Work Experience Guidelines

When you apply for regular CFA Institute membership, you will be asked to attest that your work experience meets the following qualifications.

At least four years (48 months) of experience in:

• Evaluating or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical data as part of the investment decision-making process involving securities or similar investments (e.g., publicly traded and privately placed stocks, bonds, and mortgages and their derivatives; commodity-based derivatives and mutual funds; and other investment assets, such as real estate and commodities, if these are held as part of a diversified, securities-oriented investment portfolio).
• Supervising, directly or indirectly, persons who practice these activities.
• Teaching such activities.

For a job position to qualify, at least 50% of your time should be spent directly involved in the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. Work must be full time and can be earned before, during, or after participation in the CFA Program. Managing your own investments or the investments of your family or friends (without compensation) does not qualify.

Before You Apply

We invite you to use the tools below to determine whether your work experience qualifies for CFA Institute regular membership and to prepare your application.

Ready to Apply for Membership?

We look forward to your application for CFA Institute membership.