Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA US University)

[Rupali]

Chartered Financial Analyst is a reputed financial certification with 3 levels of examinations..
Once you clear all the three levels, you can get any financial analyst job in the world..more details at www.cfainstitute.org

[neha]

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an international professional designation offered by the CFA Institute (formerly known as AIMR) to financial analysts who complete a series of three examinations.

In order to become a CFA Charterholder candidates must pass each of three six-hour exams, possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent, as assessed by the CFA institute) and have 48 months of work experience in an investment decision-making position.

CFA charterholders are also obligated to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards governing their professional conduct.

Candidates generally take one exam per year over three years and are written at a postgraduate level for financial professionals. Fees as of December 2009 for all three exams range from $710 to $955, depending on the date at which the candidate registers to take the exam plus an additional $400 to 480 for program enrollment for new members.

Exams are challenging, with only 35% passing the Level I, 46% passing Level II, and 53% passing Level III exam in June 2008. In 2006, Europe achieved the highest average pass rate for the Level I, II and III of the exam with an overall success rate of 57% of candidates; versus 54% for the USA and 49% in Asia and Pacific.

All three levels have a strong emphasis on ethics. The other material differences are as follows:


The Level I study program emphasizes tools and inputs and includes an introduction to asset valuation and portfolio management techniques.


The Level II study program emphasizes asset valuation and includes applications of the tools and inputs (including economics, financial statement analysis, and quantitative methods) in asset valuation.


The Level III study program emphasizes portfolio management and includes strategies for applying the tools, inputs, and asset valuation models in managing equity, fixed income, and derivative investments for individuals and institutions.