To become a certified financial analyst, you need to first pass the test, and then complete 30 hours of online continuing education courses every two years. The CFA Institute offers a range of courses on topics such as ethics and legal issues, fixed income investments, equity investments and portfolio management — that satisfy the requirements for continuing education credits. In addition to taking the test, candidates must have at least three years of professional investment experience or have finished an undergraduate degree plus a graduate degree in finance or business administration with at least three years’ experience.
how to become a certified financial analyst
CFA Education Requirements
As noted above, as you pursue your CFA (chartered financial analyst) designation, a completed bachelor’s program qualifies you to take the CFA exam, but you also qualify if you have completed an equivalent program or are a final-year student in a bachelor’s or equivalent program.
However, you must complete your educational program before you can register for the Level II exam. You can consult your college or university to inquire about whether your program is equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree.
To validate your education, CFA Institute may request a copy of your degree, marksheet, or other documents.
Taking the Level I CFA exam as a student may be beneficial because you often have more time to prepare for the exams than you would while working a full-time professional job, and once you graduate, it can set you apart from other job seekers.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a CFA?
Download our free guide for key tips on how to pass Level I of the CFA Program exam.
However, it also means sacrificing other extracurricular activities and possibly networking opportunities, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons when considering when to enroll.
CFA Professional Work Experience Requirements
Professional work experience must be full-time and dates of employment cannot overlap with education.
Eligible work experience is not limited to financial markets experience but should show that the applicant has highly developed judgement and business skills:
- Leadership and teamwork
- Business communications
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Time management
- Professional judgement
- Analytical skills
- Adaptability
Paid internships and professional work experience at a family business qualify. CFA Institute does not ask for proof of work experience at the time of exam registration.
To verify that work experience meets CFA Program requirements, CFA Institute may request documentation proving employment, payment (such as pay slips), or other relevant information.
Registration and Fee Requirements for the CFA Exam
Once you have determined that you meet CFA exam requirements, you can register for the Level I CFA exam. Registration fees for the program and exam must be submitted with your application. Candidates meeting CFA requirements can register for the CFA exam on the CFA Institute website.
Want to see what the CFA exam will be like? Sign up for Wiley’s Free CFA Program Practice Exam to find out.
CFA Institute charges a one-time enrollment fee of $450 to register for the CFA Program and a $1,000 standard CFA exam registration fee for each of the three exams.
You can save up to $300 per exam by enrolling during the early registration period (about 4 months before the exam).
