Program
CFA Program Level I
USD 0.00
Strive for the gold standard of investment credentials
To be able to join more than 200,000 certified 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.
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 certification.
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.
Who is the CFA Program for?
University studentslooking to launch a career in finance, corporate banking or investment management.
Existing industry professionalswanting to establish or enhance their credentials.
Professionals from other industrieswho want to change the focus of their careers.
Check registration requirements
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.
Learn more about the CFA Program learning experience
Tools to support your learning
Becoming a CFA Charterholder requires dedication. But as a CFA Institute candidate, you have our complete support every step of the way. We’ll provide you with access to a wealth of information and tools to help you pass all three levels and excel in your career.
Learning Ecosystem
The Learning Ecosystem (LES) is a digital learning tool to help you study more effectively by:
- Personalizing your learning experience.
- Making the curriculum more engaging.
- Giving you convenient access to materials.
Using the desktop or mobile app, access the curriculum for your selected exam plus 1,000+ practice questions, two official mock exams released approximately 60 days before each exam window, study plans that adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, curriculum-based games and flashcards, and more. The LES is also where you can access your Practical Skills Modules.
Practice Pack
The Practice Pack is an optional add-on to the Learning Ecosystem, including an extra 1,000 practice questions, immediate access to five official mock exams, and one Prometric mock exam that simulates the exam-day experience. All questions included were written by the same test writers who wrote the questions you’ll see on exam day.
Practice Pack is currently available to all Level I candidates and Level II candidates." Learn more about Practice Pack
Exam preparation providers
In addition to the study support provided by CFA Institute, you can benefit from extra exam prep courses and materials from third party providers. Approved CFA Institute prep providers agree to follow CFA Institute guidelines and standards in their offerings and communications with candidates. Learn more about exam prep providers
Exam fees & calendar
CFA Program exams are administered four times a year, at over 400 testing centers around the world in most major cities. You're allowed to take the exam a maximum of twice each calendar year but not in consecutive windows or windows that are six months or less apart. View Registration Dates and Exam Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program. This takes into account the recommended study time of 300 hours per level. To become a member and use the CFA Charterholder designation, you also need at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, completed in a minimum of 36 months. Work experience can be obtained whilst you study.
Based on exam fees, it costs USD 2,550 – 4,800 to complete all three levels of the CFA Program and become a charterholder (depending on whether you register for your exams during the Early or Standard registration period). When you register for your Level I exam, you will also need to pay a one-time enrollment fee of USD 350. All fees need to be paid in US dollars. This information is correct as of October 2024.
View Fees & CalendarFrom studying through to exam day and beyond, we have a variety of resources to help you successfully complete the CFA Program.
Visit CFA Program candidate resources to learn more.Exam rescheduling fee
A USD 250 rescheduling fee will apply if you need to reschedule your exam appointment within your exam window.
Learn about the prerequisites and qualifications necessary to embark on the CFA Program journey. From educational backgrounds to work experience criteria, we outline the key elements that contribute to your eligibility and readiness for the program.
