CFA charter (Chartered Financial Analyst)
From CFA Institute
Go to the official page ↗Direct official link
What you'll learn
This is a designation, not a course: you pass three exam levels, complete the Practical Skills Modules, which include Python, data science and AI, and log 4,000 hours of investment work before applying.
- Pass CFA Levels I, II and III
- Complete the Practical Skills Modules
- 4,000 hours of relevant work experience
- Professional references and charterholder membership
Source: the provider's official page ↗
Is this right for you?
- Level
- Advanced Experienced professionals ready for a senior credential.
- What you get
- A certification employers can verify, made for the top of your résumé and your LinkedIn profile.
- How you learn
- In person, about 36 months.
- How to use it
- Put it at the top of your résumé and under Licenses and certifications on LinkedIn, with the verification link so hirers can confirm it in seconds. Name it in every application that uses this skill, and send it straight to recruiters and hiring managers.
- Why it's worth it
- An industry certification hiring managers recognize by name. It instantly sets you apart from applicants who only claim AI skills, and it travels with you to every job you apply for.
What you will payPrice not publishedThe provider does not publish a price. Ask before you commit.
- Time
- Not published as hours; three exam levels plus 36 months minimum of experience.
- Before you start
- Pass Levels I, II and III and complete the Practical Skills Modules; 4,000 hours of relevant work experience over at least 36 months; two or three professional references; apply for charterholder membership.
- How you are tested
- Computer based proctored exams, usually offered in February, May, August and November.
- Renewal
- Membership required to use the designation; dues not shown on the page loaded.
- Full cost details
- Exam fees from USD 1,140 per exam; USD 3,520 to 4,570 for all three levels depending on registration period. One time enrollment fee and membership dues not shown on the pages loaded.
- Where it applies
- Global designation, widely recognized by US investment firms.
Jobs asking for this
See live job postings that mention CFA charter.
Open to work?Join the free Open to Work list so hirers looking for this credential can find you. No phone number needed.
Join the listChecked at the source Oct 21, 2026
Sources and what we verified
CFA Institute charter page: exams, Practical Skills Modules, 4,000 hours, references, membership ↗CFA Program dates and fees page ↗What we verified: Per level early and standard fees were inside an interactive tool that did not load; only the range is recorded.
Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the issuer before you pay.
Also listed for: AI for Accounting and Finance, AI for Financial Advisers and Investment Analysts