Ready to pursue the globally respected Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter in 2025?
Your journey begins with the CFA exam registration. This guide provides a clear walkthrough of the process for the 2025 exams.
Successful registration requires careful attention, especially regarding deadlines and requirements, but following the steps makes it manageable. Achieving the CFA charter can lead to high-value roles in investment banking, portfolio management, and risk analysis.
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How to complete your CFA exam registration
The CFA exam leads to high-paying roles in investment banking, portfolio management, and risk analysis. If you are appearing for the exam in 2025, here is a step-by-step guide on the CFA exam registration process for you:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before registering, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Why is it needed? |
|---|---|
| Qualification | ● Possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. ● Be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program, with your exam scheduled no more than 23 months before your graduation month. ● Lack a degree but have accumulated 4,000+ hours of relevant professional work experience over at least 36 months. |
| Valid passport | For registration and admission |
| Professional Conduct Statement form | Attested to your adherence to ethical and professional standard usage |
| Computer skills | Necessary |
Step 2: Choose your exam level and window The CFA Program is structured across three levels, each building upon the previous one. Candidates must pass each level sequentially:
● Level I: Requires meeting the educational or work experience criteria.
● Level II: Candidates must have passed Level I.
● Level III: Candidates must have passed Level II.
Each level has different registration windows throughout the year.
| Level | Exam period | Registration opens | Early registration deadline | Standard registration deadline | Exam dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | February | 9 May 2024 | 9 July 2024 | 7 November 2024 | 17-23 Feb 2025 |
| May | 8 August 2024 | 16 October 2024 | 6 February 2025 | 14-20 May 2025 | |
| August | 13 February 2025 | 17 April 2025 | 9 July 2025 | 18-24 August 2025 | |
| November | 12 February 2025 | 9 April 2025 | 5 August 2025 | 12-18 November 2025 | |
| Level II | February | 9 May 2024 | 9 July 2024 | 7 November 2024 | 13-16 Feb 2025 |
| May | 8 August 2024 | 16 October 2024 | 6 February 2025 | 14-17 May 2025 | |
| August | 13 February 2025 | 17 April 2025 | 9 July 2025 | 18-21 August 2025 | |
| November | 12 February 2025 | 9 April 2025 | 5 August 2025 | 12-18 November 2025 | |
| Level III | May | 8 August 2024 | 16 October 2024 | 6 February 2025 | 14-25 May 2025 |
| August | 13 February 2025 | 17 April 2025 | 9 July 2025 | 18-24 August 2025 |
Step 3: Create an account on the CFA Institute website Go to the official CFA Institute website and create an account. Ensure all details are correct, as they cannot be changed later. You must provide:
● Full name (as per passport)
● Date of birth
● Email address
● Educational qualifications
● Work experience (if applicable)
Step 4: Register for the CFA exam Once your account is set up, follow these steps:
● Select your CFA exam level between Level I, II, or III.
● Pick an exam month based on availability.
● Choose a test centre near you. It is conducted in multiple cities worldwide.
● Agree to the CFA candidate agreement.
● Pay the registration fee.
Your CFA exam registration is confirmed once you receive a confirmation email from the CFA Institute.
Step 5: Pay the CFA exam fees CFA exam registration fees depend on when you register. As the payment method, you can choose between credit cards, debit cards, and wire transfers. Exam fees are non-refundable except under exceptional circumstances. The CFA exam registration fees for 2025 are:
| Fee type | Level I | Level II | Level III |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time enrollment fee (only for Level I) | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 |
| Early registration | USD 990 | USD 990 | USD 1090 |
| Standard registration | USD 1,290 | USD 1,290 | USD 1,390 |
Step 6: Appear for the exam Once registered, start preparing immediately. Only for the Level I exam, you get 135 minutes. For both Level II and Level III, you need to finish your exam within 4 hours and 24 minutes. On exam day:
● Arrive 30 minutes early at the test centre.
● Carry a valid passport and an approved calculator (BA II Plus or HP 12C).
● Follow all exam security guidelines.
Final tips for CFA exam registration
Apart from the steps, there are some other measures you need to keep in mind. They
are:
● Act Early: Register sooner rather than later to lock in lower fees and your desired exam slot.
● Verify Details: Ensure all your information is accurate before finalizing your registration.
● Result Timeline: Expect Level I and II results via email in 6-7 weeks, and Level III results in 8-10 weeks post-exam.
Conclusion
No doubt, achieving the CFA designation demands immense dedication and a distinct approach to studying, but with a well- structured preparation plan, successfully clearing all three levels becomes a realistic and achievable goal.
With the right approach, you can clear all three levels and earn the prestigious CFA charter. Good luck!
