CFA® Program guide
Everything you need to know about the CFA® Program
What the charter is, who it's for, how the three levels work, and what it takes to register, prepare and pass.
CFA® Program guide
What is it?
The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charter is the most widely respected credential in investment management. It is awarded by CFA Institute to candidates who pass three sequential exams (Levels I, II and III), complete the required work experience and commit to its Code of Ethics. Each level builds on the last: from investment tools, to asset valuation, to portfolio management and wealth planning.
3
exams, taken in order
4,000
hours of relevant experience
300+
study hours per level
Finance professionals
Analysts, accountants and bankers who want a globally recognised credential and faster progression.
Career switchers
Engineers, economists and other professionals moving into investment, risk or corporate finance.
Final-year students and graduates
Build a global profile early and stand out for analyst roles and graduate programmes.
Business owners and investors
Learn to read financial statements, value assets and make disciplined investment decisions.
The three levels
Each level builds on the last, from investment tools to valuation to portfolio management.
CFA® Level I
CFA Level I Complete
Opening soon
CFA® Level II
CFA Level II Complete
Opportunities
Charterholders work across research, investing, banking and advisory. Roles vary by market and experience.
Your path
A bachelor's degree (or final 23 months of one), or 4,000 hours of work experience, plus an international passport.
Create an account at cfainstitute.org, pay the one-time enrolment fee and book your Level I exam window.
Study 300+ hours per level. Join a batch timed to your exam window, with live classes and mocks.
Book a seat at a Prometric centre (including Accra) and complete a Practical Skills Module to receive your result.
Eligibility
Students
You can register for Level I if you hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or are within 23 months of completing one.
Working professionals
Without a degree, you qualify with 4,000 hours of relevant work experience accrued over at least 36 months.
Combination
Education and work experience can be combined to reach the 4,000-hour requirement, but the periods cannot overlap.
Before every level
A valid international passport is required to register and on exam day.
Fees
FAQ
Our team can help you choose an exam window and a batch that fits your schedule.
Opening soon
CFA® Level III
CFA Level III Complete
Opening soon
Pass all three levels, log 4,000 hours of qualifying experience and become a CFA Institute member.
Exam fees are paid to CFA Institute and are separate from our tuition. CFA Institute also offers scholarships that reduce exam fees; we can't award or influence them.
Important to know