CFA® Program
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 the global investment industry – 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 industry 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.
Typical jobs 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 career aspirations.
CFA® Program
- Credential - 3 levels / 3 exams
- Advanced level
- 300 hours per level
- Self-paced online learning
- Learning materials included
Frequently asked questions
It takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program. This takes into account 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 a minimum of 36 months. Work experience can be obtained whilst you study.
Based on exam fees, it costs USD 2,550 – 4,800 to complete all three levels of the CFA Program and become a charterholder (depending on whether you register for your exams during the Early or Standard registration period). When you register for your Level I exam, you will also need to pay a one-time enrollment fee of USD 350.
All fees need to be paid in US dollars. This information is correct as of October 2024.
There are three scholarships currently available for the CFA Program:
- 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.
From studying through 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.
Explore CFA Program
