Membership for CFA® Program candidates
See how we can support you as a CFA candidate.
Find your edge before you earn the Charter
Membership to CFA Institute and to our local CFA Society® community is not limited to CFA charterholders. Count yourself among our network of more than 190,000 investment professionals by joining CFA Institute while you are a candidate in the CFA Program* and get immediate access to the benefits our current members and charterholders enjoy.
By tapping into our professional network and gaining insights about what you can expect as a you continue your journey to becoming a charterholder yourself, you can also get an edge on your peers in the CFA Program.
In a recent survey of those who became members of CFA Institute as candidates in the CFA Program, 85% of respondents said that membership has met or exceeded their expectations. Explore the benefits included with membership to CFA Institute.
Professional learning
Participate in our PL program and complement the knowledge you're gaining in the CFA Program with our continuing education offerings and career content
Networking opportunities
Access a community of likeminded investment professionals—many of whom have been through the same rigors of the CFA Program as you—through our extensive CFA Institute and CFA Society network.
CFA charterholder status
Get a jump start with membership so you can add the CFA designation after your name as soon as you pass Level III.
Joining CFA Institute as a candidate in the CFA Program has been the cornerstone of my professional and personal quest for continued growth and development. Having exposure to the diverse culture and knowledge CFA Institute and its membership offers has paved a path forward for me on numerous levels.
Which membership is right for you?
CFA Institute offers two types of membership—regular and affiliate—to reflect the range of experiences investment professionals have. Among other prerequisites, regular membership requires at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience earned in at least 36 months. Our affiliate membership—which includes many of the same benefits as regular membership—is a good fit for candidates who are still working to fulfill the requirements of regular membership.
Affiliate membership meets you where you are
Because local society membership is required for affiliate membership, becoming an affiliate member starts with exploring our CFA Society network. Follow these steps to pursue the affiliate membership option.
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Find a local society
More than 160 societies represent the diverse interests and needs of markets around the world. Explore the directory.
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Explore societies' membership requirements
Visit the societies' websites or directly contact the societies you're interested in joining to find out their affiliate membership requirements.
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Apply to CFA Institute as an affiliate member
When you apply, indicate the society or societies you want to join.
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Join CFA Institute and your selected society
If you meet the requirements, you should be approved to join CFA Institute and your local society (or societies) as an affiliate member.
Get familiar with application requirements
Before starting your application, visit our application resources page to help you assess your eligibility and understand materials required for submission. You can also find out more about our prorated fee schedule for those joining throughout the membership year, work experience requirements, professional references, and what to expect after you apply.
*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.
Ready to Apply?
Become a member to get a head start on your career as an investment professional. Engage with issues affecting the profession, connect with local and global colleagues, and access top-tier professional learning and the latest industry insights.
