Registration fees will change for all 2026 exams, beginning with the February 2026 CFA Program exam. See details here.
CFA® Charterholder career prospects
What does a CFA® Charterholder do? By enrolling in the CFA Program and earning the Chartered Financial Analyst® certification, you open doors to a variety of careers in finance – from asset and wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking to consulting. And as a CFA Charterholder, you stand out for your commitment to set a higher standard of excellence. It's this dedication that employers value and look out for.
Compensation levels
Did you know? The average base salaries of CFA Institute members and CFA Charterholders increased at a greater rate (year over year) than the rate of increase for the general market, according to the findings of the CFA Institute Compensation Study, 2024.
CFA Charterholders can be found in a variety of roles across the world. For insight into how the CFA Program impacts career progression in India, download the Impact Assessment of CFA Program in India report.
How the CFA charter compares to other credentials
Esteemed and valued across the globe, the Chartered Financial Analyst certification is known for demonstrating superior competency in advanced portfolio management, financial expertise, and technical skills, underpinned by ethical conduct and the highest standards of practice.
Here’s how it compares to other respected credentials in the investment management industry.
Aspect |
CFA Program |
MBA |
CPA |
CFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus |
Finance and investment |
General business |
Accounting |
Financial planning |
Duration |
3-4 years |
1-2 years full-time |
Exam and experience requirements vary |
1-2 years |
Cost |
$2,550 - $4,800 (exam fees) |
$50,000 - $200,000 + tuition |
$1,500 - $3,000 (exam fees) |
$3,000 - $6,000 (exam fees) |
Shareable credentials for global recognition
When you earn the CFA charter, you are acknowledged worldwide for your expertise, integrity, and dedication to the highest ethical standards.
Your digital badge shows your commitment to professionalism and continuous learning as you help build a strong and vibrant community of finance professionals.
Investment career paths
Within the financial system, there are many people-facing roles that provide services to facilitate successful saving and investing for both individuals and companies. Explore below to get familiar with finance industry and investment management jobs.
Careers for CFA Charterholders
Portfolio management
Research
Consulting
Risk analysis and risk management
Typical investment management sectors among CFA Charterholders
Asset management
Private wealth management
Commercial banking
Investment banking
Insurance
Level III specialized pathways
For the 2025 Level III exams, we have introduced specialized pathways:
Private wealth
Private markets
Portfolio management
The paths share a core curriculum, supplemented by specialized content. You can select a path that directly relates to your interests and to enhance your career prospects in a specific area.
Frequently asked questions
There are three main job types in finance that a CFA Charterholder might do. Quantitative and analytical roles (which include jobs like Data Analyst and Forex Currency Trader), client-facing roles (such as Private Wealth Manager), and transaction-focused roles (including Investment Banker, Stockbroker, and Chief Investment Officer). To learn more about different finance careers, see investment industry career paths.
By completing all three levels of the CFA Program, you can become a CFA Charterholder. This is a professional designation that shows you have a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. With it, you could obtain higher compensation levels than the general market (according to the CFA Institute Compensation Study, 2024) and open opportunities to investment career paths.
Yes – we have recently introduced specialized pathways for the Level III CFA exam, so you can choose a path that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. These are Private Wealth, Private Markets, and Portfolio Management. Each pathway has a 'common core' of curriculum, supplemented by specialized content. Learn more about Level III specialized pathways.
The CFA charter is a globally recognized mark of distinction and is highly sought after by top financial institutions. In fact, the CFA charter is preferred by nearly 90% of executive and senior level investment management positions.
- Credential - 3 levels / 3 exams
- Advanced level
- 300 hours per level
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
Explore CFA Program
