GMAT™ Exam
Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts | Round 2 Closing Soon
CFA Full Form: Admissions 2024, Course Details, Duration, Entrance Exam, Salary, Job Prospects
Edited By Sansar Singh Chhikara | Updated on Sep 03, 2024 12:27 PM IST | #CFA Exam
CFA Full Form in Commerce - The full form of CFA is Chartered Financial Analyst. CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst is a professional designation given to individuals who successfully complete all three levels of the CFA exam. The CFA course has three levels, which are CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3. The CFA institute specifies different eligibility criteria for CFA at different levels. These requirements pertain to the educational qualification and work experience required of the candidates in order to appear for the exams. The CFA course duration is generally 1.5 years to 4 years. The CFA course is focused on covering major aspects of the investment industry like equity, fixed Income, derivatives, real estate, and so on. Students are drawn towards this course to get better job prospects in top investment firms. In this article, get to know CFA full course details including eligibility criteria, curriculum and more.
Also check: Top entrance exams for Commerce students
Also Check: CFA Level 1, 2 & 3 Registration Open - Apply Now
Latest: CFA complete guide
This Story also Contains
CFA Entrance Examination - Overview
If one is aspiring to take up the CFA course, one should definitely know more than just the CFA course full form. Candidates should be aware of all the details related to the CFA program. Given below in the table are the important highlights of the CFA programme.
Chartered Financial Analyst Programme Highlights
CFA Full form | Chartered Financial Analyst |
Duration of the program | 1.5- 4 years |
Exam Frequency | Level 1 - Four times a year (February, May, August, November) |
Level 2 - Three times a year (May, August, November) | |
Level 3 - Two times a year (February and August) | |
Conducting Body | CFA Institute |
Eligibility Criteria | Graduation in relevant discipline or 4 years of work experience |
Admission Process | CFA Entrance test- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 |
Mode of examination | Online |
Average Fee | INR 2,00 000 |
Popular Online Finance Courses and Certifications
- Online Banking And Finance Courses
- Online Finance Courses
- Online Fintech Courses
- Online Gst Courses
- View All Online Finance And Accounting Courses
What is a CFA Course?
The CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA program. It is a three level course designed by the Chartered Financial Institute. The CFA program is aimed at enhancing the profession of global financial management and investment management by producing qualified professionals. The programme also aims at inculcating global practise standards among the students. The CFA program has been divided into 3 levels and each level of Chartered Financial Analyst program has its own focus and relevance.
Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms
CFA Course Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill the CFA eligibility requirements in order to appear for the CFA exam. The eligibility requirements are different for each level. CFA aspirants are required to meet one of the following enrolment requirements as given in the table below.
CFA Eligibility Requirements
| Particulars | Details |
| Bachelors' Degree | Graduation in any stream. |
| Undergraduate student |
|
| Professional work experience | 4,000 hours of qualified, professional work experience |
| Combination of work experience and education | Work experience and education is accrued over a duration of 36 months. Both must me sequential and must not overlap. |
In addition to the above, candidates are also required to meet the requirements relating to professional conduct. At the time of submitting their applications, candidates are required to sign Professional Conduct and Candidate Responsibility statements.
For complete details-
Who should pursue a CFA program?
One should opt for a particular course based on one's interests, skill sets and end goals. CFA course is aimed at producing skilled finance professionals in the field of investment analysis and portfolio management. Some categories of students or professionals who can take up the CFA program are given below:
Fresh Graduates: Candidates who have just passed their graduation and are looking for a career in investment finance segment can choose CFA program. Completing all CFA levels would mean that the candidate is well equipped with all the world class knowledge related to the field.
Investment Industry Professionals: Professionals working in the investment industry can also pursue CFA programmes to enhance their career prospects. The programme would significantly improve their understanding of the financial world. The CFA certificate would be recognition of their sills and a great addition to the resume.
Relevance of CFA Programme
Before starting an academic journey, students must be clear about the goals they want to achieve after completing a particular degree/course etc. There can be many advantages of completing the CFA programme and some of the major ones are given below:
Large Number of Job Opportunities: A Chartered Financial Analyst has great job opportunities waiting after the completion of the program. A number of sectors like Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Financial Services and many more as a Chartered Accountant, Financial Advisor etc have jobs roles designed specially for CFAs.
Bigger Pay Cheque: Another great benefit that Chartered Financial Analysts get is that they can get good salary packages. The average salary will be around INR 4 Lakhs- 40 Lakhs per annum on completion of CFA course
Prestige and Status: Having a CFA title with one's name is a matter of great prestige in the society. CFAs are held in high regard due to their financial knowledge and reputation of the CFA course.
CFA Program Curriculum
The CFA programme curriculum consists of 10 subject areas. Each of these subjects has a different weight in different levels of CFA. The two tables given below describe the subject areas and also the weightage given to them. Some areas such as quantitative methods, financial reporting and analysis and corporate finance have 0% weight and are not included in the CFA syllabus for Level 3.
CFA Syllabus Subjects and Topics
CFA Subjects | Topics | Aim of Study |
Ethical and Professional Standards |
|
|
Financial Statement Analysis |
|
|
Equity Investments |
|
|
Fixed Income |
|
|
Corporate Issuers/ Finance |
|
|
Quantitative Methods |
| Exploring about quantitative concepts and techniques used in financial analysis; investment decision making |
Economics |
|
|
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning |
| Learn about the fundamentals of risk and portfolio management |
Derivatives |
|
|
Alternative Investments |
| Know about edge funds, commodities, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure |
CFA Subjects and Weights
Topic Area | Level I | Level II | Level III |
Ethical And Professional Standards | 15% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
Quantitative Methods | 10% | 5-10% | 0 |
Economics | 10% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
Financial Reporting And Analysis | 15% | 10-15% | 0 |
Corporate Finance | 10% | 5-10% | 0 |
Equity Investments | 11% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
Fixed Income | 11% | 10-15% | 15- 20% |
Derivatives | 6% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
Alternative Investments | 6% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
Portfolio Management | 6% | 5-15% | 35 -40% |
Total | 100% | 100% | 100% |
CFA Exam Pattern
Each of the three levels of CFA follows a different pattern. Given below in the table is the detailed exam pattern of the CFA exams.
CFA Exam Pattern - All Levels
Exam | |||
Morning Session | 90 Questions | 88 Qs in 10 Case studies | Item sets comprised of vignettes with accompanying multiple-choice items and constructed response (essay) questions. |
Afternoon Session | 90 Questions | 88 Qs in 10 Case studies | |
Duration | 2 hours, 15 minutes each session | 2 hours and 12 minutes each session | 2 hours and 12 minutes each session |
Question type | Multiple choice questions | Vignette-supported multiple-choice questions | Vignette-supported-
|
Exam Months |
|
|
|
CFA Courses Fees
In order to register for the CFA exam, candidates have to pay different types of fees such as one time enrolment fee during CFA Level 1. They also have to pay the registration fee which is available at a discount in case of early registration. Then there is an exam rescheduling fee if the candidate want to reschedule the test. At present the CFA fee structure is as per the particulars given in the table below.
CFA Course Fees
Particulars | Fees |
CFA enrollment fee | USD 350 |
Early registration fee | USD 940 |
Standard registration fee | USD 1250 |
| Rescheduling fee | USD 250 |
Student Also Liked:
- Online Degree and Diploma Courses
- Online Free Courses and Certifications
- Online Short Term Courses and Certifications
- Online Certification Courses
- View all Online Courses and Certifications
CFA Career Prospects
CFA is becoming one of the most rewarding career choices for finance professionals in India and around the world. The CFA designation is valued by employers for different types of roles and functions in the global sector of finance. Below are the typical jobs available for CFA chartholders.
Portfolio Management: The job of a portfolio manager is to make investment decisions. Portfolio managers devise and implement investment processes and strategies to meet the requirements and goals of the clients. According to the 2019 CFA Institute Compensation Study, portfolio managers enjoy a global total compensation of US$177,000 with US$126,000 as a base salary.
Research Analysts: In the investment industry, there are two types of research roles - credit analysts and equity analysts. The role of both these types of analysts is to collect data about investable companies. Credit analysts' role centers around analyzing bonds and default risks. On the other hand, equity analysts analyze the performance of companies. According to the 2019 CFA Institute Compensation Study, research analysts have reported a global total compensation of US$140,000 with US$100,000 as base salary.
Investment Consultant: The role of investment consultants is to advise their clients on which funds, asset classes, and countries to invest in. Their clients may include asset owners, fund managers, and trustees. In the 2019 CFA Institute Compensation Study, investment consultants reported a global total compensation of US$131,000 with US$106,000 as base annual salary.
Risk Analysts and Risk Managers: Companies hire risk analysts and managers to minimize the likelihood of negative impacts from a variety of factors. These factors may include operational risks like unethical human behavior, natural disasters, financial risks like credit and interest rate risks etc. According to the 2019 CFA Institute Compensation Study, risk analysts and managers reported a global total compensation of US$129,000 with US$105,000 as base salary.
