Certificate
Investment Foundation Certificate - Student
FULL-TIME STUDENTS ONLY
USD 79.00
A smart investment in your career starts here
The CFA Institute Investment FoundationsⓇ Certificate is a fantastic opportunity, particularly for first and second-year university undergraduate students, to gain a solid understanding of finance and the investment industry.
For just $79 for full-time students, you can take your first step into the global world of finance, build your knowledge, and enhance your resume.
Why take the Investment Foundations Certificate as a student?
Foundational knowledge
Learn the essentials of finance from the experts in investment education.
New opportunities
Explore a career in finance, even if your current degree is in a non-related subject.
Accessible pricing
Invest in your future without a large financial commitment .
Competitive edge
Give your CV an impressive boost by demonstrating your dedication to learning.
Specialized vocabulary
Learn the language of finance, whether English is your first language or not.
Career direction
Gain clarity on your next steps after graduating,
What you will learn
A successful career in finance begins with understanding the terminology and key foundational concepts. This online certificate will teach you investment essentials like the different types of markets and how they operate, a s well as investment industry ethics. View the full syllabus (PDF) .
Curriculum
Course 1
The Investment Foundations Certificate starts by introducing you to the investment industry's structure, including the types of institutions, functions of participants, and services it consists of. Discover the benefits of the investment industry and the forces that affect its evolution, including technological innovations, the importance of ethics/ethical conduct, and an overview of the purpose and types of regulators and regulations that govern the industry.
Course 2
Learn about primary and secondary markets and how they operate. In this course, you’ll also be introduced to the concepts of decentralized finance and investment vehicles – how they are structured, and how those structures serve investors.
Course 3
This course helps you become familiar with the types and characteristics of primary investment instruments. These include stocks (equity securities ), bonds ( debt securities) , alternative investments, and derivatives.
Course 4
See how investment professionals identify and analyze relevant information, and develop an understanding of how that impacts their investment and financing decisions.
Course 5
Discover how investment firms serve clients' investment needs and examine risk considerations and management. You will also discover how portfolio performance evaluation helps investment professionals and their clients better understand sources of risks and returns.
Course 6
Find out about the benefits, key concepts, and approaches to Sustainable Investing, and how it links to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). You’ll also learn how ethical dilemmas can be addressed using an ethical decision-making framework.
2 hours 20 minutes
Complete the certificate with an online assessment, which consists of 100 multiple choice questions. You’ll have two attempts to pass.
How you will learn
You’ll work towards the Investment Foundations Certificate through engaging content and activities that can fit in with your other studies.
Self-paced online learning
Register and start studying straight away. You'll have access to the course content and activities plus the final assessment for 12 months from registration.
Modular structure
The certificate will take approximately 40-70 hours to complete.
Maintain your progress as you work through each course by setting study goals along the way.
Testimonials from certificate holders
"This is an excellent entry-level program, and it's great for university students who are interested in an investment career."
Certificate holder
"Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance in your career, this course provides essential knowledge and skills that will set you apart in the finance industry."
Ariful Islam
Senior Assistant-Audit and Risk Consultancy Services
KPMG Bangladesh
The [certificate] provides that crucial common language for all the personnel outside investment roles to effectively communicate, support, and raise the overall standards, all grounded in the ethical principles for participants across the profession!
Jayesh Bhansali, CFA
Member, Standards of Practice Council
CFA Institute
“I recommend [Investment Foundations] to anyone interested in finance, markets, and macroeconomics.”
Sergio Besana
Claims Fraud and Recovery Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
You are eligible for student pricing if you are currently enrolled full-time at a recognized university, high school, or college . Full-time status is defined by the institution’s specific requirements, such as a minimum number of credit hours or classes. Both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s, doctoral) students qualify if they meet the full-time enrolment criteria.
Our dedicated University Relations team can help p rofessors who want to learn more about the certificate, and the benefits to both students and professors. Contact [email protected] for more information.
You will have access to the learning materials for 12 months from the date of purchase. Learning materials and assessments can be accessed anywhere, online, providing maximum flexibility and convenience to candidates.
The Investment Foundations Certificate covers fundamental topics similar to Level I of the CFA Program, providing you with a solid grasp of the investment industry. It's an excellent place to start if you are interested in pursuing the CFA Program.
The Investment Foundations Certificate is a valuable addition to your resume, demonstrating your knowledge of finance and the investment industry. Earning this certificate can help you stand out to potential employers and open doors to a range of career opportunities in the finance industry, showcasing your dedication and expertise.
Yes, high school students are eligible for the certificate. It's a great way to gain early exposure to the finance industry and build a solid foundation for a future career.