Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA Institute offers a globally recognized credential Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in Financial Management and investment, widely acknowledged as the pinnacle in finance. Earning the CFA designation unlocks access to lucrative roles in investment banking and asset management, offering global recognition for navigating diverse financial markets. Beyond jobs opportunities, the CFA network fosters continuous learning and valuable connections, reflecting a commitment to excellence and growth in the finance industry.
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| Topics and Structure | Level I | Level II | Level III |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15-20% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
| Quantitative Methods | 8-12% | 5-10% | 0 |
| Economics | 8-12% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 13-17% | 10-15% | 0 |
| Corporate Issuer | 8-12% | 5-10% | 0 |
| Equity Investments | 10-12% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
| Fixed Income | 10-12% | 10-15% | 15-20% |
| Derivatives | 5-8% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Alternative Investments | 5-8% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 5-8% | 10-15% | 35-40% |
With Level I exams in June and December and Level II and III exams in June, it is possible to complete the CFA Program in two years. However, with a recommended study time of 300 hours per exam level, it takes most people three to four years to complete the full program.
Your selected exam window must be 11 months or fewer before your graduation month for your bachelor’s degree or equivalent program. Understand that you must complete your degree program prior to the date of sitting your Level II exam.
Complete a bachelor’s program or equivalent program and have received a degree from the college/university. If you are not sure if your program is comparable, consult your college or university.
Have a combination of 4,000 hours of work experience and/or higher education that was acquired over a minimum of three sequential years and achieved by the date of registering for the Level I exam. The dates of education and professional work experience cannot be overlapping. If you have a combination of work experience and higher education to achieve the minimum hours and years, assume that higher education takes 1,000 hours per year.
Career Paths and Jobs for CFA® Charterholders
A global gold-standard for the investment management profession, the CFA® designation is valued by employers for roles and functions in every sector of the global finance industry – including portfolio management, analysis, private wealth, and consulting.
CFA
Investment Management Sectors after CFA
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Private Wealth Management
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Commercial Banking
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Investment Banking
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Asset Management
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Insurance
CFA
Jobs For CFA Charterholders
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Risk Analysis and Risk Management
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Portfolio Management
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Investment Strategy
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Consulting
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Research
The program is meant for individuals seeking expertise in investment management and financial analysis, including finance graduates, MBAs, and seasoned professionals aiming for career advancement in the finance industry.
The Chartered Financial Analyst program is a postgraduate professional certification offered internationally by the American-based CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals.
When you complete the CFA course, you may have job opportunities in Relationship Management and Data Science, Credit Analysis, Chief Investment Officer, Trading, Accounting and Auditing, Financial Planning, and Sales and Trading.
It is possible to complete the CFA Program in two years. However, with a recommended study time of 300 hours per exam level, it takes most people three to four years to complete the full program.
Completing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course typically takes about 2 to 3 years.
Comparing the difficulty of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) qualifications is subjective. Both have rigorous aspects but focus on different areas of expertise—finance for CFA and accounting for CA. It depends on individual strengths and interests.
The choice between Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) depends on career goals. CFA is specialized in finance and investment, while CA is focused on accounting and auditing. Both are prestigious, and the “better” option depends on one’s professional aspirations and interests.
In India, roles such as Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker, or Hedge Fund Manager for CFA charter holders often command some of the highest salaries in the finance sector. However, specific salaries can vary based on factors like experience, company, and location.
The comparison between a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) depends on career goals. CFA is specialized in finance and investment, while MBA offers a broader business education. The choice depends on individual aspirations and the desired focus of expertise.
