Forge a rewarding career in finance by pursuing the CFA course.
Excel in finance with our top-tier CFA Course. ISM Institute provides exceptional CFA classes to help you elevate your career in the financial sector. Don't miss out, enroll now and take the next step towards your professional goals!
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What is the CFA Course?
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Course is offered by the CFA Institute. It's a big deal in finance because it's recognized all over the world. People who complete this course become experts in managing money and investments. This course is like reaching the highest peak in finance career.
What is the CFA Course?
CFA Course Subjects and Syllabus Breakdown
| Topics | Level I | Level II | Level III |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15-20% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
| Quantitative Methods | 8-12% | 5-10% | 0 |
| Economics | 8-12% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 13-17% | 10-15% | 0 |
| Corporate Issuer | 8-12% | 5-10% | 0 |
| Equity Investments | 10-12% | 10-15% | 10-15% |
| Fixed Income | 10-12% | 10-15% | 15-20% |
| Derivatives | 5-8% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Alternative Investments | 5-8% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 5-8% | 10-15% | 35-40% |
CFA Eligibility Requirements & Duration
Bachelor’s Degree:
Work Experience:
CFA Certification Process
1. Pass all 3 levels of CFA Exam
2. Submit Reference Letters
3. Apply for the CFA Charter
Why Choose ISM for CFA?
Exam Patterns
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is a globally recognized qualification for finance and investment professionals. Administered by the CFA Institute, the CFA program is divided into three levels, each culminating in an examination. These exams assess candidates' knowledge and competence in a wide range of topics related to investment management, financial analysis, and ethics. The CFA designation is highly regarded in the finance industry and is often pursued by professionals seeking to advance their careers in investment management, portfolio analysis, and other related fields.
Here's an overview of the exam pattern for each level of the CFA program:
| Exam Level | Format | Duration | Number of Questions | Question Types |
| Level I | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 6 hours | 240 | Recall, Comprehension, Application |
| Level II | Item Set Questions (Scenario-based) | 6 hours | 120 (20 sets) | Analysis and Application of Concepts |
| Level III | Item Set Questions + Constructed Response (Essay) | 6 hours | 10 sets + 10 essays | Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation |
Level I:
Level II
Level III
Value of CFA in India
Global Recognition
Career Advancement
Knowledge and Skills:
Competitive Advantage:
Networking Opportunities:
Ethical Standards
Salary Potential:
Continuing Education: Maintaining the CFA charter requires ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical standards, ensuring that charterholders stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices throughout their careers.
Training Fees
The training fees for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program typically cover the cost of study materials, access to online resources, and instructional support. These fees may vary depending on the provider and the level of study. Candidates should consider the value of the comprehensive curriculum and professional development opportunities offered through the program when assessing the investment in training fees.
Career Opportunities / Job Profiles
- Investment Banking: CFAs can work in investment banks, where they analyze market trends, assist in mergers and acquisitions, and help companies raise capital through issuing stocks or bonds
- Portfolio Management: CFAs often pursue careers as portfolio managers, managing investment portfolios for individuals, institutions, or mutual funds, aiming to maximize returns within defined risk parameters
- Equity Research: CFAs can work as equity researchers, analyzing stocks, industries, and markets to provide investment recommendations to clients or institutional investors
- Asset Management: In asset management firms, CFAs may manage various types of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or alternative investments, to meet clients’ investment objectives
- Financial Analysis: CFAs can work as financial analysts, evaluating companies’ financial statements, performance, and valuation to assess investment opportunities or make strategic decisions
- Risk Management: CFAs may work in risk management roles, identifying and mitigating financial risks within organizations, such as credit risk, market risk, or operational risk
- Consulting: CFAs can pursue careers in financial consulting, advising clients on investment strategies, financial planning, or risk management practices
- Corporate Finance: CFAs may work in corporate finance departments, where they analyze investment opportunities, manage capital budgets, or assess the financial impact of strategic decisions
- Wealth Management: CFAs can work as wealth managers, providing personalized investment advice and financial planning services to high-net-worth individuals or families
- Regulatory Compliance: CFAs may work in regulatory compliance roles, ensuring that financial institutions adhere to regulatory requirements and ethical standards in their operations.
Exam Cycle: May 22-26, Aug 27-31, and Nov 20-24,
- June and December Exam Windows: The CFA Institute offers exams for all three levels in June and, for certain levels, also in December. This provides candidates with flexibility in scheduling their exams based on their preparation timeline and preferences.
- June Exam Window: The June exam window is the primary offering for all three levels of the CFA program. Candidates can register for the June exams well in advance and have ample time to prepare.
- December Exam Window (Level I Only): The December exam window is available for Level I candidates, providing an additional opportunity to take the exam earlier in the year. However, Level II and Level III exams are not offered in December.
- Registration Deadlines: CFA exam registration deadlines typically occur several months before the exam date. Candidates are encouraged to register early to secure their spot and take advantage of early registration discounts.
- Exam Duration: Each level of the CFA exam is held on a single day, with a duration of approximately six hours. This includes a morning session and an afternoon session separated by a break.
- Results Release: After taking the exam, candidates usually receive their results within a few weeks, allowing them to gauge their performance and plan for the next steps in their CFA journey.
- Retake Opportunities: If a candidate does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they have the option to retake the exam in subsequent cycles. However, candidates must wait until the next exam cycle to retake the exam for the same level.
- Continuous Preparation: The CFA program emphasizes continuous learning and preparation, with candidates typically spending several months studying for each level of the exam to ensure success.
- Planning and Strategy: Understanding the exam cycles is crucial for candidates to plan their study schedules effectively, register for exams in a timely manner, and strategize their approach to each level of the CFA program.
COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BECOME AN EXPERT CFA
Familiarize yourself with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which is a globally recognized certification for finance and investment professionals.
Placement Partners
Our placement partners are essential collaborators who assist in connecting our students or job seekers with relevant employment opportunities, internships, or training programs. Through these partnerships, we ensure that individuals receive valuable support in navigating the job market and securing positions aligned with their skills and career aspirations.
FAQ's
Candidates with a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from any discipline can enroll in the CFA program. Additionally, they must meet specific work experience requirements to obtain the CFA charter.
The CFA program typically takes around 2.5 to 4 years to complete, depending on the individual's study pace and exam scheduling. There are three levels of exams, and candidates usually take one exam per year.
Completing the CFA course opens up various career opportunities in finance, including roles in investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, asset management, and corporate finance, among others.
The exam fees vary depending on the exam level and the registration deadline. Typically, the fees range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars per exam level. Early registration discounts are often available.
The CFA Institute provides official study materials, including textbooks, practice questions, and mock exams, which are highly recommended. Additionally, candidates often use third-party study guides and online resources.
While classroom training is not mandatory, many candidates find it helpful to supplement self-study with classroom or online courses offered by CFA prep providers. These courses provide structured instruction and access to expert tutors.
The pass rates for CFA exams vary from year to year and across exam levels. On average, the pass rates are typically around 40-50%, with Level I having a slightly higher pass rate compared to Levels II and III.
While both the CFA course and an MBA in finance cover similar topics, they have different focuses. The CFA program is more specialized and focuses on investment management and financial analysis, whereas an MBA offers a broader business education with a concentration in finance.
Yes, the CFA designation is highly valued by employers in India and around the world. It is recognized as a mark of excellence in the finance industry and can significantly enhance career prospects for professionals in various finance-related roles.