFA Program, meet work experience requirements and have the required professional references. | A bachelor's degree or equivalent education/work experience and a passing score for the Level I CFA Exam, CIPM Program Level II Exam, RBA Netherlands Exam, or the self-administered Standards of Practice Exam. | You must meet the eligibility requirements for your selected member society and become an affiliate member of that society. Find a society and explore their affiliate membership requirements. |
| What member benefits are included? | Use of the CFA credential, CFA Charterholder digital badge, protection of the charter and support and advocacy on behalf of Charterholders. Voting rights on CFA Institute Annual Proxy. Access to the latest research, continued professional learning content, member directory, and exclusive volunteer opportunities. See full list of membership benefits. |
Voting rights on CFA Institute Annual Proxy. Access to the latest research, continued professional learning content, member directory, and exclusive volunteer opportunities. See full list of membership benefits. | Access to the latest research, continued professional learning content, member directory, and exclusive volunteer opportunities. See full list of membership benefits. |
| How much work experience do I need? | At least 4,000 hours of relevant experience, completed in a minimum of 36 months. Assess your experience here. | At least 4,000 hours of relevant experience, completed in a minimum of 36 months. Assess your experience here. | You must meet the work experience requirements for your selected member society. Assess your experience here. |
| How many professional references do I need? | 2 professional references, if one is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying, OR 3 professional references, if none is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying. | 2 professional references, if one is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying, OR 3 professional references, if none is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying. | 2 professional references, if one is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying, OR 3 professional references, if none is an active regular member of the local society to which you are applying. |
| How much are annual fees? | USD299 for CFA Institute. Society dues vary by society. First year annual dues will be pro-rated for those joining CFA Institute and a member society for the first time. | USD299 for CFA Institute. Society dues vary by society. First year annual dues will be pro-rated for those joining CFA Institute and a member society for the first time. | USD299 for CFA Institute. Society dues vary by society. First year annual dues will be pro-rated for those joining CFA Institute and a member society for the first time. |
| When is the membership year? | The membership year spans from 1 July to 30 June. | The membership year spans from 1 July to 30 June. | The membership year spans from 1 July to 30 June. |
CFA Institute and society dues are non-refundable and non-transferable. CFA Institute accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, China UnionPay (银联), and AliPay (支付宝).
Learn more about the application resources available to prospective members.
Get familiar with application requirements
When you apply for regular membership, you will be asked to provide professional references and to describe your current and prior job responsibilities that demonstrate qualified work experience.
Application resources
Use these resources to help you assess your eligibility and understand materials required for submission.
Qualifying work experience
Assess if your current and past job responsibilities meet the qualifications for regular membership.
Prorated membership fees
CFA Institute offers membership at a cost of USD299 for the full membership period—which starts 1 July each year. The annual fee for first time members can vary depending on the month they decide to join. Use our chart of monthly prorated fees to understand what your membership will cost.
Maintaining your charter
CFA Charterholders are committed to inspiring greater investor trust, raising professional standards and shaping a stronger future for the global investment profession. Members maintain their designation by annually filing a Professional Conduct Statement and Member Agreement, and paying annual dues.
To me, being a CFA charterholder means a lifelong commitment to excellence.
Connect with your local CFA Society®
You need to apply to a society when applying for CFA Institute membership. But it also strengthens our community. Through membership and a CFA Society, you can connect with other financial professionals driving change in their local markets.
