The CFA programme aims to master candidates in investment analysis and to help them learn and develop. No matter if you are a working professional or a student or want to switch careers, CFA will help you achieve your professional goals.
Charter Holders often believe that the CFA program helps in both expanding their knowledge and advancing their career.
There are three levels in CFA exam and is conducted by CFA Institute
CFA level 1- February, May, August, November
CFA level 2- August, November
CFA level 3- February, May, August
The candidate must have:-
Required One-time Enrolment Fee: $450 USD (one-time fee for the candidates giving CFA level 1 exam exam for the first time)
Early Registration Fee:$700
Standard Registration Fee:$1,000
Topics | Weightage |
---|---|
Ethics | 15%-20% |
QUANTITATIVE METHODS | 8%- 12% |
ECONOMICS | 8%-12% |
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ANALYSIS | 13%-17% |
CORPORATE FINANCE | 8%-12% |
EQUITY INVESTMENTS | 10%-12% |
FIXED INCOME INVESTMENTS | 10%-12% |
DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS | 5%-8% |
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS | 5%-8% |
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT | 5%-8% |
What is the maximum number of hours required in CFA level 1?
To clear CFA level 1, the candidate needs to study for 300 hours. If the candidate is studying full time, then the CFA course can be completed in three months, else candidate takes eight months to complete the syllabus.
All of the CFA exams are difficult in general, but candidates can enhance their chances of passing by studying for 300 hours.
CFA level 1 candidate has witnessed:-
To pass CFA level 1, the candidate needs to cover 70% of as many topics as possible. You can go as low as 65% or 63%.
We cannot compare a CFA charter and an MBA as they are from a different discipline but on the other hand, we need to evaluate both the qualifications from a career perspective and the cost involved in these courses. CFA charter focuses more on the practicality whereas MBA finance is focused more towards theory. If you are planning to build a career in asset management, private wealth management, equity research, then you should go for CFA. The CFA Program connects candidates to a global professional network of investment professionals. MBA candidates also have a good connection with industry professionals.
Both the certifications are great add-ons to your resume as well as career booster. Both CFA and CA are related to finance.