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300Hours: Finance Certifications Hub for CFA, FRM & CAIA

CFA Charterholder Requirements

CFA Requirements: How to Become A CFA Charterholder

Zee Tan

16 Feb 2026

CFA, CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, CFA Level 3, Exam Day & Results

To become a CFA charterholder, you must: (1) Pass all 3 CFA exams (Level 1, 2, and 3)(2) Accumulate 4,000 hours of qualified work experience over at least 36 months(3) Provide 2-3 professional references(4) Sign the Ethics pledge and apply for CFA Institute membership. Total timeline: 2-4 years minimum. Total cost: $3,500-$9,000 depending on exam attempts and materials. The work experience must involve evaluating or applying financial, economic, and/or statistical data in investment decision-making. You can start accumulating work hours ...