Key Takeaways:
- The time to complete the CFA program usually ranges between 2 to 3 years, as it is based on the success rate and work experience and also the time required for preparation.
- CFA institute advise that you will need to prepare about 300 hours for each level to increase the possibility of passing the examinations.
- In contrast to other finance qualifications, the duration of the CFA in India is much longer, as it is specialized on investment and portfolio management.
Comprehensive Summary on CFA Course Duration:
- CFA Certification: The globally recognized CFA charter or credential offered by the CFA Institute is a mark of excellence in the career path for investment management, financial analysis and portfolio management.
- CFA Course Duration Timeline: The total duration of the CFA course will usually take about 2 to 3 years; however, with a good preparation, candidates can complete the CFA course in a minimum of 18-24 months’ time.
- Duration of CFA for Different Educational Backgrounds: The CFA duration is different in many cases, such as CFA after 12th, CFA after graduation, CFA after BCom or CFA after CA as there is variation in the candidate’s knowledge and basic understanding.
- Structure and Eligibility of CFA Exams: The CFA course is structured into 3 levels, and the CFA exam duration is approximately 4 hours 24 minutes and involves huge preparation.
- Effects of Various Factors on CFA: CFA course duration in India is dependent on factors like studying with consistency, attempting exam multiple times, personal work schedule, etc.
- Benefits of a Career after CFA: A certified CFA charterholder may find jobs such as investment banker, equity researcher, fund manager or in any related financial field which has a lot of scope.
Considered the “gold standard” in global finance, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is granted by the CFA Institute. Most interested candidates have this question about the CFA course duration.
Factors such as your current education level, how you intend to study for exams, when you plan to sit for exams, and whether or not you are taking the CFA after 12th grade, after completing a bachelor’s degree, or after becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) all impact the length of time you take to complete the program.
In this blog, you will find information about all aspects of the curriculum, timelines, eligibility criteria, what is CFA, difficulty level of the CFA exams, career possibilities with the CFA certificate, and how long it may take to complete the CFA certification.
Planning to Pursue CFA After 12th, Graduation, or CA? Get the Right Roadmap.
Talk to an ExpertWhat is the CFA Certification?
CFA Certification, the Chartered Financial Analyst designation is a globally recognised certification by the CFA Institute, awarded to candidates trying to create a career path in Investment Banking, Equity Research, Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, and Financial Consulting.
The CFA syllabus covers the following topics:
- Portfolio Management
- Economics
- Quantitative Methods
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Equity Investments
- Fixed Income
- Corporate Finance
- Ethical and Professional Standards
The CFA Certification is universally recognised because it is a credible mark of a candidate’s financial, investment management, and analytical skills to employers worldwide.
Why Pursue CFA Certification?
Here are a few of the major advantages:
- The recognition that this finance field is worldwide.
- The career path opportunities available for people with this designation.
- The investment and finance knowledge a professional acquires.
- The salary potential.
- The global finance community to network with.
CFA Program Structure: Levels, Exams & Work Experience
It’s important to understand that the CFA program has 3 examination levels and a professional work experience component.
| Component | Requirement |
| CFA Level I | Pass Exam |
| CFA Level II | Pass Exam |
| CFA Level III | Pass Exam |
| Work Experience | 4,000 hours over a minimum of 36 months |
CFA Exam Structure: A Level-by-Level Overview
Each CFA level focuses on different aspects of finance and investment management.
| Level | Focus Area | Recommended Study Hours |
| Level I | Investment Fundamentals | 300+ Hours |
| Level II | Asset Valuation & Analysis | 300–350 Hours |
| Level III | Portfolio Management | 300–400 Hours |
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Enquire NowHow the 3-Level Structure Directly Impacts Your Timeline
All CFA levels have to be taken in sequence: candidates cannot take the exam out of order and may not take more than one level at the same time.
Overall, the CFA program duration will vary depending on the following:
- Time required to prepare for each exam
- When examinations are offered
- The number of times each candidate must sit for an exam
- Candidate’s education
- Candidate’s work schedule
Therefore, candidates may finish the CFA program in a timeframe anywhere from 18 months to 4 years.