CFA Top Recruiters in India
Here is the list of top recruiters for different CFA levels qualified candidates:
India's top Recruiters for CFA’s
Recruiters | Salary Package (lakh per annum) |
The Goldman Sachs Group | Rs. 3,00,000 – 25,00,000 |
Morgan Stanley | Rs. 4,00,000 – 30,00,000 |
J.P Morgan | Rs. 5,00,000 – 40,00,000 |
Citigroup | Rs. 4,00,000 – 30,00,000 |
Credit Suisse | Rs. 10,00,000 – 40,00,000 |
HSBC | Rs. 3,00,000 – 25,00,000 |
Crisil | Rs. 4,00,000 – 25,00,000 |
Deloitte | Rs. 6,00,000 - 30,00,000 |
EY | Rs. 6,00,000 - 35,00,000 |
Bajaj Finance | Rs. 4,00,000 – 12,00,000 |
PWC | Rs. 5,00,000 – 20,00,000 |
KPMG | Rs. 4,00,000 – 20,00,000 |
SBI | Rs. 5,00,000 - 15,00,000 |
Standard Chartered Bank | Rs. 8,00,000 – 40,00,000 |
HDFC Bank | Rs. 5,00,000 – 25,00,000 |
CFA Salary in India
CFA is known to provide good salary packages to its professionals. In recent years, CFA course has emerged as one of the best courses in therms of placements. The average salary of different job profiles for CFA professionals has been given below:
CFA Average Salary Figures for different Job Profiles
Job Role | CFA Salary in India |
Chartered Financial Analyst | Rs. 6,50,000 |
Senior Financial Analyst | Rs. 9,00,000 |
Credit Analyst | Rs. 6,30,000 |
Financial Analyst | Rs. 6,00,000 |
Associate in investment banking | Rs. 14,00,000 |
Finance Manager | Rs. 10,00,000 |
Equity Research Associate | Rs. 7,50,000 |
Investment banker | Rs. 15,00,000 |
Portfolio Manager | Rs. 18,00,000 |
Senior Business Analyst | Rs. 12,00,000 |
Equity Analyst | Rs. 5,00,000 |
Senior Analyst, Finance | Rs. 18,00,000 |
Vice President in Finance | Rs. 30,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CFA higher than CA?
CFA is considered comparitively easier than CA because of its higher pass percentage.
2. Is CFA better than MBA?
CFA curriculum revolves around finance and investment management. On the other hand, MBA course offers specialisations in different areas such as finance, marketing, HR, operations etc. So, it depends upon the personal preference and learning needs of the candidate.
3. What is CFA qualification?
The CFA course is a three level programme and a designation given to persons who have completed the three levels by the CFA Institute. The course trains professionals in the field of finance and investment management. Every year thousands of candidates appear for the three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst course.
4. Where can I find the study material of CFA exams?
The Institute uploads the study material for CFA exams, level wise on the official website. The CFA study material is downloadable in pdf format.
5. What is CFA in salary?
CFA could be a rewarding career as investment management professionals are in good demand worldwide.
6. What is CFA course duration after graduation
Taking into consideration the preparation time and work experience requirement , it will take around 3-5 years to complete the CFA course.
Articles
Certifications By Top Providers
Accounting with Tally ERP9
Via NIIT Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Digital Banking Business Model
Via State Bank of India Direct Tax Laws and Practice
Via Tezpur University, Tezpur Foundations of Modern Finance I
Via Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge Banking 101 A Guide for Beginners in the Banking Sector
Via EduBridge Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQUniversity College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTThe University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YLUniversity of Bristol, Bristol
Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QUUniversity of Delaware, Newark
Newark, DE 19716University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDHow to Apply for PhD After Bachelors?
6 min ⋆ Apr 25, 2024 09:04 AM ISTGMAT Preparation Tips 2024: Section Wise Preparation Plan, Study Material & Best Books
12 min ⋆ Oct 10, 2024 05:10 AM ISTPR in UK for International and Indian Students 2024: After Study
6 min ⋆ Jul 30, 2024 12:07 PM ISTAdmission Intakes in Australia for International Students 2025
7 min ⋆ Oct 10, 2024 05:10 AM ISTStudy in Ireland Without IELTS 2024: Universities List, Process, Eligibility
12 min ⋆ Aug 01, 2024 10:08 AM ISTCanada vs India: Which is Better for Indian Students?
