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CFA® Program

2026 CFA Exam Price Changes

Registration fees will change for all 2026 exams, beginning with the February 2026 CFA Program exam. See details here.

CFA Program overview

The CFA Program is your pathway to becoming a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). Equipping you with real-world skills in investment analysis, a Chartered Financial Analyst credential helps you thrive in the competitive investment industry.

Strive for the gold standard of investment credentials

To be able to join more than 200,000 chartered financial analysts globally recognized for their commitment to ethics and professionalism, you need to complete the three exams that make up the CFA Program. They test the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning.

Every step of the way, we’ll support you as you grow your knowledge. Once you achieve the status of Chartered Financial Analyst, your strong foundation in advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills will qualify you to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.

CFA® Program, your pathway to becoming a globally recognized CFA charterholder // Chris Wiese, CFA
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      Why become a CFA Charterholder?

      Mark of distinction

      Show employers you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and continually evolving investment industry.

      Career opportunities

      Open up new pathways into a wide range of investment decision-making careers, including asset and wealth management, commercial banking, and consulting.

      Global gateway

      Leverage the global recognition of the CFA Charter to pursue investment management roles anywhere in the world.

      Stay ahead

      Equip yourself with the skills to thrive in the evolving finance industry with a Chartered Financial Analyst credential.

      Insights from experts

      Learn key real-world skills in investment analysis from the leaders in investment education.

      Enhanced professional profile

      Earn an easily shareable digital badge to display your achievement in your online networks.

      How to become a CFA Charterholder

      1. Pass the CFA Program exams

        The CFA Program is made up of three exams. You need to pass all three levels, alongside modules that build your practical skills, to become a Chartered Financial Analyst.

      2. Complete qualifying work experience

        Your work experience must either be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. You can carry out your work experience before, during, or after you participate in the CFA Program.

      3. Apply for membership

        You need to be a regular member of the CFA Institute to achieve the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to submit 2-3 professional references to comment on your work experience and professional character. Learn more about applying for membership.

      4. Become a member of CFA Institute

        Once your application is approved and you have joined CFA Institute, you will have earned your CFA charter.

      Who is the CFA Program for?

      • University students looking to launch a career in finance, corporate banking or investment management.
      • Existing industry professionals wanting to establish or enhance their credentials.
      • Professionals from other industries who want to change the focus of their careers.
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      Study tools to support your learning

      The Learning Ecosystem is our comprehensive digital learning platform, available to all registered candidates of the CFA Program. Adaptive and mobile-friendly, it lets you learn at your own pace when and where it’s convenient for you.

      Through the Learning Ecosystem, you’ll access the official program curriculum as well as study tools like practice questions, mock exams, flashcards, and more.

      Valued by employers

      Who do CFA Charterholders work for?

      CFA Charterholders are employed by some of the world’s biggest financial institutions. These include JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Royal Bank of Canada, BofA Securities, UBS Group, HSBC Holdings, Wells Fargo and Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, BlackRock, and TD Bank Financial Group.

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      Setting the standard

      Employers recognize and respect the strong foundation in advanced investment analysis and portfolio management skills that the CFA Program gives you. So much so that some even make it a requirement.

      Testimonials about CFA Charter

      You can hire people with an MBA, but you don't necessarily know that one MBA is the same as another MBA. Whereas if you hire investment professionals with a CFA, you absolutely have confidence at the level of qualification.
      Jenny Johnson CEO/President Franklin Templeton
      The CFA® designation gives confidence to both sides of the table, to myself and my technical skills, and to the client that they're dealing with a competent professional.
      Mustafa O. Pasha, CFA CIO Lakson Investments
      The CFA (Program) journey has given me an opportunity to stand out among the crowd as not everyone opts for it. The CFA® credentials have allowed me to grow in my current company. I'm now making more informed decisions about client portfolios.
      Misbah Pervaiz, CFA Atlas Asset Management
      The CFA® charter has greatly helped me to perform my duties as a Risk Manager in terms of developing financial risk management techniques and of assessing the risks inherent within the bank and within different instruments that we are using in general.
      Mariam Agha, CFA Manager, Financial Risk Microfinance Bank

      Ready to take the next step?

      Start your CFA Program journey today.
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        CFA® Program

        From USD 990
        /exam *
        *See fees and calendar tab for details.
        Register now before 2026 exam price changes
        • Credential - 3 levels / 3 exams
        • Advanced level
        • 300 hours per level
        • Self-paced online learning
        • Learning materials included

        Frequently asked questions

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