CFA Course Duration
The time taken to complete CFA is different for different candidates. While a lot of candidates tend to finish their exams in the minimum possible time, for most candidates, it will take more than the minimum to balance studies and a job with exams. Typically, the duration for CFA in India will be 2 to 4 years for the majority of candidates.
Minimum vs Realistic CFA Course Duration
| Duration Type | Estimated Time |
| Fastest Possible Completion | 18–24 Months |
| Average Candidate | 2.5–4 Years |
| Including Work Experience Requirement | 3–4 Years |
Here’s a Clear Bifurcation of the Duration of the CFA Course
| Stages | Estimated Duration |
| Level I Preparation | 4–6 Months |
| Level II Preparation | 6–8 Months |
| Level III Preparation | 6–8 Months |
| Work Experience Requirement | 36 Months |
The actual CFA duration depends largely on preparation consistency and exam success.
Factors That Affect CFA Course Duration
There are many factors determining how fast you will be able to finish the CFA program.
- Prior knowledge: Having a background in finance, accounting, or economics may mean that you require less time for studying for the CFA exams.
- Amount of time committed to studying: The CFA Institute claims it will require 300 hours of study for each level of the CFA program.
- Attempts needed: You will only increase your study time if you failed to pass a level of the CFA exam and had to attempt to retake the test.
- Work/life balance: You will probably need more time for studying if you are a working professional and have to study during your free time, compared to the amount of time that full-time students have.
- Exam scheduling: The exam window and registration times can contribute to how long it will take you to complete the program.
- Learning aptitude: A candidate who has a strong understanding of the concepts involved will most likely progress more quickly through the CFA program than a candidate who does not.
CFA Course Duration by Educational Background
The timeline for completing the CFA program varies based on when you begin your journey.
| Educational Background | Estimated Duration |
| After 12th | 3–5 Years |
| After Graduation | 2–4 Years |
| After BCom | 2–3.5 Years |
| After CA | 1.5–3 Years |
CFA Course After 12th, Graduation or CA
A question that most CFA aspirants usually have is when you should pursue the CFA course. Students completing their graduation often wonder if they can take up the CFA course during their graduation itself. The answer to this question is a yes. You can pursue CFA in the last year of your graduation; however, it is not possible to take the CFA course right after the 12th. The minimum eligibility for CFA is an undergraduate qualification or bachelor’s degree from a renowned university.
You can also take up the CFA course while working as a finance professional or after completing any other finance or accounting course like CA or ACCA. While there are no exemptions for CFA, the benefits of pursuing CFA after CA are unmatched. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a CFA after CA.
- Since a major chunk of the CA syllabus overlaps with the syllabus of CFA Level 1, it becomes fairly easy to clear.
- You get top-notch knowledge in the world of finance, investments and accounting.
- You’ll gain the most prestigious degree in India and around the globe.
- With this dual degree, you could get a chance to work at a treasury or a multinational bank
To know more about the benefits of pursuing CFA after CA, you can check out our article on why pursue CFA after CA. This article explains in detail the reasons why you should take the CFA after the CA. While a dual degree would increase your CFA course duration, you can choose to space out your examinations and balance your career with two attempts in a year.
CFA Course Duration After BCom
A BCom provides you with excellent grounding in accounting, economics, taxation and finance. The overlap in knowledge helps you understand the CFA curriculum.
- Advantages of having a BCom.
- Good understanding of finance.
- Better comprehension of financial reporting.
- Faster study for Level I.
- Typically, you take 2-3.5 years to finish the CFA course once you have completed your BCom.
CFA Level 2 and Level 3 Duration & Requirements
After passing Level 1, you must complete Levels 2 and 3, each of which requires around 6 months of study. Because the tests can only be taken once a year, the length of the CFA course is increased.
CFA Course Duration After CA
Many professionals undergo the CFA after the CA in order to gain a higher level of proficiency in the field of investment and financial analysis.
The advantages that would benefit a Chartered Accountant would be as follows:
- Knowledge of accounting principles and practices
- Understanding of financial statements
- A greater depth of understanding regarding valuations
A CA, after completing the CFA, will be enrolled in the program for a minimum of 1.5 and a maximum of 3 years.
