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 analyse 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: CFA® Institute recommends that between 180 and 270 hours of study is devoted to each Level. Pass rates have dropped over the years, with only 40% passing Level I in June 2006. Pass rates have averaged 50% for candidates reaching Level II, though fell to 48% in June 2006. Around 70% of candidates reaching Level III will pass. FSA students have achieved an average pass rate of 60% in recent 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.   Products & Services About Us News & Events Financial Articles Contact Us Partners and Related Links fs-academy.com All rights reserved 2005 | © Financial Services Academy 2005