Get the expertise and skills you need to excel in investment analysis. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification equips you with the knowledge and real-life experience to boost your job prospects and set you on the right path to career success.
The CFA is one of the most respected qualifications in the investment management profession. Learn all about it here and make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.
What Is the CFA Qualification?
The CFA qualification is a highly regarded professional qualification that is awarded by the CFA Institute, a leading association of investment professionals. The CFA course can be taken by both aspiring and current investment professionals.
The award of the CFA qualification makes the awardee a CFA charter holder. There are now over 190,000 CFA charter holders around the world. CFA charter holders have proven they have high-level skills and expertise in financial analysis and a firm commitment to professionalism and ethics.
The CFA program combines studying with work experience. CFA preparation teaches all the skills necessary to thrive in finance:
- Technical competence within the financial services world
- The fundamentals of portfolio management, wealth planning, derivatives, company valuation, and more
- A knowledge of ethics and professional standards
- Financial statement analysis skills
The CFA course is updated often to ensure it stays relevant. For instance, current students are learning about machine learning, AI, and data science in financial services.
How Do You Qualify with CFA?
The CFA qualification requires participants to pass three written exams at levels 1 to 3 and undertake work experience placements. To qualify, participants must study the CFA program before completing their exams. The course takes a minimum of 19 months to complete.
Levels 1 to 3 of the program build on each other, growing in complexity. At the end of each level, participants take an exam, much of which is multiple choice. A Practical Skills Module must be completed at each level. This requires looking at case studies, viewing videos, and going through guided practice to enhance confidence and real-world skills.
It is recommended that participants enroll in a CFA course, either online or face-to-face. This will provide all the study and revision materials, tools, tuition and guidance necessary for success. A good course will supply and mark mock exams, provide a personal tutor and enable access to peer support whether you are learning face-to-face or online.
Who Can Take the CFA?
The CFA is designed for those who are already working in financial analysis or those who wish to.
There are some minimum requirements for entry. Entrants to the exams must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or be about to complete one
- Or a minimum of 4,000 hours of relevant work experience
- Or a combination of 4 years’ worth of relevant full-time work experience and education
The only other requirement is the ability to study hard and stay motivated. This is an ambitious qualification that needs hard work to complete. Support is on hand with the right tutors, however, and the rewards for completing the course make it very worthwhile.
Why Should You Complete the CFA Qualification?
Current and prospective financial analysis professionals choose to undertake the CFA program for many great reasons. Here, we outline a few of the reasons you might choose this option.
- To boost your credentials
The CFA is a highly regarded qualification that looks great on your resume. It’s a great way to move your career forward and towards your professional goals.
CFA charter holders are in high demand and the qualification offers great job prospects.
If you are a current or recent undergraduate looking to kickstart your career, or if you are already working in finance and are looking to move up the ladder or switch paths into financial analysis, this course is for you.
- To upskill and update
The CFA qualification covers everything a financial analyst needs to know in the current financial climate. The CFA program will empower you with skills and knowledge you can put to use straight away.
If you are concerned that your knowledge is outdated or if you think you could put wider or deeper knowledge of financial analysis to good use, this course is for you.
- Have a choice of career paths
Graduates of the CFA program enter fulfilling and rewarding career paths such as investment banking, asset management, commercial banking, consultancy, and wealth management.
If you are looking for a flexible qualification that is relevant to careers in or related to financial services, this course is for you.
- To join a network of professionals
Graduates of the course join the elite group of CFA charter holders around the world. Hundreds of CFA societies provide excellent opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and networking within the field.
If you believe it would be in your interest to join this network of financial professionals, this course is for you.
- To access better salaries
On average, CFA charter holders earn better salaries than their colleagues without the qualification. The CFA qualification demonstrates you have the skills to excel in financial analysis and this makes you a valuable asset, worthy of substantial reward.
If you would like to access better remittance packages, then this course is for you.
How Does CFA Compare With ACCA, an MBA, and other qualifications?
The CFA charter is a relevant credential for many careers in finance. There are alternatives that you may be considering.
The MBA
A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is also an elite qualification and it takes two years of full-time study. The MBA is demanding like the CFA.
The MBA is a more general qualification than the CFA so is suited to more career paths outside finance. The MBA demonstrates excellent knowledge of strategy and leadership, and graduates usually have specialist knowledge of one particular industry. The CFA is specific to financial analysis.
Many elite finance professionals hold both the CFA and MBA so this may be something you aspire to.
ACCA Qualification
The ACCA and CFA qualifications relate to different professions. The ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) qualification is better suited to those targeting accountancy as a career.
You do not need a degree or as many years of experience to undertake the ACCA compared to the CFA so it is also more useful for those at career entry level or just beyond.
Other qualifications
There are multiple qualifications available to finance professionals seeking career entry or advancement. However, the CFA is the most highly regarded of all. If you are in a position to consider taking the CFA program and meet the entry requirements, it is highly recommended.
Next Steps
If you are interested in progressing your career with the CFA charter, the next step is to find an excellent CFA course provider to support your journey. Both online and face-to-face classes can help you on your way to success in this demanding but rewarding program.
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