Chartered Financial Analysts – CFA
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential has become the most respected and recognized investment designation in the world. It is a renowned global qualification suitable for professionals seeking careers in financial markets, investment banking, treasury, corporate finance, investment performance and risk evaluation, risk management, financial planning, investment analysis, and client relations.
The CFA Program curriculum covers concepts and skills candidates will use at all stages of their career, bridging academic theory, current industry practice, and ethical and professional standards to provide a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills.
Employers recognize the CFA charter as a reliable way to identify the most qualified job applicants. They know the CFA Program provides the skills needed to succeed and that earning the CFA charter demonstrates the commitment to excellence required of today’s investment professionals.
Candidates must meet any of the following requirements to start their CFA journey:
- Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree
- Be in the final year of bachelor’s degree program
- Have four years professional work experience
- Have a combination of professional work and university experience that totals at least four years
In addition to successfully passing the three exams, the candidate must have four years professional work experience in the investment decision-making process and join CFA Institute as a regular member.
NB: Professional experience may be accrued before, during, or after participation in the CFA exams.
The CFA Program is organized into three levels, each culminating in a six-hour exam. The program curriculum progresses in complexity as the candidate moves through the three levels:
- Level I: Focuses on a basic knowledge of the ten topic areas and simple analysis using investment tools
- Level II: Emphasizes application of investment tools and concepts with a focus on valuation of all types of assets
- Level III: Focuses on synthesizing all of the concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning
Exam Format
The exam formats change along with the learning focus at each level – from multiple-choice for Level I, to item set for Level II, and to essay questions and item set for Level III.
Candidates may enroll for only one examination at a time. Candidates must wait to receive their examination results before enrolling for the next examination, since the results will determine whether a candidate must repeat the current level or advance to the next level.
Key Topic Areas
- Ethical and Professional Standards
- Economics
- Quantitative Methods
- Financial Reporting Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Equity Investments
- Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning
- Fixed Income
- Derivatives
- Alternative Investments
A candidate can register online or download an enrollment form from the CFA web site ‘www.cfainstitute.org’.
After an application is approved, official acceptance e-mail is sent if all entrance requirements are met. If a candidate does not receive an official acceptance e-mail or notice of incomplete application within six weeks after submitting their application, the candidate should contact CFA Information Center.
The first deadline to register with CFA for December 14 exams is already passed. A candidate can still register by meeting the second deadline requirements of:
- A one time program enrollment fee USD 450
- Early registration fee USD 650
- Standard registration fee USD 950
- Late registration fee USD 1,380
CFA level I classes for December exams session commence from August and for June exams in February. All the classes are held on Saturdays (6-9 pm) and Sundays (10-1 pm and 1:30-5 pm).
Ms. Hira Nabeel (ACCA)
P – 175, PECHS Block 2
(Off Shahrah e Quaideen, near Allahwala Chowrangi) Karachi.
Tel: (9221) 34194027 & 29 / Mobile 92-349-4416491
