What’s a CFA cert?

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The CFA qualification is a prestigious postgraduate level program in financial affairs offered by the CFA Institute. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience. Completion of the program leads to a CFA charter, and graduates are referred to as CFA charter holders. The course is self-guided and typically takes about four years to complete, including testing. Graduates of the program are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and hold themselves to a high standard as financial professionals.

The Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA qualification, is awarded to those who complete the required course material and pass a series of tests, taken over a three-year period. Awardees of this prestigious designation are considered experts in financial management and investment strategy and are highly sought after in the world of corporate finance. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, or four years of equivalent industry experience, before starting the course. The CFA qualification is recognized around the world.

After completing course material, candidates for a CFA qualification must take and pass three separate six-hour tests, one held each year. Only upon successful completion of all three successive tests is a person recognized as a Financial Analyst. Exams must be taken at designated testing centers offered in many cities around the world in many countries. The Level I test is offered twice a year, but the Level II and III exams are only held once a year, usually in June. All candidates are required to take the test in English as it is not offered in any other language.

The course of study to earn a CFA qualification is rigorous, including essential topics such as ethical practices and business standards. This is a postgraduate level in financial affairs and is offered by the CFA Institute. Completion of the program leads to a CFA charter, and graduates are referred to as CFA charter holders. Studies are self-guided and typically take about four years to complete, including testing.

The course also covers many technical topics in detail, including various types of analysis and economic topics such as market forces and supply and demand. Other subjects a CFA should study include inflation, financial reporting, stock investing, and corporate finance methods. Graduates of the program are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and hold themselves to a high standard as financial professionals.

Once a person earns their CFA qualification, it can result in a number of perks at work. Often, those who receive the letter are well respected in the workplace and may enjoy significant pay increases, promotions, or expanded career opportunities. In some cases, the CFA qualification may be a requirement before a person can advance beyond a certain level in the finance industry.




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