The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. CFA charterholders earn the right to use the CFA designation after program completion, application, and acceptance by CFA Institute. CFA charterholders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.

The Four Major Topic Areas covered on a CFA Exam are:

1. Ethical and Professional Standards
2. Tools and Inputs for Investment Valuation and Management
3. Asset Valuation
4. Portfolio Management and Performance Presentation

Each Level of the Program is organized primarily around a functional area:

• Level I – Tools and Inputs; Intro to Asset Valuation and Portfolio Management Techniques;
• Level II – Asset Valuation; Applications of Tools and Inputs (including economics, financial statement analysis, and quantitative methods) in Asset Valuation;
• Level III – Portfolio Management; Strategies for Applying Tools, Inputs, and Asset Valuation Models in Managing Equity, Fixed Income, and Derivative Investments for Individuals and Institutions
• Ethical and Professional Standards are covered at all three levels.

Curious to find out how much you already know? Take the CFA Candidate Self-Assessment Test. To learn more about CFA Institute and the exam, visit CFA Institute’s website and review the topics covered on the exam.