Requirements to Become a CFA Charterholder

  1. Pass the Three Levels of the CFA Exam:

    • These exams focus on a deep understanding of investment management, ethics, financial analysis, portfolio management, and other core finance topics.

  2. Earn the Required Work Experience:

    • You need 4,000 hours of relevant work experience completed in at least 36 months (roughly three years).
    • The work experience must involve decision-making, analysis, or activities related to the investment decision-making process. Examples include:
      • Portfolio management
      • Investment analysis
      • Risk management
      • Financial planning
    • Experience can be accrued before, during, or after the CFA exams, as long as it meets the criteria.

  3. Submit Professional References:

    • You’ll need 2-3 professional references (depending on your local CFA society) who can vouch for your work experience and character.

  4. Become a CFA Institute Member:

    • Apply for membership in the CFA Institute and your local CFA society.
    • Pay annual dues and agree to adhere to the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Can You Call Yourself a CFA Without Work Experience?

No, you cannot use the “CFA” designation until you meet all the requirements, including the work experience. However, you can still list “Passed CFA Level 1/2/3” on your resume.

Since you have a background in Finance and Accounting, some roles may count toward the work experience requirement if they involve:

If your current work experience doesn’t qualify, consider internships, entry-level analyst roles, or other positions closely tied to the investment process.

Next Steps

  1. Focus on passing CFA Level 1 and explore potential career paths in investment or finance to gain relevant work experience.

  2. If you're unsure whether a job qualifies, the CFA Institute provides a self-assessment tool when applying for membership. You can also contact them for clarification.