The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a highly respected, globally recognized course in finance, offered by the CFA Institute in the USA. This certification can open doors to roles like portfolio manager, financial advisor, consultant, and more, making it one of the most valued credentials in finance. The CFA exams are conducted in 3 levels, each becoming more complex and specialized than the previous one.

Candidates must wait at least 6 months between exams for each level. The CFA Level I exams are conducted 4 times a year (February, May, August, November), Level II is conducted 3 times a year (May, August, November), and Level III is conducted 2 times a year (February, August). You can visit our calendar to stay up to date with the latest dates.

Key Takeaways:

1. • Undergraduate students can register for Level I if their exam window is within 23 months of their bachelor's graduation month.
   • Working professionals need a minimum of 4,000 hours of combined work experience and/or higher education over at least three years.
   • A valid international passport and proficiency in English are mandatory requirements for all candidates.

CFA Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CFA program, candidates need to meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether you are an undergraduate student or a working professional.

For Undergraduate Students

1. • Level I: You can register if your selected exam window is within 23 months or less before your bachelor's graduation month.
   • Level II: You must be within 11 months of graduating.
   • Level III: You must have completed your bachelor's degree.

If you're in a 4-year degree program (per India's NEP), CFA Institute will consider graduation at the end of the third year, but you must verify your graduation date for eligibility.

For Working Professionals

1. • A minimum of 4,000 hours of combined work experience and/or higher education over at least three years is required to register for Level I.
   • Education and work experience should not overlap; education hours are counted as 1,000 hours per year.
   • Work experience does not need to be in finance but must be professional and paid. Paid internships and work in personal or family businesses can also be considered if they involve professional duties.

Additional Requirements

Understand Attempts and Exam Language

Attempt Limits

Candidates are allowed up to two sittings per calendar year (when applicable). However, they must not be in consecutive windows and never less than six months apart. A maximum of six total attempts per level is allowed, including partial exams.

Exam Language

The CFA exams are administered only in English. Therefore, candidates must be prepared to read, comprehend, and respond in English at all levels.

Conclusion

Generally, students can start preparing for the CFA exam 6-7 months in advance. Some may start earlier or later, depending on their preparation needs and how quickly they grasp concepts. It is always wise to keep an eye on official CFA exam updates so that any policy or registration change does not catch you by surprise.