CFA PROGRAM
ABOUT CFA
Achieve the highest distinction in the investment management profession – the CFA® designation.
The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) credential is held by over 150,000 professionals around the world. The charter gives a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills.
The CFA Program is a self-study program divided into three levels of exams. Passing these exams is one step to becoming a CFA charterholder.
How to Earn the CFA Charter?
- Enroll in the CFA® Program and register for an exam
- Pass the Level I exam (4 times per year)
- Pass the Level II exam (2 times per year)
- Pass the Level III exam (2 times per year)
- Have four years of professional work experience in the investment decision-making process
- Join CFA Institute as a regular member
Enrollment Requirements
To become a CFA candidate, you must enroll in the CFA Program® before you can register for the Level I Exam.
CFA Program Entrance Requirements
- Meet one of the following entrance requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
I have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent program. Most CFA Program applicants have the education to enroll in graduate studies in the country where they earned their degree. If you’re not sure if your program is comparable, ask your college or university.
Final-Year Student
I am a student in the final year of my bachelor’s degree or equivalent program. I understand that I may register for the Level I Exam, but I must complete my degree program prior to registering for Level II.
Professional Experience
I have a combination of four years of full-time work experience and/or higher education. I understand that part-time work does NOT qualify me for this track, but that my full-time work does not need to be investment related.
- Have an international travel passport
CFA Institute requires that every CFA Program candidate have a valid international travel passport to register and sit for the exam.
- Be prepared to take the exams in English
The CFA Program exams are only offered in English.
- Meet the professional conduct admission criteria
All candidates in the CFA Program must complete a Professional Conduct Statement form to attest that they are in compliance with this requirement.
IS CFA FOR YOU?
Achieve the highest distinction in the investment management profession—the CFA® designation
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Program helps you capitalize on your strengths, supercharging your education and work experience into a charter that will tell the world you have the skills necessary to compete and excel in today’s complex and evolving investment industry. The CFA charter is the gold standard for the investment industry. Charterholders enjoy a mark of distinction throughout the world.
The CFA Program provides the strongest foundation in advanced investment, analysis, and real-world portfolio management skills for a career advantage that you will use at all stages of your career. This globally recognized, graduate-level credential is held by over 150,000 professionals across 163 countries.
Top Five Global Charterholder Roles
Job Titles
- Portfolio Manager
- Research Analyst
- Chief Level Executive
- Consultant
- Risk Manager
Practice Types
- Equities
- Fixed Income
- Private Equity
- Derivatives
- Real Estate
BENEFITS
Invest in your career now to gain benefits for a lifetime.
Gold Standard
The CFA charter equips you not only to enter the profession, but also to excel at all stages of your career.
Strong Ethical Foundations
Gain confidence and clarity in navigating ethical issues.
Global Passport
Earn waivers from regulatory agencies, graduate programs, and more.
Unmatched Expertise
Our rigorous curriculum will equip you for complex investment decisions.
Prestigious Network
Connect with an exclusive group of outstanding investment professionals.
Career Resources
Gain access to career guides, thought leadership, and continuing education.
COSTS AND DATES
About Program Enrollment and Exam Registration Fees
The one-time program enrollment fee and the exam registration fee are payable in US dollars only, and the fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
The exam registration fee covers the cost of:
- The digital curriculum (contains the complete curriculum you need to study). You may purchase a print version of the curriculum (available for a non-refundable fee of USD 150, plus any fees associated with shipping)
- Practice tests and mock exams
CFA® Program Payment Methods
CFA Institute accepts the following methods of payment:
- Credit/Debit card: American Express, Diner’s Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, UnionPay, or Visa
- Wire transfer, ACH, check, money order, or postal order. If you are not paying online with a credit card, you must use the "Print Invoice" option during the checkout process and submit the invoice along with one of the accepted payment methods.
All payments must be made in US dollars.
Your Invoice and/or Receipt
If you selected a method of payment other than a credit card, an invoice was mailed to you.
Program Enrollment Fee
A one-time program enrollment fee is required when you register for your first Level I CFA Program exam. You must also pay the exam registration fee (see below for deadlines).
Program enrollment fee: USD 450
Exam Registration Fees and Deadlines
All registration deadlines end at 11:59 pm ET.