11 min ⋆ Oct 10, 2024 05:10 AM ISTPopular Courses and Specializations
Have a question related to CFA Exam ?
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Budget Analyst
Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.
4 Jobs Available
Data Analyst
The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.
Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.
3 Jobs Available
Underwriter
An underwrite plays crucial roles in the finance and insurance industry and works for mortgage, loan, and insurance companies. He or she analyses applications for insurance policies and assess the risk capacity to decide whether to approve application or reject. He or she assesses and evaluates the risk of another party for a fee in the form of commision or premium.
Underwriters have strong analytical skills and they understand the insurance principle to evaluate the health of potential clients. They collaborate with agents, brokers, and to their clients to collect information and explain the insurance product details. They work on all kinds of insurance like mortgage, health insurance, life insurance, automobile, and several other kinds of insurance.
3 Jobs Available
Finance Executive
Finance Executives manage money, overseeing a company's income, expenses, and investments. They monitor financial transactions, create and assess reports like cash flows, and strategies to enhance profit margins and reduce expenses. Their role is crucial for staying competitive and making wise market decisions in response to current dynamics.
Finance Executives establish strategic financial goals, objectives, and performance criteria. Strong accounting and analytical skills are fundamental to this role. While often working fixed hours, they may extend their work hours to meet deadlines. This career is well-suited for individuals with a keen understanding of finance, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.
3 Jobs Available
Product Manager
A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.
A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.
3 Jobs Available
Operations Manager
Operations manager is tasked with supervising the financial and business experts involved in the production of goods and services. A career as operations manager needs to supervise many divisions and coordinate daily activities. The role of operations manager is to oversee and manage diverse activities which is part of a profession as an operations manager.
All levels of an organisation's operational activities are overseen by an operations manager. He or she is in charge of selecting candidates, imparting instruction, and managing quality control programmes. Operations managers also develop plans for process improvements to ensure that everyone finishes their work on schedule. He or she must regularly evaluate budgets, manage costs, and analyse data and statistics.
3 Jobs Available
Stock Analyst
A stock analyst is an individual who analyses and evaluates various stocks and securities in the financial market. He or she in the stock analyst career forecasts stock market results, normally with an emphasis on the securities that a company or firm invests in. He or she also prepares scientific reports on financial forecasts, predictions, and recommendations based on a stock's expected profit.
Individuals who enjoy learning and data processing, are good problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic will excel in the stock market analyst sector. Students can pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Stat (Master of Statistics) to opt for a career in stock market analysis
2 Jobs Available
Researcher
A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.
2 Jobs Available
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
5 Jobs Available
QA Manager
A Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, synonymous with a Quality Assurance Manager, holds a pivotal role in ensuring products meet predefined standards. Responsible for planning, directing, and formulating control policies, the QA Manager safeguards company efficiency and profitability. By scrutinizing products for flaws and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, they uphold quality, validating the effectiveness of quality assurance teams in maintaining high standards before product release.
4 Jobs Available
Quality Controller
A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product.
A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.
3 Jobs Available
Production Manager
A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and budgeted delivery of products. Responsible for safe, cost-effective production meeting quality standards, their role adapts to the production system. Also known as an Operations Manager, they manage human and material resources, contributing to efficient production and service delivery.
3 Jobs Available
Product Manager
A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.
A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.
3 Jobs Available
QA Lead
A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans.
2 Jobs Available
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
2 Jobs Available
Process Development Engineer
The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.
2 Jobs Available
Applications for Admissions are open.
Symbiosis Online Programs
ApplyOnline PG programs from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
GMAT™ Exam
ApplySelect test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts | Round 2 Closing Soon
Chitkara University Online MBA
ApplyApply for Online MBA from Chitkara University
Lovely Professional University | B.Com Admissions 2025
ApplyIndia's Largest University | 100% Placements Record | Highest CTC 3 Cr PA
Chandigarh University Admissions 2025
ApplyRanked #1 Among all Private Indian Universities In QS Asia Rankings 2025 | Scholarships worth 210 CR
Study In Germany.
ApplyWant to study abroad? Plan your Journey
News and Notifications
June 21, 2024 - 12:41 PM IST
June 06, 2024 - 11:20 AM IST
May 09, 2024 - 10:17 AM IST
April 16, 2024 - 08:26 PM IST
October 04, 2023 - 06:11 PM IST
February 14, 2023 - 12:39 PM IST
August 16, 2021 - 11:04 AM IST
Stay up-to date with CFA Exam News
Back to top