CA vs CFA

The Chartered Financial Analyst Program is a post-graduate program in investment and financial management, offered by the CFA Institute. It is ideal for those seeking a career in investment and finance. CFA is one of the highest levels of International qualifications with global recognition.

In India, a competent CFA can work for any of the following - Investment Banks, Research Firms, Alternative Investment Firms, Mutual Funds, Broking Firms, Commercial banks, Asset Management firms, etc. The list is non-exhaustive. Your work profile can fall under any of these – evaluating or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical data as part of the investment decision-making process; supervising persons who conduct such activities; or teaching such activities.  Competent CFAs are actively recruited by industry leaders like JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, E&Y, Indiabulls.

To receive your Charterholder Certificate from the CFA Institute, you must successfully complete all the three CFA Level examinations, along with four years of professional work experience.

Yes, Zell Education provides 100% interview training and placement assistance. We guide your through everything – right from helping you craft that perfect resume to boosting your confidence during job interviews. Our extensive training is inclusive of several mock tests and interviews that let you test the waters and prepare you for the real world.

CFA has three levels. Identifying the CFA course structure is a crucial step to clear the examination. The levels become tougher as one makes progress, and this requires great commitment from students. As CFA can be tough to clear through self-study, CFA classes in Delhi can help reduce the burden. Multiple-choice questions are asked at the first level, which the second level consists of vignette-supported multiple-choice questions. The third level has vignette-supported multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions. This requires candidates to be prepared with a good grasp of English.

CFA level 1 subjects can be studied at an average of 300 hours; the amount of study requirement increases at every level. Also, the registered pass rate increases through the levels. Also, you need to register for every CFA level before the exam. It is possible to take breaks and complete the exam in as much time as required. CFA classes can create the right basis.

The CFA course has three levels. The first level is considered to be the easiest, but it also has the lowest pass rate. While it is possible to clear the exam through self-study, proper guidance, and online learning helps. The CFA Institute offers its own learning materials as well. While early bird registration would cost $700, a standard registration costs $1000, and it would go higher for late registration. CFA level 1 has an official pass rate of about 43%. This shows that commitment towards the course needs to be constant.

If you need to learn all the ten topics, you can do so within 300 hours. However, it is important to learn to manage your time - during the study as well as in the exam to answer questions. The CFA charter is considered the gold standard in the management of investments and portfolios. Clearing the CFA exam would be the first step in paving a great career path.

No, it is not possible to register for CFA right after passing your 12th boards. The qualification is tailored to professionals ready to work in the industry and garner relevant experience, which is not possible for a student right out of school. That's what makes it the gold standard qualification of investment banking and portfolio management. Instead, you can opt for the CFA Investment Foundations program, which is provided by the CFA Institute, know for base building.

It requires at least 4 years of combined educational or professional training. If a candidate is in his 4th and final year of the bachelor program, he would be able to apply for the course. Otherwise, it is possible to complete the course and opt for CFA. CFA classes in Mumbai are flexible to adhere to the routines of working individuals.

The best classes for CFA in Mumbai are tailored for the best learning. If you would like to opt for CFA, you need to wait a few years. You can go for other courses which are applicable when you join college.

Yes, recently - students from an engineering background are making the switch towards CFA to enter the investment field. It is a viable option.

A student is eligible to attempt the CFA exam under the following conditions: 1. Be in their last year of graduation OR 2. Have 4 years of investment related work experience. OR 3. Be a graduate (Any field)

When it comes to both the qualifications - CA and CFA - people choose either depending on their career paths. CA is chosen by the majority of students. However, those who are particularly interested in the investment industry go for CFA. Attending the best classes for CFA in Mumbai increases the chances of clearing the levels. CFA classes in Delhi create a good knowledge base in the students that would be required for their professional and personal growth. CFA certification is considered the gold standard when it comes to portfolio management.

However, many students go for CA as it is considered the main junction in a commercial background. A lot of people would actually go for CFA after completing CA. The CFA course details outline the importance of profound knowledge in the basic subjects. Depending on your career, you should go for one or the other.

CFA Level I examinations are conducted quarterly in the months of February, May, August, and November (2021 onwards).

Out of the total candidates who appear for the exams, around 40% clear level 1 and 2, and 50% clear level 3.

CFA Level 1 consists of 180 MCQs (90 x 2) divided into two sessions of 2 hours 15 minutes each - morning session & afternoon session.

CFA Level 2 consists of 88 vignettes (44 x 2) divided equally into two sessions of 2 hours 12 minutes - morning & afternoon session.

CFA Level 3 consists of vignettes and essay based questions divided equally into two sessions of 2 hours 12 minutes - morning & afternoon session. 

No refund can be claimed once the admission has been processed.

Level 1 has 4 attempts - February, May, August and November. Level 2 has 2 attempts - February and August. Level has 3 attempts - May and November.

When you register for the CFA exam, you do not need a passport. However, you need a passport when you are appearing for the exam.

Unfortunately, that would not be possible. However, one can start studying in the second year to attempt the exam in their third year.

The fees structure for each CFA Level examination is as below – 

One-Time Enrollment Fee - USD 450

Early Registration Fee – USD 700

Early Bird Registration will be USD 900 (February 2023 Onwards) 

Standard Registration Fee – USD 1,000

Standard Registration fee will be USD 1200 (February 2023 Onwards) 

Late Registration Fee – USD 1,450

Please note, a one-time registration fee of USD 450 must be made to the CFA Institute the first time you register for your CFA Level I examination.  

Also, note that the fees paid to the CFA Institute are not inclusive of Zell Education’s fees. For coaching at Zell, students must pay the notified amount before the commencement of classes. 

PS: For updated information on exam timelines, please visit the website: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam