CFA® Program
Registration fees will change for all 2026 exams, beginning with the February 2026 CFA Program exam. See details here.
Tools to support your learning
Becoming a CFA Charterholder requires dedication. But as a CFA Institute candidate, you have our complete support every step of the way. We’ll provide you with access to a wealth of information and tools to help you pass all three levels and excel in your career.
Learning Ecosystem
The Learning Ecosystem (LES) is a digital learning tool to help you study more effectively by:
- Personalizing your learning experience.
- Making the curriculum more engaging.
- Giving you convenient access to materials.
Using the desktop or mobile app, access the curriculum for your selected exam plus 1,000+ practice questions, two official mock exams released approximately 60 days before each exam window, study plans that adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, curriculum-based games and flashcards, and more. The LES is also where you can access your Practical Skills Modules.
Preview the Learning Ecosystem
Take a closer look at the Learning Ecosystem and see how it can help you stay focused, engaged, and on track while you work towards your CFA charter.
Practice Pack
The Practice Pack is an optional add-on to the Learning Ecosystem, including extra practice questions, immediate access to additional official mock exams, and one Prometric mock exam that simulates the exam-day experience. All questions included were written by the same test writers who wrote the questions you’ll see on exam day.
Practice Pack is currently available to all Level I candidates and Level II candidates.
Exam preparation providers
In addition to the study support provided by CFA Institute, you can benefit from extra exam prep courses and materials from third party providers. CFA Institute Prep Providers agree to follow CFA Institute guidelines and standards in their offerings and communications with candidates.
See how the CFA Program has benefitted previous candidates
Hear stories from students who have completed the CFA Program.
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
