Planning to enter the finance world with a CFA charter? It is an impressive certification, but you should be aware of its price. You need to understand what financial commitment is involved from the onset of registration fees to tuition costs for you to plan well and avoid unexpected expenses. What will it cost you to get your hands on CFA certification? And how and where do you need to allocate your money to make that happen?Â
Knowing how much in total is going to be due will help you budget more accurately and plan your path toward earning a CFA charter. A CFA level 1 salary will be up to INR 18,00,000 lakh per annum, therefore, your study investment may pay off substantially in your finance career.
The Chartered Financial Analyst program gives a globally acknowledged professional qualification in the arena of financial markets; at the same time, it’s very popular in India as the CFA Institute reports that around 40,000 candidates appear for the CFA exams from India every year. In fact, it is better to take the level test, which may even be helpful with career prospects. Lets explore the CFA exam cost in detail.
What is CFA?Â
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) offered by the CFA Institute is a highly respected professional designation in the world of finance and investments. This course is considered to be one of the most recognized and respected courses because of its rigid standards and comprehensive curriculum. This course covers broad categories of topics: investment management, financial analysis, ethics, and portfolio management.Â
To enrol in the CFA program, you are required to meet a certain eligibility criteria; that is, a bachelor’s degree or professional work experience equivalent to it. Register at the CFA Institute webpage and pay the enrolment fee along with your registration fees. Thereafter, select the type of exam, the location, and date and then prepare for the exam by using the series of study materials offered. Once you have cleared the exams and met the working experience, you can apply for the professional CFA charter to earn the designation.
Fees for the CFA Course
The overall cost of the CFA program will lie between $3,170 and $4,100. This is considering a one-time enrolment fee and registration fees: early registration falls on the lower end and standard registration fees on the higher end given range. Note, however, that this is an estimate and does not include additional material costs and guide for CFA preparation; although highly recommended, these are not mandatorily required for you to pass your CFA exam.
Changes in CFA Fee Structure 2025
CFA Institution is considering a change in CFA course fees due to current inflation and administrative expenditures are higher than in the past resulting in revising their fees.Â
From 2025, the early registration fee will increase from $940 to $990, and standard fee will increase from $1250 to $1290 for Level 1. For Level 3, the early registration fee will increase from $940 to $1090 and standard fee will increase from $1250 to $1390.
Mandatory Costs for the CFA Program
Mandatory costs while pursuing a CFA course means the unavoidable expenses you have to incur to appear for the CFA exam. First, you have to pay a non-refundable enrolment fee, followed by a registration fee wherein if you register early then you get a discount on your fee. If you in the future by any chance decide to postpone your exam then you have to pay a rescheduling fee to the CFA institute as well. We have explained the cost breakdown below:
Initial CFA Enrolment Charge:
Getting into Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) begins with a sign-up fee. In essence, this one-time charge is your entry ticket into the program that is incurred when setting up a candidate profile. For new candidates, this amount of $350 acts as a stepping stone to embark on their CFA journey. This sum cannot be refunded hence it implies that, before paying for it make sure that you are ready to take the CFA exam.
CFA Registration Fees:Â
After enrolment, the other major cost is registering for each level of CFA exams. These fees differ based on when they are paid; early registrations being more economical on average than those done later on. The early registration fee is $940 whereas standard registration fee is $1250. To conserve cash, you can plan in advance to register early and avail of this discount at every level of your exam.
Curriculum Expenses:
The exam costs are already taken care of, but some supporting investments are required. Study materials are needed to prepare for each of the CFA exam’s three levels, and this may amount to a significant cost. Many third-party study aids may help but also add to your expense. One such investment is essential: good study materials, for they form the backbone of your preparation. For Level 1, prep will start from as low as $300 based on the institution you enrol in.Â
CFA Level 1 Exam Fees 2025
For the CFA Level 1 Exam in 2025, the early registration fees are going to increase to $990, and the standard registration fees will be $1,290. This indicates that costs will just be going up from here, so it’s a good idea to budget money in advance to manage these costs properly.
