CFA Roadmap: How to Become a Chartered Financial Analyst

It is no easy feat to earn a charter unless you follow a CFA Roadmap. It requires a strong commitment to studying, clearing three rigorous levels of exams, and gaining relevant work experience. However, becoming a chartered financial analyst is significantly rewarding. CFA charterholders gain in-depth knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies. It also enhances their career prospects with higher salaries, better job opportunities, and global mobility.

Thus, if you are considering building a career in finance and are determined to stand out in the competitive job market, becoming a CFA charterholder is the right path for you. This guide will break down the step-by-step CFA roadmap to become a chartered financial analyst.

CFA Course Overview

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a globally recognised professional qualification. It is awarded by the CFA Institute and is considered the gold standard for investment professionals. The CFA charter is highly regarded by employers in financial services, including asset management, investment banking, equity research, and risk management.

The CFA duration typically spans several years, as candidates must pass three levels of exams.The CFA program focuses on key areas such as investment analysis, portfolio management, financial reporting, and ethics. Unlike an MBA in Finance, which covers a broad range of business and management topics. You can say that our CFA program is laser-focused on investment decision-making and financial markets.

While most candidates pursue the CFA after completing their bachelor’s degree, some may be interested in starting their CFA journey early, even CFA after 12th, provided they meet the necessary work experience requirements. If you wish to enroll in our CFA program, you must at least hold a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of a degree program. If you have 4,000 hours of relevant work experience (or a mix of work and education) then also you are qualified to do CFA. Your journey consists of three levels (I, II, and III) and takes a minimum of 2–2.5 years if passed on the first attempt, though most candidates complete it in 3–4 years. It is interesting that the CFA Institute recommends you to study for 300+ study hours per level to succeed.

What does a CFA do?

The CFA professionals are highly skilled finance professionals who specialise in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. They are trusted experts equipped with deep knowledge of global financial markets, risk assessment, and asset valuation. So, actually, if you want to know what does a CFA do, then read further.

Investment Analysis & Research

CFAs are important to analyse financial data and market trends with the end goal of finding profitable investment opportunities. They

• Assess the financial statements and balance sheets of companies.
• Assess macroeconomic indicators and industry trends.
• Conduct equity research to determine stock value and expected returns
• Do fundamental analysis and technical analysis for investment recommendations.

This is why many CFAs work as equity analysts or research analysts. They consult fund managers while helping investors make data-based decisions.

Portfolio Management

Working as portfolio managers from the CFA perspective

• Formulate and produce portfolios as investments for people, businesses, or hedge funds.
• Diversify assets invested across stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments to manage and minimize risk and ensure maximum return on investment.
• Implement quantitative models and financial forecasting techniques to evolve investment strategies.
• Alter the portfolio allocation or proportion depending on changing economics, client goals, and risk tolerance.

Therefore, CFAs, those working in asset management companies or hedge funds, manage investment portfolios of billions of dollars.

Risk Management & Financial Strategy

CFA plays a major role in assessing and mitigating financial risks. Accordingly, they:

• Use sophisticated financial modeling to analyze market, credit, and liquidity risks.
• Devise risk-adjusted investment strategies intended to protect investors from downturns.
• Leverage derivatives, options, and hedging approaches to ensure financial uncertainty.
• Work toward regulatory compliance in accordance with international financial standards.

Risk management CFAs help in banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions to safeguard their assets against market fluctuations.

Corporate Finance & Valuation

Corporate finance is performed by CFA professionals. The following are their activities for businesses:

• Capital budgeting
• Business valuation
• Debt and equity financing
• Financial modeling

A lot of CFAs serve as financial advisors or CFOs and even consultants, and thus guide organizations on financial planning, as well as investment decisions.

Wealth Management & Financial Advisory

CFA charterholders also work in wealth management and advisory services. The following services are provided by CFAs:

• Individual retirement planning involves making investment plans tailored to the needs of the individual so they can generate cash flow and protect financial stability in the long term. 
• Estate and tax planning work in conjunction with tax-efficient investing and wealth transfer.
• Educating clients on hedge fund investing, private equity, and venture capital. 

Private wealth management with CFA designations assists high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with the strategic planning and growth of their wealth.

Ethical & Regulatory Compliance

Keeping ethical standards is one of the important CFA role defining characteristics. This means that CFAs adhere following the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which prescribes:

Transparency and integrity in financial reporting Ethical decision making, avoidance of a conflict of interests Compliance with International Financial reporting standards, GAAP, and SEC Guidelines. For the most part, CFAs find their place within compliance and regulatory jobs where they ensure that financial institutions operate legally.

By all means, a CFA plays a critical role in investment choices, portfolio management, risk analysis, and corporate finance. CFAs’ knowledge in finance and ethics adds more value to more or less any position held by the investment analyst, fund manager, or financial Advisor; hence, they are regarded as one of the most wanted professionals in the industry.