Level 1, 2, 3 (exam dates/exam costs)
Beginning in 2021, CFA Institute will transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all three levels of the CFA Program. Advances that come with this evolution include greater flexibility, faster results, an improved candidate experience, and an exam that reflects today’s digital workplace. More information »
Use the calendar to view upcoming exams and other important dates leading up to the exam. Exam windows vary by market based on appointment availability at the time of scheduling.
| CFA Program. Level 1 | ||
| February 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | - | - |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 16 Feb till 1 Mar 2021 | |
| May 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 3 Nov 2020 | from 4 Nov 2020 till 23 Feb 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 18 May till 24 May 2021 | |
| August 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 2 Feb 2021 | from 3 Feb 2021 till 4 May 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 24 Aug till 30 Aug 2021 | |
| November 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 4 May 2021 | from 5 May 2021 till 10 Aug 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 16 Nov till 22 Nov 2021 | |
| CFA Program. Level 2 | ||
| May 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 3 Nov 2020 | from 4 Nov 2020 till 23 Feb 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 25 May till 1 Jun 2021 | |
| August 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 2 Feb 2021 | from 3 Feb 2021 till 4 May 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 31 Aug till 4 Sep 2021 | |
| CFA Program. Level 3 | ||
| May 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 3 Nov 2020 | from 4 Aug 2020 till 23 Feb 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 25 May till 1 Jun | |
| November 2021 | ||
| Early Registration | Standard Registration | |
| Registration Window | from 20 Aug 2020 till 4 May 2021 | from 5 May 2021 till 10 Aug 2021 |
| Cost | 700 USD | 1000 USD |
| Exam Window | from 23 Nov till 25 Nov 2021 | |
SCHOLARSHIPS
CFA Institute offers scholarships as part of a commitment to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence.
Below you may find a list of scholarships by a type. Choose the right one & apply.
Access Scholarships
The CFA Institute Access Scholarship Program is designed to make CFA Institute programs more available to individuals who may not be able to afford the full program fees.
Award Amount
Program enrollment fee is waived and exam registration is reduced to USD 250.
Application Window
The scholarship application is open 1 March—15 September, to be used for exams the following year.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all CFA Program enrollment requirements.
How to Apply? Complete the application
Log in and complete the online application. After you submit your application, you cannot make changes. Get the application »
Student Scholarship
This scholarship is for students currently attending an Affiliated University.
Award Amount
Program enrollment fee is waived and exam registration fee is reduced to USD 350.
Application Deadline
1 February for June exam and 8 August for December exam.
Eligibility
Students currently attending an Affiliated University.
How to Apply? Complete the application
Login and complete the application form with your university's principal contact. Get the application »
University Allocation Criteria
Three student scholarships are granted to each Affiliated University per year. These scholarships are awarded to recipients chosen by the university principal contact and in accordance with Official Scholarships Rules. Find out more »
Women's Scholarship
This scholarship is available to women around the world who are interested in earning the CFA charter and who do not qualify for other CFA Institute scholarships. Women working in the investment management industry are encouraged to apply.
Award Amount
Program enrollment fee is waived and exam registration fee is reduced to USD 350.
Application Window
All Women's Scholarships for the December 2019 exams have been awarded. The application window for the June 2020 exam is now open. This window will close when all scholarships have been awarded. Note: This may occur before the application deadline of 1 February for the June exam.
Eligibility
For women who are interested in earning the CFA charter, do not qualify for other CFA Institute scholarships, and have not yet registered for their next exam.
How to Apply? Complete the application
Log in and complete the online application. Get the application »
Are you looking for other type of a scholarship? Check official scholarship website here »
CFA PREP COURSES
Having in mind the candidates sitting one of three levels of the renowned Chartered Financial Analyst® examination, CFA Society Poland has organised special preparatory CFA® courses. Expert knowledge, long-standing understanding of CFA® specifics and an attractive price. Take care of your professional prospects with CFA Society Poland!
The CFA® examination consists of three levels and is considered one of the most challenging and at the same time desirable qualifications in the world of finance. The programme is gaining in popularity among professionals, despite the fact that obtaining the title itself is not an easy process. CFA Society Poland, which acts as a supporter of higher financial standards as well as popularises education, is about to launch a series of meetings aiming to provide preparation for candidates before their examinations.
Who is the target audience of the CFA® preparatory courses?
Anyone who signed up at cfainstitute.org for an upcoming exam on any level can participate in the courses. The courses have been designed so as to provide the scope of knowledge required on the Level I, Level II and Level III exams.
Why should I participate in the CFA® preparatory courses?
We have invited the best practitioners and lecturers with multi-year experience to make sure the courses meet candidate expectations. Thanks to them you will be able to deepen your understanding of the aspects included in the CFA® programme.
In addition:
- You will be able to participate in study groups, which enable effective team learning in a space provided by the Society free of charge in a convenient location;
- You are guaranteed to participate in a Mock Exam, which covers with 100 per cent accuracy the syllabus of the real exam organised by the CFA Institute.
The next edition for candidates in planned for Autumn 2021.