Fees for Rescheduling CFA Level 1 Exam
Rescheduling of your CFA Level 1 is around $399. This is a charge for those candidates who would like to reschedule their exam date after an initial registration.
CFA Level 1 Scholarship Categories
Several CFA Level 1 Scholarship categories are available, providing manifold reduction opportunities in registration fees for eligible candidates. There is the Access Scholarship—lowering the fee to $400—for those in need of financial support. If someone is a current student at a CFA-affiliated college, there are Student Scholarships that lower the fee to $600. There are also Professor Scholarships targeted at full-time college professors or administrators, bringing the fee down to $600. These scholarships are meant to make the possibility of gaining the CFA more accessible to a certain pool of candidates.
CFA Exam Application Deadlines & Exam Dates 2025
Early Registration Deadline
An early registration deadline for February 2025 was from 9th May to 9th July 2024. This was the best time by which you should have registered to avail reduced fees.
Regular Registration Deadline
The deadline for regular registration is from 10th July to 7th November 2025. You can register by this date to avoid late fees and ensure your place in the exam.
CFA Level 2 Fees 2025
CFA level 2 fees for the year 2025 are revised due to inflation. The registration fees will now be $990 for early candidates and $1,290 for standard candidates.Â
Rescheduling Fees for CFA Level 2 in 2025
CFA Level 2 rescheduling fees are around $399. Such a fee will be incurred in case you make changes to the exam you had booked.
CFA Level 2 Scholarship Categories
Many different CFA Level 2 Scholarship categories provide opportunities at reduced registration fees for eligible candidates. Access Scholarship lowers the fee to 400 for those in need of financial support. There are also Professor Scholarships targeted at full-time college professors or administrators, which bring the fee down to $600. These scholarships are supposed to make the possibility of getting the CFA more available to some candidates.
CFA Level 3 Exam Fees 2025
For CFA Level 3, the early registration cost will be $1,090, and the standard registration cost will be $1,390. This is an increase, aligning with changes in the fee structure for 2025.
Rescheduling Fees for CFA Level 3 in 2025
According to the CFA Level 3 course, there is also a $399 cost related to rescheduling your CFA Level 3 exam. This fee applies to all changes that are made after a booking has already been set for your original exam date.
CFA Level 3 Scholarship Categories
Many different CFA Level 3 Scholarship categories provide opportunities at reduced registration fees for eligible candidates. Access Scholarship and Professor Scholarships are applicable here. Student Scholarships are not applicable because students clear their degrees by the time they reach level 3.Â
CFA Coaching Fees in 2025
In India, CFA coaching fees can vary from institution to institution that provides this service. It can range from INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 depending on the mode of study – online or in class, CFA level you are getting coaching for, and other additional benefits like mock tests and more.Â
Conclusion
Embarking on the CFA journey requires careful financial planning due to its significant costs, including enrolment, registration fees, and study materials. However, with improved career opportunities and earning potential, it will be a very sound investment. Knowing the costs and scholarship opportunities will help you appropriately budget and make a well-informed decision to achieve this highly regarded certification.
FAQ’s on Cost of the CFA Exam
Is CFA too expensive?
The CFA program is an expensive kind of business education; you have to pay a registration fee and spend money buying study materials. Though the costs associated with the program are high, many candidates find it quite rewarding because it helps to enhance their career perspectives.
Is CFA Level 1 worth it?
Yes, CFA Level 1 is the stepping stone to a highly regarded and widely held finance certification. Passing Level 1 demonstrates rudimentary knowledge and dedication that would qualify one for advanced levels and adds professional credibility. CFA level 1 salary is not exponential but it is more than a common graduate’s salary.
What is the CFA salary?
On average, the entry-level position offers around INR 18,00,000 lakh per annum. CFA is a course where one can start earning well right after clearing Level 1 which is one of the reasons for its increasing popularity.
Is CFA worth the cost?
The CFA certification is often deemed worth the cost due to its potential for career advancement, increased earning potential, and global recognition. The program’s rigorous training can lead to significant professional and financial rewards in the finance industry.
