Become a CFA Charterholder

Steps to Becoming a CFA Charterholder

1. Enroll in the CFA Program

To register for Level I of the CFA exam, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of a degree program.
Have at least 4,000 hours of professional work experience (or a combination of education and experience).
Possess a valid international passport for identification.

2. Pass All Three CFA Exam Levels

The CFA exams are divided into three levels, each testing increasingly complex investment concepts:

Level I: Covers foundational investment principles and ethics.
Level II: Focuses on the application of financial analysis and valuation techniques.
Level III: Emphasizes portfolio management and wealth planning strategies.

3. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Candidates must complete 4,000 hours of qualified work experience in investment decision-making over a minimum period of three years. The experience can be gained before, during, or after passing the exams.

4. Submit Professional References

Applicants must submit two to three professional reference letters from individuals who can verify their professional and ethical standards.

5. Apply for CFA Charterholder Membership

Upon passing all three levels and meeting work experience requirements, candidates must apply for CFA Institute membership and agree to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Become a CFA Charterholder

Why Earn the CFA Charter?

The CFA designation is recognized in 160+ markets worldwide and is highly valued by top employers, including investment firms, asset management companies, and banks. Holding the CFA charter signals a deep commitment to investment excellence and ethics.
CFA Charterholders are highly sought after for roles such as:

Portfolio Manager

Equity Analyst

Investment Strategist

Private Wealth Manager

Trader (Equities, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Private Markets, Real Estate, etc.)

Many professionals with a CFA designation hold leadership positions in investment firms, hedge funds, and financial institutions.
The CFA Program provides real-world investment skills, covering areas such as:

Financial analysis and portfolio management

Risk management and asset allocation

Alternative investments and derivatives

Ethical and professional decision-making

Unlike an MBA, which varies across institutions, the CFA designation ensures a consistent and rigorous standard of knowledge across the investment profession.
CFA Charterholders join a prestigious network of 200,000+ finance professionals, gaining access to exclusive career resources, continuing education, and global networking opportunities.