What is the Chartered Financial Analyst^® Program

The Chartered Financial Analyst^® (CFA^® ) program is the professional qualification administered and awarded by the CFA Institute^® , based in the United States.

The program enjoying dramatic growth worldwide, which the CFA^® Institute attributes to the relevance of the syllabus, the rigour of the examination and the high standards of professionalism that it demands. In short, it is becoming the accepted benchmark for technical excellence in the financial markets.

Candidates must pass three levels of examinations sequentially. Each level is based on the same ‘body of knowledge’ and candidates face six hours of examination, a three-hour morning session and a three-hour afternoon session. Sittings for CFA^® Level 1 take place twice a year (3 June and 2 December 2007). CFA^® Levels 2 and 3 examinations are held once a year (3 June 2007).

The CFA^® Institute has written “...successful CFA^® candidates spend, on average more than 250 hours per level preparing for the examination.”

While taking a CFA^® course with FTC Kaplan will enhance your understanding of the material, it is important not to underestimate your commitment to self study when preparing for the CFA^® exam.