Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Designation
Considering the CFA charter? Looking to propel your career in investment management? The CFA charter is a powerful credential, respected around the world. Position yourself as a leader in finance. |
Why Become A CFA Charterholder
The Chartered Financial Analyst "CFA" designation is a globally sought after graduate-level investment management credential granted by CFA Institute.
Whether you are a practicing investment professional, switching careers, or looking to start your future in finance, the CFA charter can open doors for career growth, better job security and greater income which in turn can lead to an improved quality of life.
Click here to view CFA FAQ for Charter Financial Analyst salary details.
First awarded in 1963, today the CFA designation is held by more than 178,000 professionals globally, and is growing 7% annually with nearly 200,000 test takers per year. Successful candidates take on average between 4 to 5 years to earn the CFA charter. The minimum time to complete all three exams is 18 months.
How To Earn the CFA Charter
The path to becoming a CFA charterholder has 4 steps:
PASS CFA Learn More CFA Program contains three levels of curriculum, each with its own exam. Passing the exam for all three levels confirms a strong knowledge of the rigorous CFA curriculum, and is one of the requirements for earning the Charter Financial Analyst designation. |
ACHEIVE Learn More Complete work experience requirements before, during, or after participation in CFA Program. Your experience must be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. |
SUBMIT Learn More In support of your membership application, you will need to provide 2-3 professional references. References will be asked to comment on your work experience and professional character. |
APPLY TO Learn More Apply to become a regular member of CFA Institute. Once your application is approved and you have joined CFA Institute, you will have earned the CFA charter. |
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What is the CFA Program?
Passing the CFA exams puts you on the path to earn the charter.
LEVEL I Learn More The Level I CFA exam (basic knowledge exam), is a "time-pressure exercise of learning a little about a lot of topics". Exam Success provides winning study solutions that cut the fat, teach you how to tackle the overwhelming volume and breadth of material and give you the keys to answer the questions (standalone Multiple Choice) the "CFA" way. |
LEVEL II Learn More The Level II CFA exam (Analyst's exam), is considered to be the toughest; in terms of content complexity as well as question format (Item Set). These new challenges call for a new game plan — and Exam Success delivers. Our winning study solutions synthesize the material, cut the distractions and teach you the analytical and applied skills you need to crack the Item Set code. |
LEVEL III Learn More The Level III CFA exam (Portfolio Manager's exam) is made up of Item Set questions, and Essay questions — the main source of pain and where Exam Success helps you ratchet up the points. Here on the home stretch our winning study solutions help you correctly interpret the questions and construct the answers using the right keywords, writing style and structure, all in the right amount of time. |
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The CFA Program is divided into three levels of exams that must be taken in succession. While the curriculum is designed for self-study, many candidates elect to prepare with Exam Success to faciliate the process.
View FAQ for details on CFA exam dates, topics, structure, weightings, registration costs...
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CFA candidate? Choose Exam Success. We take pride in our place as Canada's longest-serving CFA Program prep provider. Since 1999 we've helped 1000s of candidates worldwide pass — quick, no sweat. Your simplest path to a pass. |
Pass with the Prof. Exam Success students prepare to pass the CFA Program exams by learning from one of the most talented teachers in the profession; company Founder Prof. Brian Gordon, CFA, CFP, CIM, MBA, FSCI. No-nonsense prep students love. | ![]() |
Your Next Step
Select your CFA exam level to start.
Our study solutions by Prof. Gordon do the hard work for you. They cut the fat, uncomplicate the content and show you where to invest your time, efficenty guiding you to exam success.



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What Sets Exam Success Ahead
Not all CFA Program prep is created equal.
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Exam Success students work at top firms:

*5/5-Star Rating Average (1000+ Exam Success Student Surveys 2014 - 2019). 2019 Top Choice Award Nominee in multiple categories. Exam Success follows CFA Institute Prep Provider Guidelines. Required Disclaimer: CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by Exam Success. CFA Institute, CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.