CFA® Program
CFA Program overview
Begin the journey to becoming a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). The CFA Program equips you with real-world investment analysis skills and helps you thrive in the competitive investment industry.
Earn the gold standard of investment credentials
Join more than 200,000 chartered financial analysts, known around the world for their commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards in their industry.
As a CFA charterholder, you will be qualified to hold senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.
You can hire people with an MBA, but you don't necessarily know that one MBA is the same as another MBA. Whereas if you hire investment professionals with a CFA, you absolutely have confidence at the level of qualification.
What are the benefits of being a CFA charterholder?
Mark of distinction
Show employers you have the knowledge and dedication to thrive in today’s complex and continually evolving investment industry.
Career opportunities
Unlock a wide range of investment careers, including asset and wealth management, commercial banking, and consulting.
Global gateway
Leverage the global recognition of the CFA charter to pursue investment management roles anywhere in the world.
Move ahead
Equip yourself with the skills to excel and evolve in the dynamic finance industry.
Insights from experts
Learn key real-world skills in investment analysis from the leaders in investment education.
Enhanced professional profile
Earn an easily shareable digital badge to display your achievement in your online networks.
The CFA (Program) journey has given me an opportunity to stand out among the crowd as not everyone opts for it. The CFA credentials have allowed me to grow in my current company. I’m now making more informed decisions about client portfolios.
Valued by global employers
CFA charterholders are employed by some of the world’s biggest financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Royal Bank of Canada, BofA Securities, UBS Group, HSBC Holdings, Wells Fargo and Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, BlackRock, and TD Bank Financial Group.
When I am looking to add a new team member, and I know that that person that's interviewing is a CFA charterholder, I not only feel great about their technical expertise, but I already know they have certain qualities. They're hard working. They don't give up easily. They take on a lot at times. So just knowing they have the CFA charter helps me understand a lot more than just their background.
The qualification process
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Pass the exams
The CFA Program is made up of three exams. You need to pass all three levels, using modules that build your practical skills, to complete the program.
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Complete qualifying work experience
Your work experience must either directly involve the investment decision-making process, or present work you have produced that informs or adds value to that process. You can fulfil your work experience requirements before, during, or after you participate in the CFA Program.
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Apply for membership
You must be a regular member of CFA Institute to achieve the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit two to three professional references, along with documentation of 4,000 hours of work experience in the investment field. Learn more about applying for membership.
The CFA® designation gives confidence to both sides of the table, to myself and my technical skills, and to the client that they're dealing with a competent professional.
Who should enroll?
- University students interested in a career in finance, corporate banking or investment management.
- Existing industry professionals who want to establish or enhance their credentials.
- Professionals from other industries ready to change the focus of their careers.
Tools to support your learning
The Learning Ecosystem is our comprehensive digital learning platform, available to all registered program candidates. Mobile-friendly, it allows you to learn at your own pace when and where it’s convenient for you.
Access the official program curriculum and study tools like practice questions, mock exams, flashcards, and more through the Learning Ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CFA charterholder?
It takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program, which includes the recommended study time of 300 hours per level.
To become a member and use the CFA charterholder designation, you also need at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, completed in no fewer than 36 months. Work experience can be obtained while you study.
How much does it cost to become a charterholder?
Based on exam fees, it costs USD 3,520 to 4,570 to complete all three levels of the program and become a charterholder. Cost varies depending on whether you register for your exams during the Early or Standard registration period.
All fees are paid in US dollars. This information is correct starting with the 2026 exams.
Are there scholarships available for the CFA Program?
Three scholarships are currently available:
- Access Scholarship – for individuals who may not be able to afford the program fees
- Student Scholarship – for students currently attending an affiliated university
- Professor Scholarship – for full-time college / university professors or administrators / department heads
To learn more, including eligibility criteria, visit the scholarships page.
What resources do you provide for program candidates?
From studying to exam day and beyond, we have a variety of resources to help you successfully complete the CFA Program. Visit CFA Program candidate resources to learn more.
Who is Associate membership for?
People who are early in their finance career, looking for a credible foundation and access point into the investment industry are excellent candidates for Associate membership. This membership is open to anyone who has participated in a CFA Institute educational program.
For more information on Associate membership please visit our Associate membership page.
CFA® Program
- Credential - 3 levels / 3 exams
- Advanced level
- 300 hours per level
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
- Associate membership eligibility
