{"id":3557,"date":"2025-03-01T11:06:04","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcclatchymhstg.wpenginepowered.com\/sabe-careers-education\/?p=3557"},"modified":"2026-06-16T23:17:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T07:17:45","slug":"become-a-cfa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/become-a-cfa\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a CFA\u00ae: Career Roadmap to Certification"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the CFA Institute, &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfainstitute.org\/programs\/cfa-program\/career-prospects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">90%<\/a> of hiring managers prefer CFA\u00ae Charterholders for executive positions.&#8221; As a result, becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst is a brilliant idea if you&#8217;re an ambitious person with an unmatched work ethic.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But earning your charter isn\u2019t easy. The CFA\u00ae Program takes years of dedication, intense studying, and passing three notoriously tricky exams.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, where do you start? How do you go from &#8220;I want to be a CFA\u00ae charterholder&#8221; to actually getting there?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, I&#8217;ll walk you through the entire process\u2014step by step. Let\u2019s get started!<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>CFA\u00ae Program Takes 3-5 Years:<\/strong> Most candidates take at least three years to pass all three levels, but some take up to five years, depending on study time and exam attempts.<\/li> <li><strong>Ethics Is a Big Deal:<\/strong> You must sign the Professional Conduct Statement and pass the Ethics section, which plays a crucial role in borderline pass\/fail decisions.<\/li> <li><strong>Exam Windows Are Limited:<\/strong> Level I is offered four times a year, Level II three times, and Level III only twice, so scheduling strategically is key.<\/li> <li><strong>It\u2019s a Costly Investment:<\/strong> Throughout the program, expect to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 on exam fees, materials, and prep courses.<\/li> <li><strong>Work Experience Is Required:<\/strong> Even after passing the exams, you need 4,000 hours of relevant work experience before officially earning the CFA\u00ae charter.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-make-sure-you-meet-the-cfa-program-requirements\"><strong>Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the CFA\u00ae Program Requirements<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you dive in, make sure you qualify for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA\u00ae) Program. Here\u2019s what you need:<\/p> <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.6em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-8f746e55-3924-4f02-b32a-cc31e2d6013e\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5d8d89d0-9774-4f0f-b6d8-8751042caeed\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">A Bachelor\u2019s Degree or Be Close to Graduating \u2013 You must have completed your degree or within 23 months of your graduation month when registering for Level I.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-cf5ed8ab-be75-4efc-9c2a-4f03a7751640\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Work Experience \u2013 If you don\u2019t have a bachelor\u2019s, you need 4,000 hours of professional work experience (even if it\u2019s not finance-related).<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d63c713c-5d5c-42e6-bdec-9c4116aa4822\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Sign the Professional Conduct Statement \u2013 All CFA\u00ae candidates must agree to uphold the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0b249b8e-0255-437e-80e8-cdab1de713df\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">A Valid Passport \u2013 Yes, really. You need a passport to register.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you check all these boxes, you\u2019re good to go!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-register-and-schedule-your-cfa-exam\"><strong>Step 2: Register and Schedule Your CFA\u00ae Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you meet the qualifications, you must register for the CFA\u00ae exam through the CFA Institute. When you register, you\u2019ll select your exam window and pay the required fees.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cfa-exam-windows\"><strong>CFA\u00ae Exam Windows<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each level of the CFA\u00ae exam is offered on specific dates throughout the year:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Level I:<\/strong> February, May, August, November<\/li> <li><strong>Level II:<\/strong> May, August, November<\/li> <li><strong>Level III:<\/strong> February, August<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can attempt the exam twice per calendar year, but not in consecutive windows (meaning you have to wait at least six months before retaking a failed attempt).<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cfa-exam-fees\"><strong>CFA\u00ae Exam Fees<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll pay when you register:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>One-Time Enrollment Fee:<\/strong> $350 (only for first-time Level I candidates)<\/li> <li><strong>Level I Exam Fees:<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Early Registration: <\/strong>$990<\/li> <li><strong>Standard Registration: <\/strong>$1,290<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Level II Exam Fees:<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Early Registration: <\/strong>$990<\/li> <li><strong>Standard Registration: <\/strong>$1,290<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <li><strong>Level III Exam Fees:<\/strong> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Early Registration: <\/strong>$1,090<\/li> <li><strong>Standard Registration: <\/strong>$1,390<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to change your exam date, a $250 rescheduling fee applies. Payment is due at the time of scheduling, and refunds are only issued for duplicate payments.