Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
Overview
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, offered by CFA Institute, is one of the most respected and rigorous credentials in the investment profession. It builds a complete command of portfolio management, investment analysis, and professional ethics, spanning three progressive examination levels.
This program walks candidates through the CFA curriculum in order of difficulty: Level I builds foundational knowledge and the ability to describe and explain investment concepts; Level II develops the ability to analyse and apply them through item sets; and Level III requires integration and application in portfolio management, including constructed-response questions.
Course Content
- Ethical and professional standards across all three levels
- Quantitative methods, economics and financial reporting and analysis
- Corporate issuers, equity and fixed-income investments
- Derivatives, alternative investments and portfolio management
- CFA Level I: multiple-choice questions testing learning outcomes
- CFA Level II: case-embedded item sets testing application and analysis
- CFA Level III: constructed-response and item-set questions in portfolio management
Targeted Audience
- Investment professionals and analysts pursuing the CFA designation
- Portfolio managers, research analysts and finance professionals in capital markets
- Graduates building a career in investment management or financial analysis
- Professionals who need advanced valuation, ethics and portfolio skills
CFA Exam Registration & Certification
The CFA Program is offered electronically by CFA Institute across three levels, with candidates usually required to sit exams in order. The curriculum is updated regularly to reflect current practice, and each level has defined topic-area weights.
Successful candidates must also complete a required number of months of relevant work experience and hold an active membership to use the CFA designation.
- Create a CFA Institute account and register for Level I, choosing the exam window that suits your preparation.
- Prepare using the official curriculum and register for and pass each subsequent level in order.
- Gain qualifying professional experience in the investment industry (4,000 hours minimum).
- Submit references and apply for regular CFA Institute membership.
- Receive approval to use the CFA designation and maintain it through continuing education.