CFA Program

It is the abbreviation of Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA program Bridges industry practice, investment theory, and ethical and professional standards to provide investment analysis and portfolio management skills. The CFA program Curriculum covers concepts and skills you will use at all stages of your career, bridging academic theory, current industry practice, and ethical and professional standards to provide a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills.

·       Importance

As most graduate schools cover a range of topics, while the CFA program focuses specifically on investment knowledge. Employers recognize the CFA charter as a reliable way to differentiate the most qualified and determined job applicants, frequently listing the CFA charter as a requirement for certain positions.

• ·       Earnings

CFA charter holders are among world’s highest paid professionals. Its evidence can be found on www.google.com  According to Candidates surveyed in JUNE 2013 highly value earning CFA charter, with an average rating of 8.9 out of 10. Over one-third of them cited career advancement as the primary reason the choose the CFA program.

• ·       Program Requirements

Program requirements are:

• ·         You have at least 16-years of education (Business related)
• ·         You understand the professional  conduct statement and candidate statement.
• ·         Have a valid international Travel passport.
• Further details for specific countries can be found on www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram
• ·       The Curriculum

The CFA program is divided into three levels where a candidate have to pass each consecutive level to enroll for next. To sit in level-3 a candidate must have passed level-1&2 exams and have at least 4 to 5 years experience in finance related field. Each level consists of one paper  and it is purely analytical based. So, one has to be more careful while solving the exam. About 3 to 4 hrs daily(for six months)     study of course material and other helping material is minimum required to pass the exam, its not mandatory but one has to give much time to get the understanding of what the exam is all about.

Exam curriculum can be downloaded from www.cfainstitute,org/programs/cfaprogram/courseofstudy/pages/curriculum.aspx 

• ·       Additional and important information

CFA institute provides complete curriculum and books when you register for the program. Important exam dates are of December attempt and June attempt i.e. twice a year. You can choose your exam center and desired date according to your convenience. Students  should  register at least 8 to 9 months prior to exam  to avoid extra charges. The CFA institute also provide excess  scholarship  program for deserving students and it is approved by their board of directors.

This Information is enough to have a bird’s eye view of CFA program and make your mind to opt for it.