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve scheduled your exam, it\u2019s time to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/how-to-study-for-the-cfa-exams\/\">studying for the CFA\u00ae<\/a>!<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA-info.png\" alt=\"become a CFA in 6 steps\" class=\"wp-image-3558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA-info.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA-info-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA-info-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA-info-150x113.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-prepare-for-the-cfa-level-i-exam\"><strong>Step 3: Prepare for the CFA\u00ae Level I Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, the real work begins. The <strong>CFA\u00ae exam<\/strong> has three levels, each more challenging than the last. But before you even think about Level II or III, you need to pass Level I.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-on-the-cfa-level-i-exam\"><strong>What\u2019s on the CFA\u00ae Level I Exam?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Level I focuses on investment tools, portfolio management, corporate finance, and investment analysis. It consists of 180 multiple-choice questions, split into two sessions of 90 questions each.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-should-you-study\"><strong>How Long Should You Study?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CFA Institute recommends at least 300 hours of study time, including 10\u201320 hours for the Practical Skills Module. That\u2019s a lot\u2014so break it up over 4-6 months to keep things manageable.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-study-effectively\"><strong>How to Study Effectively<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Use a CFA\u00ae Prep Course<\/strong> \u2013 Self-studying is tough. A CFA\u00ae prep course like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AnalystPrep\" href=\"https:\/\/analystprep.com?ref=crushempire&amp;tm_subid1=SB-AnalystPrep-Coupon\" data-linkid=\"497\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AnalystPrep<\/a> or <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Kaplan CFA\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/deeplink?id=jKAhZJQEhpo&amp;mid=1697&amp;u1=SB-Kaplan-CFA-Coupon&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.schweser.com%2Fcfa\" data-linkid=\"398\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Kaplan<\/a> can keep you on track.<\/li> <li><strong>Take Practice Exams<\/strong> \u2013 The best way to prepare is by simulating the real test. Aim for 4-6 full-length practice exams before test day.<\/li> <li><strong>Focus on High-Weight Topics<\/strong> \u2013 Ethics, financial reporting, and quantitative methods carry a lot of weight\u2014so prioritize them!<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/best-cfa-prep-course\/\">top CFA\u00ae prep courses<\/a> and save with these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/cfa-promo-codes\/\">CFA\u00ae course discounts<\/a>.<\/p> <div class=\"coupon-container discountcode_func_stores_taxonomywise\"><input value=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/become-a-cfa\/\" name=\"cpageurl_hidden\" id=\"cpageurl\" type=\"hidden\"><div class='coupon_code_list_outer other_sc test2'><div class='coupon_code_list cvf_universal_container'><div class='ajax_loader_sort' style='display:none;'><\/div><div id='coupon_search_results' class='coupon_search_results'><input type='hidden' id='hidden_term' 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data-code=\"AP30\" href=\"?cc=11794\" rel=\"follow\" data-brand=\"CFACFACFA, FRMCFA, FRMCFACFACFACFACFACFA, FRM\" affiliate=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/analystprep\/analyst-prep-cfa\/\">Save 30%<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"loadmore_records\">View More<\/div><input value=\"10\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_total_results\"><input value=\"2\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_limit_count\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pass Level I? Congratulations! You\u2019re 1\/3 of the way there.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-tackle-the-cfa-level-ii-exam\"><strong>Step 4: Tackle the CFA\u00ae Level II Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Level II is where things get tricky. This exam is all about applying concepts to real-world scenarios\u2014especially in the investment decision-making process.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-on-level-ii\"><strong>What\u2019s on Level II?<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll dive deeper into portfolio management, investment analysis, and asset valuation. Instead of standalone questions, Level II consists of 22 item sets (vignettes), with 4 multiple-choice questions per set, for a total of 88 questions. Each session includes 11 item sets.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-study-for-level-ii\"><strong>How to Study for Level II<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Increase Your Study Time<\/strong> \u2013 Many candidates find Level II harder than Level I, so aim for 350+ hours of studying.<\/li> <li><strong>Get Comfortable with Item Sets<\/strong> \u2013 The question format changes and each item set includes multiple questions based on one scenario.<\/li> <li><strong>Don\u2019t Skip Ethics<\/strong> \u2013 The Ethics section is even more important in Level II, and it\u2019s a big factor in borderline pass\/fail scores.