How to Become a Chartered Financial Analyst: A Successful CFA RoadMap

If your aim is to ace your career in the world of investment and looking to increase your recognition for your skills? Wondering, How to become a Chartered Financial Analyst? It is quite a challenging process, but following a roadmap for CFA can at least make your beginning smooth. It requires your dedication, discipline, and strategic preparation. The CFA designation equips expertise in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. 

Following are the steps to become a Chartered Financial Analyst:

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must fulfil at least one of the following CFA eligibility requirements before registering for the CFA program
• You must have completed a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of your program.
• If you don’t hold a degree, you need 4,000 hours of relevant work experience (acquired over at least three years)
• A total of 4,000 hours of combined education and work experience also qualify

Apart from these, you must:

• Have a valid passport for identification.
• Be fluent in English, as the exams are conducted in English.
• Agree to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Step 2: Enroll in the CFA Program

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can register on the official website of the CFA Institute and enroll for Level I. 

The registration fee varies based on when you apply:

• Early registration: Around $940
• Standard registration: Around $1,250
• There is also a one-time enrollment fee of $350 when you first register.

Step 3: Clear All Three CFA Exam Levels

See, you can never ever gain the qualification if you do not pass the exams. The CFA program consists of three rigorous exams: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level builds on the previous one and covers investment analysis, financial reporting, ethics, portfolio management, and risk management topics. 

So, to clear all three CFA exam levels a minimum of 2–2.5 years are required, most candidates take 3–4 years to complete all levels and for you to become a certified financial analyst.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Work Experience

After passing all your exams you are supposed to complete 4,000 hours of relevant work experience (over a minimum of three years). So, it should be related to investment decision-making (e.g., equity research, risk analysis, portfolio management). You can gain your experience before, during, or even after passing the CFA exams and this is exactly how to become a chartered financial analyst. 

Here are some job roles in which you can gain the experience is

• Investment Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Risk Manager
• Portfolio Manager
• Corporate Finance Analyst

Step 5: Apply for CFA Charterholder Status

So, the last thing is applying for a CFA charterholder. Once you have passed all three levels and gained the required work experience, you must:

• Become a CFA Institute member (pay annual membership fees).
• Submit professional reference letters verifying your experience.
• Adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

After you get the approval, you officially become a CFA Charterholder and can use the prestigious CFA designation after your name. So, you can follow this CFA roadmap to earn your CFA charter and these steps answer how to become a CFA charterholder. 

Average CFA Salary in India

The CFA professionals earn significantly better than the non-certified peers. So, the average CFA salary in India varies for freshers and seniors working in higher positions with experience. 

• Entry-Level (CFA Level I): ₹7-12 LPA as a junior analyst or associate.
• Mid-Level (CFA Level II): ₹13-25 LPA in roles like senior analyst or associate.
• Senior-Level (CFA Charterholder): ₹26-50 LPA, with six or more years of experience.

Comparatively, you will get higher salaries in investment banking, asset management, and private equity, especially in financial hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore than in other suburbs. A CFA designation significantly enhances earning potential, particularly with additional experience and qualifications.

Cost to Become a CFA

The costs to become CFA in India are dependent on the timing of registration for exams and other incidental costs. The 2025 price revision by the CFA Institute has removed the one-time enrollment fee of $350, thus bringing down the overall cost.

With these factors in mind, candidates should plan their CFA journey strategically to optimize costs. Moreover, for the exact cost of becoming a CFA and to decide on your budget, please refer to the official website of the CFA Institute. 

Is a CFA Worth It? 

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly regarded in the finance industry. It’s worth pursuing depending on your career goals, industry preferences, and return on investment. Read further to understand is CFA worth it,

• The CFA charter is recognized worldwide, making it valuable for careers in investment banking, asset management, and portfolio management.
• CFAs earn competitive salaries, with mid-to-senior level professionals in India earning ₹13-44 LPA.
• Compared to an MBA from a top-tier institution, the CFA program is more affordable while providing deep finance expertise.
• The curriculum covers essential topics like financial analysis, equity research, and risk management, giving professionals a solid foundation.
• Many top finance firms, including JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock, prefer CFA charterholders for high-paying roles.

CFA is very much worth it if you are looking forward to a career in investment management, equity research, risk analysis, or asset management. Moreover, it is essential to know that the CFA must be in line with long-term goals to ensure the benefits are really maximized.

Conclusion

For those aspiring to take the CFA course, edZeb Institute provides top-notch guidance and resources. Qualifying for the CFA charter is a challenge worth undertaking. It requires a combination of zeal, study, and appropriate work experience in the field of investment analysis and this answers, how do you become a CFA. The hire is well worth the effort, as CFA holders develop extensive knowledge of investment management, financial analysis, and risk management, opening doors to high-paying career opportunities all around the world. The CFA designation also increases credibility and global mobility among people who want to work in asset management, equity research, or corporate finance. For someone ready to accept a challenge and excel at developing a finance career, this is indeed a worthwhile and strategic decision.

FAQ’s