CFA Duration vs Other Finance Certifications
Students often compare CFA with other finance certifications before deciding which qualification to pursue.
| Certification | Typical Duration |
| CFA | 2–3 years |
| FRM | 12 to 18 months |
| CPA | 12 months |
| CMA USA | 6–18 Months |
Although CFA requires a longer commitment, it offers comprehensive expertise in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Who Should Pursue The CFA Course
The CFA course is best for people who want to build a career in finance, investment banking, asset management, or financial analysis.
Eligibility Criteria for CFA
- Bachelor’s degree or final year of graduation
- Professional work experience (4 years) for the CFA charter
- Passion for finance and investments
Education & Professional Requirements
The education and professional requirements are:
- Pass each of the three levels of the CFA exam
- Acquire appropriate work experience
- Become a member of the CFA Institute
- Follow an ethical and professional conduct
Challenges Faced During the CFA Course
- The CFA course could be lengthy and tough.
- The subjects are complicated and require regular study.
- Many people find it difficult to balance their work and studies.
- Completing all three levels requires effort and time.
Is CFA Difficult? Difficulty Level Across All 3 Levels
The CFA certification is considered one of the most challenging finance qualifications globally.
| Level | Difficulty |
| Level I | Moderate |
| Level II | High |
| Level III | High |
Strategies to Efficiently Manage CFA Course Duration
The candidates can reduce the entire duration for CFA by developing a Strategic preparation plan.
- Set up a Study Schedule: Be organized and set aside fixed and regular hours for studying each week.
- Register in Advance: Early registrants get extra preparation time.
- Stay Regular: Regular study hours and sessions are better than having to cram for an exam.
- Prioritise Concept Learning: By adopting this, your exam failure rate and need to resit will be significantly lower.
- Attend Full-Length Mock Tests: By attending a full-length mock test, you’ll gain confidence and identify weaknesses.
Professions You Can Consider After CFA
A Chartered Financial Analyst degree opens doors to several opportunities in the field of finance and investments. There are prestigious and well paying professions that you can consider after completing your CFA course. Some of them are –
- Wealth Manager
- Investment Banker
- Credit Rating or Analysis
- Portfolio Management
- Equity Research
Top Companies That Hire CFA’s
Every firm today, be it an SME, MSME or MNC, requires a financial expert who can manage its finances and investments and analyse the risks. A CFA comes into the picture as an expert financial manager who knows all about financial reporting, economics, investments and risk management and guides the company towards better financial management. Since these skills are in high demand, there are popular firms that hire CFAs quite frequently. Here’s a list of the top companies that hire CFAs.
- JP Morgan Chase
- Wells Fargo
- Citi Group
- Morgan Stanley
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- HSBC
Conclusion
The length of the CFA course is also determined by your academic background, your preparation style and the exam scores. Although you might pass in a minimum duration of 18-24 months, the general candidate may spend a period of 2-4 years to pass the whole program.
Whether after 12th grade, as graduates, with a BCom, as a CA, or whatever, the CFA designation can be very useful for investment management, financial analysis, portfolio management and investment research. The CFA certificate is the most respected worldwide designation for all these professions. With your dedicated effort and disciplined preparation, you could complete the CFA examination to invest in yourself.
FAQs on CFA Course Duration
How long does CFA take?
The majority of candidates require 2 to 3 years to pass all three levels and satisfy the work experience requirement.
What is the salary for CFA?
The average salary for CFA charterholders and candidates in India is 7.5 LPA.
What is a good CFA score?
The CFA Institute does not provide a passing score. It is suggested that candidates should be strong across all topics.
Is CFA very difficult?
The CFA certification is indeed challenging, as the curriculum is broad, has an emphasis on analysis and requires extensive preparation.
Can I do CFA after 12th?
Yes. Candidates can prepare for their CFA exam after 12th grade and incorporate it with their undergraduate studies.
How long does CFA take after a BCom?
The length of the CFA course after BCom is 2-3.5 years on average.
Is CFA harder than CA?
Both are challenging degrees. While CA deals primarily with accountancy, auditing and taxation, CFA focuses on investment management and analysis, financial analysis and portfolio management.
Can I do CFA while working full-time?
Yes. Most people have the ability to work full-time and do the CFA program if they have a plan and are consistent in their study schedule.
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