Preparing for the C.F.A. Exam

CFA ® Institute
First awarded in 1963, the Chartered Financial Analyst ® — CFA ® — charter has become known as the gold standard of professional credentials within the global investment community. Around the world, employers and investors recognize the CFA ® designation as the definitive standard for measuring competence and integrity in the fields of portfolio management and investment analysis.
“Whereas there are tens of thousands of finance degrees available around the world, ranging from the excellent to the worthless, there is only one CFA ®, managed and examined by an American Association of Financial Professionals, the CFA ® Institute. It used to be just an American qualification. But explosive growth has made it, in effect, global currency.” — The Economist, Feb. 26-Mar 4, 2005
The CFA ® Program
The CFA ® Program is comprised of three levels, each culminating in an examination. You must pass each level sequentially, and fulfill other requirements of the program, before earning the right to use the CFA ® designation. In general, each level of the program requires a minimum of 250 hours of preparation, although time will vary from candidate to candidate based on familiarity with the material.
The three levels of examination verify a candidate’s ability to apply investment principles across all areas of the investment decision-making process. And the program’s professional conduct requirements demand that both CFA ® candidates and charter holders adhere to the highest standards of ethical responsibility. As of June 2005, there were 76,521 members and 87,409 candidates worldwide.
The CFA ® Premium
The median compensation for an U.S.-based CFA ® charter-holder with 10+ years experience is $48,000 higher than for someone without the CFA ® charter.
More information about the Chartered Financial Analyst:
- Planning for the CFA
- Deadlines
- Contact Information
- Online Application
- Tracks for undergraduate Finance majors
CFA ® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.
Contact Information
Head, Department of Finance
and Economics
434-G Fletcher Hall
423-425-1700
Academic Advising
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All business majors receive academic advising through the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center.
Career Development
The Career Development staff in the Decosimo Success Center can help with resumes, interviewing skills, and answer questions about internships and employment.