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

CFA Institute^® can be contacted at:
560 Ray C Hunt Drive
Charlottesville
VA 22903-2981
USA
Telephone: 1 (434) 951 5499
Facsimile: 1 (434) 951 5686
Email: info@cfainstitute.org
Internet: www.cfainstitute.org

The program has experienced dramatic growth worldwide, which 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.

The CFA^® program takes three years to complete. Candidates must pass three levels of examination sequentially. These examinations are based on a 'Body of Knowledge', increasing in depth at each level. Candidates face six hours of examination, a three hour morning session and a three hour afternoon session. Sittings for CFA^® Level I take place twice a year (June and December), CFA^® Levels II and III exams are held in June of each year.

The worldwide recognition of the qualification will give your employers an instant appreciation of the level and depth of your knowledge of financial markets. You will learn how to analyst equities, bonds, derivatives and financial statements effectively thus enhancing your business ability in these areas. It is acknowledged that the added value that you will bring to your employer by gaining this qualification is often reflected in your remuneration.

The CFA^® qualification has long been recognised as an equivalent to an MBA but it is well-known that financial markets employers prefer to employ a CFA^® Charterholder to an MBA.

To register for the CFA^® program, you must have either a bachelor's degree or at least four years of professional work experience. As both the course and exams are highly technical, you should have sound numeric ability.

Some facts might be useful to indicate how demanding the CFA^® Program is:

	The largest percentage of all CFA candidates comes from North America and Europe.
	46% of worldwide candidates passed June 2009 Level I CFA Examinations.
	41% of worldwide candidates passed June 2009 Level II CFA examinations.
	49% of worldwide candidates passed June 2009 Level III CFA examinations.
	41% of FSA students passed June 2009 Level I CFA Examinations.

While attending the course will enhance your understanding of the material, it is important not to underestimate the time that needs to be spent studying outside the classroom.