CFA® Program
CFA® Program for Chartered Financial Analyst
About CFA®
- Administered by CFA Institute, USA
- Minimum time to pass all three exams: 1.5 years
- Average time: 4 years
- Recommended 250 Hrs of study for each exam level
- CFA® charter holder membership requirements include, but not limited to 48 months of acceptable professional work experience and passing the Level I, Level II, and Level III exams.
Benefits of Chartered Financial Analyst(CFA)® designation
- Most recognized global designation for finance professional in the world
- Chartered Financial Analysts are regarded as an expert in finance by clients, recruiters and employers
- Especially useful in Investment Banking, Portfolio Management, Investment Research and Security Analysis
Structure of the Exam
Level I exam is available in June and December each year. Level II and III exams are available in June each year.
| Level | Style of Questions | Number of Questions | Duration of the exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Multiple Choice | 240 | 6 hrs |
| II | Multiple choice vignette style | 120 | 6 hrs |
| III | 50% essay type, 50% multiple choice | 60 | 6 hrs |
The recommended preparation time is 250 hours for each level.
| Topic Area | Level I | Level II | Level III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethical and Professional Standards (total) | 15 | 10 | 10 |
| Quantitative Methods | 12 | 5-10 | 0 |
| Economics | 10 | 5-10 | 0 |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 20 | 15-25 | 0 |
| Corporate Finance | 8 | 5-15 | 0 |
| Investment Tools (total) | 50 | 30-60 | 0 |
| Equity Investments | 10 | 20-30 | 5-15 |
| Fixed Income | 12 | 5-15 | 10-20 |
| Derivatives | 5 | 5-15 | 5-15 |
| Alternative Investments | 3 | 5-15 | 5-15 |
| Asset Classes (total) | 30 | 35-75 | 35-45 |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning (total) | 5 | 5-15 | 45-55 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Certification Fee
Chartered Financial Analyst Levels I, II, and III : Fee (program enrollment+ exam registration) varies from $1035 - $1460, with lower fee for early registrations. Returning candidates do not need to pay the program enrollment fee.
| Payment deadlines | Program enrollment (new candidates only)* | + | Exam registration** | = | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Sep 2011: | $405 | + | $650 | = | $1055 |
| 15 Feb 2012: | $420 | + | $745 | = | $1165 |
| 14 Mar 2012: | $505 | + | $1005 | = | $1510 |
*A candidate pays the Program enrollment fees only once.
**The exam registration fees also include the complete curriculum and one mock exam per level.
For More information please visit CFA Institute Website & Fees page on CFA Institute website
Follows CFA Institute Prep Provider Guidelines
Links and Downloads
