Heard a lot of CFA but still not enough? Aspire at the rescue! CFA is becoming a well-pursued course by finance enthusiasts, so let's dive down and learn more about this much-reputed course.
What is CFA Program?
The CFA Program is a US-based course recognized globally as a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning.
The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business.
CFA charterholders earn the right to use the CFA designation after program completion, application, and acceptance by CFA Institute. CFA charterholders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.
Why CFA is the door to your career path?
Before you get started in the CFA program, it is important to ask yourself why you want to pursue the course in the first place.
Many people pursue the CFA charter because they believe it will make them better finance professionals.
Certainly, the knowledge gained from the CFA program will improve your confidence and ability to converse about a diverse variety of financial topics. Others pursue the CFA charter because of the potential payoff from it.
Not only will the CFA charter help you differentiate yourself in the industry, but it is relatively inexpensive to get. The cost of pursuing the CFA charter can be as much as 1/8 of the cost of completing an MBA program.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for CFA Level 1:
Meet any one of the following enrolment requirements:
a) Bachelor’s Degree
b) Student in Final Year
the exam window must be 11 months or fewer before your graduation month for your bachelor’s degree or equivalent program.
One can write Level 2 exam only if they clear the degree program
c) Professional Work Experience
Have a combination of 4,000 hours of work experience and/or higher education.
Opportunities
Typical jobs for CFA Charterholders
Portfolio Management
Research
Consulting
Risk Analysis and Risk Management
Investment Strategy
Typical Investment Management among CFA Charterholders
Asset Management
Commercial Banking
Private Wealth Management
Investment Banking
Insurance
Why Pursue CFA?
Cost-effective program when compared to other courses in the field of finance: An individual who does not have the time/resources to go through a full-time MBA Finance program can opt for CFAs as the course is relatively cheaper.
It is consistent with the latest global trends: Ongoing analysis ensures that every CFA is in line with BEST global practices.
Meaningful ethical standards: Code of ethics is taken very seriously in this particular course. CFAs uphold the highest professional standards and abides by a strict code of ethics.
Easier exam when compared to some of its peers: Unlike other examinations where analytical skills don't play a major role, CFA exams are much more real world based. The latest exam pass rates for the CFA exam are:
44% for Level I (February 2021)
55% for Level II (December 2020)
56% for Level III (December 2020)
The increasing result percentage for every subsequent level shows that the course ensures conceptual learning at every step of this journey.