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-conquer-the-cfa-level-iii-exam\"><strong>Step 5: Conquer the CFA\u00ae Level III Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final boss. Level III is where you prove you can apply everything you\u2019ve learned to real investment scenarios.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-on-level-iii\"><strong>What\u2019s on Level III?<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Heavy focus on wealth management<\/li> <li>Constructed response (essay) questions and item sets<\/li> <li>New specialized pathways: Portfolio Management, Private Markets, or Private Wealth<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each session consists of 5-6 essay sets and 5-6 item sets (22 sets total), with 4 questions per item set. Again, that&#8217;s a total of 88 questions.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-prepare-for-level-iii\"><strong>How to Prepare for Level III<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Practice Writing Essays<\/strong> \u2013 Unlike the first two exams, Level III has written responses. Work on structuring clear, concise answers.<\/li> <li><strong>Master Portfolio Management<\/strong> \u2013 This is the heart of the exam, so expect deep-dive questions.<\/li> <li><strong>Review Past CFA Institute Essay Questions<\/strong> \u2013 CFA Institute releases past essay questions\u2014use them!<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you pass Level III, you\u2019re in the home stretch.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-6-gain-work-experience-and-apply-for-the-cfa-charter\"><strong>Step 6: Gain Work Experience and Apply for the CFA\u00ae Charter<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even after passing all three levels, you\u2019re not officially a CFA\u00ae charterholder yet. You need 4,000 hours of relevant work experience in fields like investment management, corporate finance, or asset management.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have the required experience, apply for CFA\u00ae charterholder status through the CFA Institute. If approved\u2014you did it! You\u2019re finally a CFA\u00ae charterholder.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-verdict-is-becoming-a-cfa-worth-it\"><strong>Final Verdict: Is Becoming a CFA\u00ae Worth It?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There you have it: your step-by-step guide to becoming a CFA\u00ae.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To recap, you&#8217;ll need to meet the program requirements, pay program fees and schedule your exams, study for and pass all three exam levels, earn 4,000 hours of work experience, and finally, apply for your charter.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t have an easy road ahead, but you certainly have a rewarding one. I wish you the best of luck in your CFA\u00ae journey\u2014you&#8217;ve got this!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740738202024\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does it take to become a CFA\u00ae?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">On average, it takes 3-5 years to earn the chartered financial analyst designation, pass all three exams, and gain the required work experience.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740738208942\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is CFA\u00ae harder than CPA?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Both the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/cfa-vs-cpa\/\">CPA and CFA<strong>\u00ae<\/strong><\/a> tough, but the CFA\u00ae exam is considered harder due to its lower pass rates, vast curriculum, and multi-year commitment.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740738214586\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can you become a CFA\u00ae without a degree?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but you need 4,000 hours of work experience before registering for Level I if you don\u2019t have a bachelor\u2019s degree and aren&#8217;t within 23 months of graduation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740738220395\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do CFAs make a lot of money?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/cfa-salary\/\">CFAs earn<\/a> 20-50% more than non-CFA\u00ae investment professionals, with salaries often exceeding six figures in senior investment roles.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740738227094\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How hard is it to become a CFA\u00ae?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It\u2019s very challenging\u2014each exam requires 300+ hours of study, pass rates are low, and the process takes years. But with dedication, it\u2019s achievable!<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to the CFA Institute, &#8220;90% of hiring managers prefer CFA\u00ae Charterholders for executive positions.&#8221; As a result, becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst is a brilliant idea if you&#8217;re an ambitious person with an unmatched work ethic. But earning your charter isn\u2019t easy. The CFA\u00ae Program takes years of dedication, intense studying, and passing three [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3561,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/02\/How-to-Become-a-CFA.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a CFA\u00ae: Career Roadmap to Certification<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to become a CFA\u00ae? This ultimate roadmap covers exam requirements, costs, scheduling, and study tips to help you earn the charter.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sacbee.com\/careers-education\/become-a-cfa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Become a CFA\u00ae: Career Roadmap to Certification\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to become a CFA\u00ae? 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