The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) course typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete all three levels, however this CFA course duration can vary from 1.5 to 4 years depending on the candidate’s pace, preparation, and exam achievement. To become a CFA charterholder, you must pass the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 tests, accumulate at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience over three years, and provide professional references as required by the CFA Institute. While the route is difficult, it is extremely rewarding for those looking to establish a global career in finance and investment.
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) course is widely recognised for those interested to work in finance and investment. After finishing 12th, graduation or CA, many students worry about how much time it will take to complete the CFA course. This blog explains everything about CFA course time and supports your career planning.
What is the CFA Certification?
The CFA certification is a professional qualification for finance and investment professionals. It is globally recognized and helps you build skills in financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment banking. The CFA course has three levels you need to pass to get the CFA charter.
CFA Course Duration
What is CFA? Chartered Financial Analyst is a professional course that consists of three levels namely knowledge, skill and professional level. This course takes about two to three years for completion wherein you’d be required to clear 10 examinations at each level. Apart from clearing the CFA examinations, you also need mandatory 4000 hours/36 months of work experience to become a charter holder. You can complete the mandatory work experience requirement before starting your CFA exams or after.
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Here’s a clear bifurcation of the duration of the CFA course duration.
| CFA Study Time | 300 hours (For each level) |
| CFA Course Duration | 1.5 to 4 years |
| CFA Total Work Experience | 4000 hours |
CFA Course After 12th, Graduation or CA
A question that most CFA pursuant 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 easier 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 Multinational bank
To know more about the benefits of pursuing CFA after CA, you can check out our article on why do CFA after CA. This article explains in detail about the reasons why you should take CFA after 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.
Can I do CFA after the 12th?
You cannot register for the CFA exam immediately after 12th grade since the CFA Institute requires a graduation or similar degree before giving the charter. If you are in your final year of university, you can still sign up for the Level 1 exam.
CFA Level 2 and Level 3 Duration & Requirements
After passing Level 1, you must complete Levels 2 and 3, which each require around 6 months of study. Because the tests can only be taken once a year, the length of the CFA course is increased.
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
You can begin CFA while still in school but a degree and job experience are required for full CFA charter eligibility.
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.
Strategies to Efficiently Manage CFA Course Duration
- Create a study strategy and stick to it.
- Use high-quality study resources and simulated tests.
- Take breaks to prevent burnout.
- Join study groups to boost motivation.
- Focus on understanding topics, not just memorising.
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 that can manage their finances, investments and analyse the risks. A CFA comes into the picture as this 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 quite in-demand, there are popular firms that hire CFAs quite frequently. Here’s a list of the top companies that hire CFAs.
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- JP Morgan Chase
- Wells Fargo
- Citi Group
- Morgan Stanley
- Price Water House Coopers
- HSBC
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Who Should Pursue The CFA Course
From students to professionals, anyone can pursue the CFA course at any time. As long as you’ve cleared the minimum eligibility requirements and have an interest finance and accounting, you’ll have seamless journey towards becoming a Charter holder.
We hope that we’ve clarified all your doubts regarding the CFA course duration and when to pursue it. For more details on Zell Education’s Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course, we recommend you to click on our WhatsApp button on the left hand side and get in touch with us directly. You could also reach out to us through our official website.
FAQs on CFA Course Duration:
How long does it take to get a CFA?
The duration of the CFA course typically ranges from two to three years, depending upon the number of exam attempts and the amount of work experience.
What is the CFA salary?
CFA charter holders can earn up to ₹18 LPA based on their experience and location.
What is a good CFA score?
A good CFA score is one that meets or exceeds the CFA Institute’s passing criterion of around 70%.
Is CFA very difficult?
Yes, the extensive syllabus and in-depth financial issues make the CFA tests difficult. Dedication and proper study are required.
