Is CFA Course Worth it? - Top 7 Benefits of Doing CFA

Last Updated On -18 Oct 2024

The commerce world extends many financial certification courses that not only have the ability to propel your career forward but also can introduce you to a string of benefits. Among the various credentials that the world of finance and investment offers, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is among the most sought-after and prestigious certification courses. However, obtaining the CFA qualification requires meticulous dedication, effort, and time. So, is the CFA course worth it? Let's get you acquainted with it and the benefits of doing CFA so that you can make an informed decision.

What is CFA?

Before knowing, if the CFA course is worth it, let's briefly introduce you to the CFA course. The Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) is a globally recognized professional qualification that equips you with a deep mastery of financial and investment analysis. Along with this, it lets you extend your expertise in fields like private wealth, corporate finance, asset management, investment banking, etc. For further details, let's have a closer look:

Feature	CFA
*Focus*	Primarily focuses on Investment analysis, portfolio management, wealth management, corporate finance, and financial analysis.
*Governing Body*	CFA Institute (formerly known as the Association for Investment Management and Research or AIMR)
*Global Recognition*	Globally recognized and respected certification in over 160+ countries.
*Examination Structure*	Consists of 3 levels with the same 10 subjects. At each level the weightage and depth increase.
*Examination Frequency*	4 times a year(February, May, August, and November)
*Eligibility*	A bachelor's degree and 4 years of relevant work experience.

Top 7 Benefits of Doing CFA

Global Recognition for Your Credentials

The CFA charter is a globally recognized and acknowledged qualification across 160+ prominent countries, such as the US, UK, UAE, Germany, Singapore, Canada, and many others, allowing you to bag lucrative job prospects alongside increasing your credibility as a finance professional.

Comprehensive Knowledge and Skill Set

The CFA curriculum is known to be comprehensive, as all three levels of the CFA examination are covered by the same 10 subjects. The only difference that each level brings is that of depth and weightage, thus inculcating in candidates a thorough knowledge of the subject matter as well as a refined skill set necessary to excel in a variety of finance-related roles.

Expansion of Your Professional Network

As the CFA institute and its membership are globally recognized, with eminent finance professionals, shareholders, and industry professionals being a significant part of it, it will give you a splendid opportunity to avail yourself of valuable insights, and mentorship, and create avenues for potential career opportunities through the many events, seminars, and conferences that the CFA societies organize, ultimately enhancing your networking opportunities.

Diversifying Your Career Opportunities

Another profound advantage of pursuing a CFA charter lies in the diverse career opportunities it presents you with. The CFA certification equips one with a thorough understanding and expertise of various elements of finance, making you a versatile professional who could pursue multiple roles across many industries. For example, alongside financial and investment analysis roles, you can explore career paths in Investment Management, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Wealth Management, Academia, Research, and Consulting services. Furthermore, the diverse career opportunities foster personal growth and the ability to incorporate meaningful impact in various areas of the finance industry.

Facilitating Continuous Professional Growth

The CFA program is curated in such a manner that even after gaining your CFA certification, you are required to engage in ongoing education regarding the latest and best industry trends and practices. This promotes continuous growth and ensures that you stay relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of finance.

Enhanced Earning Potential

The CFA credential, due to its global acknowledgement, grants its professional or CFA charter holders increased marketability, leading to higher pay scales. Moreover, the global recognition of the CFA certification allows you to pursue international opportunities, which eventually improves your earning potential.

Remarkable Accomplishments for Your Personal Growth

Other than the professional advantages, obtaining the CFA qualification marks a great feat for your personal growth. The process of earning a CFA credential is a meticulous task, and seeing the end of it showcases your dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This, furthermore, positively impacts your overall life and instils within you the essentials of living a balanced life quite confidently.

Explore more on related CFA topics by checking out these additional resources.

Conclusion

Through this blog post, we hope that it guided you in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your question, “Is the CFA course worth it?” and “What are the top benefits of doing CFA?”. Although the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course is a globally recognized professional certification course, it covers specific financial domains primarily regarding investment analysis, management, and the like. However, for broader financial knowledge, expertise, and a wider global reach, you can consider opting for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) course. ACCA is a professional certification in the field of accounting and finance that grants global mobility and lucrative career opportunities across 180 countries. If you wish to undertake this globally acclaimed program or know more about it, check out our comprehensive ACCA course for further guidance and thorough preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly does CFA do?

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) fundamentally partakes in the responsibilities that concern investment and financial analysis, portfolio management, and providing financial advisory services. Furthermore, they guide clients on investment strategies, construct and manage portfolios, etc.

Is B.Com compulsory for CFA?

No, a bachelor's in commerce (B.Com) degree is not compulsory to pursue your CFA certification. The CFA program allows candidates having an undergraduate degree from any discipline to pursue the CFA certification. While a degree in finance, economics, accounting, or related fields may provide some foundational knowledge that further will help in the CFA curriculum, however, it is not mandatory.

What are the subjects in the CFA course?

The CFA curriculum is distributed in three levels, and each level covers the same 10 subjects. These are as follows:

Ethical and Professional Methods
Quantitative Methods
Economics
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Corporate Finance
Equity Investments
Fixed Income
Derivatives
Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning

Can I do CFA after the 12th?

No, CFA qualification can not be pursued right after the completion of your 12th class, as the eligibility criteria of the CFA program demands a bachelor's degree from any background and 4 years of relevant work experience.

Is CFA in demand?

Yes, the CFA qualification is in high demand globally, as CFA professionals are known to be well-versed in analytical skills and for their adherence to ethical standards in investment analysis and portfolio management. Thus, leading employers from prominent finance and investment industries seek the CFA charterholders.