#cfa duration

ext available window Complete Level 3 in the following cycle

Most candidates complete the program in 2.5 to 3.5 years post-graduation.

The advantage here is that you can gain work experience alongside your exams, which helps you meet the charter requirements faster.

CFA Course Duration After 12th

You cannot start CFA immediately after Class 12.

To be eligible, you must:

Be in the final year of graduation, or Hold a bachelor’s degree, or Have relevant work experience

So the total timeline becomes:

3–4 years (graduation) 2.5–4 years (CFA program)

Overall, it may take 6 to 8 years from Class 12 to becoming a CFA charterholder.

Factors That Affect CFA Course Duration

Not everyone completes the CFA at the same pace. Here’s what makes the difference:

Number of attempts Failing a level can delay your progress by 6–12 months.

Study consistency Candidates studying 12–15 hours per week progress faster.

Work-life balance Working professionals may need more preparation time.

Exam window selection Limited availability (especially for Level 3) can extend timelines.

Coaching and guidance Structured preparation often reduces unnecessary delays.

Study Time Required Per Level

A realistic breakdown looks like this:

Level 1: ~300 hours (4–6 months) Level 2: ~350 hours (5–6 months) Level 3: ~300 hours (4–6 months)

In total, you invest nearly 900–1000 hours across all levels.

Work Experience Requirement

Clearing exams alone is not enough.

To earn the CFA charter, you must complete:

4,000 hours of relevant work experience Over a minimum of 3 years

The good news is that this can be completed before, during, or after exams, allowing flexibility.

How to Complete CFA Faster

If your goal is to reduce your CFA course duration, focus on:

Registering early and committing to a timeline Clearing each level on the first attempt Practicing mock exams regularly Prioritizing high-weight topics Maintaining consistency instead of cramming

The CFA rewards discipline more than intelligence.

Is the CFA Duration Worth It?

Despite taking years, the CFA program offers:

Global recognition in finance Strong career opportunities High earning potential Deep financial expertise

It’s a long-term investment that pays off over time.

Conclusion

The CFA course duration may seem long at first, but it becomes manageable when you break it down into structured steps. With the right planning, consistent effort, and smart exam scheduling, completing the program within 2.5 to 4 years is entirely achievable.

Since the CFA level 1 is the first of 3 levels, it mostly includes introductory topics like investment analysis and ethics, which will help you develop a strong base and prepare you well for the next two levels. The study material is provided by the CFA institute which you can avail of after paying the curriculum fees.

The CFA program is a globally recognized credential that opens the door to a rewarding career in finance. However, completing the CFA course requires a strategic and well-structured learning program. Whether you are preparing for CFA Level 1 or advancing through the higher levels, understanding the essential elements of a successful CFA learning program can make all the difference.

The Chartered Financial Analyst course is one of the most preferred courses in finance due to the salary package CFAs receive on successful completion of their course. Even students who have done their graduation in Art and Science related streams can choose to pursue CFA after graduation because it offers several exciting job opportunities in the stream of investment. As per the CFA institute, in 2021, there were about 28,849 candidates throughout the globe who sat for the CFA Level 1 examinations in the July testing window.

Since the Chartered Financial Analyst examinations aren’t that easy to clear, there was an overall passing rate of only 22%.

There are various things to consider before you apply for the CFA exams like the coaching institute, the ideal study plan, jobs you can get after CFA and the total fees of the CFA exams. However, when it comes to the course fees, you’d be happy to know that the CFA Institute provides certain scholarship programs to students.

First things first, let’s check your CFA level 1 eligibility for the examinations. And in case you are not, what are the other routes available to lock in your CFA eligibility? Here’s what you’ll need

1. A Bachelor’s degree from a renowned university

2. An undergraduate degree before applying for CFA level 2

3. A combination of 4000 hours of professional work experience and higher education

4. Professional work experience need not be investment-related, they could also be paid articleships or internships

5. Live in a participating country and have an international passport

6. You need to fill up and submit a Professional Conduct Statement form

Yes, multiple surveys, including CFA Institute’s global compensation study, confirm that CFA charterholders earn significantly more than their non-charter counterparts.

On average, CFA charterholders enjoy a 20% to 40% salary premium, especially as they climb the career ladder into mid-level and senior-level positions.

This premium reflects not only the technical skills but also the credibility, dedication, and trustworthiness associated with the CFA designation.

While practice is important when it comes to the CFA examination, making sure that your practice is going in the right direction is also equally important. Create a study plan that includes attending coaching lectures, practicing through the end-of-chapter questions, and taking breaks in between to freshen up your mind.