One of the top credits in the field of investment management is being a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). CFAs are appreciated for their expertise and knowledge of the investing industry. They can measure the worth of investments made by the public and organizations. 

Before delving into the details about the CFA course duration you should get well acclaimed to all the aspects of this Financial Analyst Course first. The minimum qualification for CFA is an undergraduate bachelor's degree from a recognized college.

What is the Course Duration for CFA?

CFA course takes two to three years to complete and requires you to pass a total of ten examinations at each level. The rigorous curriculum and extensive tests ensure that CFA charter holders have a broad understanding of investing principles and are prepared to compete in a fast-changing financial market. Candidates devote roughly 300 hours to each academic level. 

Completing the three levels of the CFA program typically takes between 2.5 and 4 years. The majority of candidates combine it with their professional activity.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for CFA?

Before you may sit for the first phase of the CFA examination, you must meet specific qualifying criteria and conditions or as we say CFA eligibility criteria imposed by the CFA Institute (CFAI), the regulating organization for CFA.

Education & Professional Requirements:

The following educational and professional requirements must be met to be eligible for the CFA Level 1 examination:

• Bachelor's Degree: 

You must have finished a Bachelor's or similar program and have a college or university degree. If you're not sure whether your program is equivalent, contact your institution or university.

• Undergraduate Student:

Students having two years left in their undergraduate studies can take the Level 1 test as part of CFAI's increased eligibility. Please keep in mind that completing your degree program is required before taking the CFA Level 2 test.

• Professional Work Experience: 

Before registering for the Level 1 examination, you must have completed about 4,000 hours of work experience or higher education over three years. Ensure that your school and job experience periods do not overlap.

CFA Level 2 Requirements:

You are required to clear the Level 1 exam in addition to having a bachelor's degree to be eligible for the Level 2 examination. You will be given 20 vignettes respectively, followed by six questions. Level 2 tests, like Level 1, are separated into two equivalent sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Candidates must have all the mandatory documents ready, including their passport, to take the CFA Level 2 Exam. Also, since the resources and examinations for the CFA Level 2 course are conducted in the English language exclusively, candidates must be proficient in English. 

CFA Level 3 Requirements:

To take the CFA Level 3 test, you must have passed Level 2. The Level 3 test consists of 8-11 constructed response questions and 10 vignettes separated into morning and afternoon sessions.

The CFA Level 3 test covers Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning, Fixed Income, Ethical and Professional Standards, and Equity Investments. Each subject carries its weight. The overall duration of the CFA Level 3 test is 4 hours and 24 minutes.

The registration process for those who wish to take the CFA level 3 test is as follows:

• The candidate must complete the online application form on the CFA website. with all of the essential information and pick their desired exam center.
   
• Candidates should log in using their registered ID and password from CFA Level 1 and CFA Level 2 registration and choose Level 3 of the CFA Program.
   
• Then provide information about your professional background, employer, employer location, or education level.
   
• It is mandatory to read and accept the candidate agreement.
   
• The fees for the registration must be paid via credit card, wire transfer, and other payment methods

Once you have met all of the CFAI's requirements for the tests, the next stage is to register. The cost of CFA registration depends on when a candidate chooses to register for the test. If you clear all three CFA tests in a row without sustaining any additional expenses for travel or lodging, the total cost will be anywhere between $2,600 and $4,000. The total cost of all three exam levels in India is around 2 lakh-3 lakh INR

To be qualified for the CFA charter, you must have relevant job experience in the investment decision-making process, which involves analyzing or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical information. This experience can be obtained through full-time, part-time, or remote job arrangements before, during, or after enrollment in the CFA Program.

Furthermore, you must have completed at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience in the preceding 36 months, with these hours being directly tied to the investment decision-making process or generating a work product that informs or adds value to that process. This job experience may include overseeing persons participating in the investment decision-making process or teaching investment-related tasks.

Read More:

• Best Finance Courses in India
• ACCA vs CA
• What is Financial Modeling?
• How to Become an Investment Banker after CA?
• FRM Salary in India
• CFA vs FRM
• What is ACCA?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is a CFA course?

The CFA course takes at least two years to complete. To become a charter holder, you must have a total of 4000 hours of work experience.

Can I get a CFA in 2 years?

The CFA course might last anywhere from two to five years. Before being able to call yourself a chartered financial analyst, you must complete an extensive course, and take and pass three competitive examinations. 

Can I do CFA after the 12th?

You can begin your CFA preparation immediately after passing your 12th commerce examinations, as preparation takes 2-4 years before you can appear for the level 1 test. For your bachelor's degree or comparable program, as an undergraduate, select a test window that is 23 months from the month of your graduation.

Who is bigger CA or CFA?

The CFA is one of the world's best financial certifications in investment management. The CA is India's elite accounting qualification. Both are challenging yet rewarding credentials that can help your career progress to higher levels.

Who is eligible for CFA?

Minimum education requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. This includes recognized degrees such as BTech, BCom, and BBA, as well as accomplished professional credentials such as CA, CS, and CMA.