Does a CFA look good on a resume?

Yes, a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation looks excellent on a resume, signaling deep expertise, dedication, and ethics, significantly boosting credibility for investment roles and making candidates highly attractive to employers in asset management, research, and banking. It demonstrates mastery of complex investment topics, sets you apart, and can lead to higher earning potential, acting as a globally recognized mark of distinction. You should highlight your CFA status under certifications, listing your level and exam dates, and update it as you progress.

Can you put a CFA candidate on a resume?

If you are currently a candidate in the CFA Program:

Include your participation in the CFA Program in the education section of your resume. (For example: “CFA® Program participant, CFA Institute.”) You may also list the levels completed. (For example: “Completed Level I in 2020.”)

Do employers care about CFA?

An Improved Salary Isn't Guaranteed With a CFA

But if you're in the investment industry or plan to transfer to an investment firm, it's likely your CFA designation will garner you more money. So, if your current employer doesn't see the value in your CFA, don't worry, someone will.

Can I put CFA level 1 on my LinkedIn?

If you are a CFA Program Candidate you can add a candidate digital badge to your LinkedIn profile by adding the digital badge URL to your profile. You will also be asked to provide a description of the badge base on your current candidate status such as "passed Level I" or passed Level II".

Is CFA still relevant in 2025?

Yes, the CFA is still worth it in 2025 for the right person aiming for roles in traditional investment management, portfolio management, and equity research, offering unparalleled global recognition, employer trust, and career advancement in a rigorous, time-intensive program, though its value is less emphasized in fast-evolving areas like fintech; its relevance hinges on aligning it with specific career goals, complementing it with practical skills (Python, modeling), and understanding it's a commitment requiring strategic study alongside work experience. 

How to make the perfect finance resume (from an Investment Banker)

Will CFA be replaced by AI?

Will AI replace CFA professionals in finance jobs? No. While AI optimises efficiency, it does not replace intelligent decision-making, client engagement, or ethics oversight performed by CFAs.

Is 67% enough to pass CFA?

A 67% score is generally considered strong and likely enough to pass a CFA exam, especially if you have strong scores in key weighted topics, but it's not a guarantee as the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies by exam difficulty, with experts recommending aiming for 69% or higher (e.g., 70%+) for a comfortable pass on Level 1 and Level 2 to be safe. While 67% is above the historical average for some levels (like Level 2's 66% average), the MPS can fluctuate, so focus on strong performance across all areas, especially weighted ones like Fixed Income or Ethics. 

How prestigious is CFA level 1?

The Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 Exam is recognised worldwide as a qualification specifically for finance and investment management. It is the entry point to the prestigious CFA charter. This charter is widely considered the golden benchmark in the finance industry worldwide.

Is the CFA better than an MBA?

Neither the CFA nor MBA is universally "better"; the choice depends on your career goals: choose the CFA for deep, technical expertise in investment management (equity research, portfolio management) at a lower cost, ideal for specialized roles; choose an MBA for broad business leadership, management, and networking, offering flexibility to pivot industries, but at a much higher cost and time commitment, with top-tier school prestige being key. 

What jobs can you get with a CFA?

10 careers you can pursue with a CFA designation

• Credit analyst. ...
• Accountant. ...
• Research analyst. ...
• Financial consultant. ...
• Auditor. ...
• Portfolio manager. ...
• Investment banking analyst. ...
• Asset manager.

What does Warren Buffett think of CFA?

No Substitute for Independent Thinking: Buffett believes a CFA doesn't make someone a great investor. He values traits like temperament, patience, and independent thought over formal credentials. “It's not necessary to have a high IQ or an #MBA or a CFA.

Does JP Morgan hire CFA?

If you aspire to be employed by JP Morgan, ICICI Bank, or an international consulting behemoth like EY, the CFA certification provides that competitive advantage.

What's the average CFA salary?

CFA Charterholder vs.

MBAs are in a much broader field of careers than CFA Charterholders but where they do overlap can be in the fields of finance and management. Regardless, according CFA Institute, the average salary for a CFA is $180,000 and the average salary for an MBA is $107,000.

Is 60% enough to pass CFA level 1?

Yes, you can potentially pass CFA Level 1 with a 60% score, as the CFA Institute doesn't have a fixed percentage; the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies, sometimes allowing a pass around 60-65% when exams are tough, while other times requiring 70%+ for an easier exam, so aiming higher (68-70%+) is safer, but 60% isn't an automatic fail. 

Is CFA level 2 really hard?

The CFA Level 2 exam has a reputation for being the trickiest stage. Only about half the candidates pass, which says a lot about how tough it is. The questions feel longer, the topics go deeper, and the pressure is real.

Can you call yourself a CFA after level 1?

For example, once you have earned your CFA Level I and are preparing for the Level II exam, you should state, "Earned CFA Level I; CFA Level II Candidate (Exam Date: Dec. 2023)." You may not use the CFA letters after your name until you have passed all three exams and have earned official CFA Charterholder status.

Is CFA harder than a Masters?

Is a CFA harder than a Master's? While both CFA and a master's are equally challenging, the only differences come in when CFA is said to be more rigorous due to its specialised contents and demanding exam structure.

What are the disadvantages of CFA?

The Time Needed to Complete It

Becoming a CFA is a huge investment in time, between studying for and taking the exams and logging the minimum 4,000 hours of experience required over 36 months. 7 You will sacrifice time with family and friends and the pursuit of hobbies you enjoy.

Is CFA level 1 equivalent to MBA?

Horan notes that MBAs and CFAs can be complementary to each other: “Traditional MBA programs are broader than the CFA program, covering topics such as management, marketing, and strategy, while the CFA program provides deeper coverage of investment management than typical MBA programs.”

Is CFA harder than the bar?

CFA Exams Pass Rates

The CFA exams are perhaps the most challenging exams out there. They are often referred to as “bar none” the toughest exams—even harder than medical school or law school exams—with pass rates that hover around 50% and were much lower during the recent pandemic.

Can I put passed CFA level 1 on my resume?

Listing CFA Level One in the education section of the resume

Write "Chartered Financial Analyst." Include a hyphen and "Passed Level 1" next to it with the year you earned the qualification.

Is CFA still respected?

The CFA charter is a globally recognized mark of distinction and is highly sought after by top financial institutions. In fact, the CFA charter is preferred by nearly 90% of executive and senior level investment management positions.

Is 40 too old for CFA?

Is it too late to pursue a CFA at age 40? Not at all. There is no strict CFA age limit, so anyone can start, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The CFA age requirement is flexible, so it suits people changing careers or with work experience.

Did CFA remove the 90th percentile?

The 10th and 90th percentiles were removed from the report because we have added scale scores. Scale scores add more precision to your results interpretation. The 10th and 90th percentiles only provide a comparison of your result against other candidates in the same administration.

Can an average person do CFA?

Yes, it is possible for someone with no finance background to pass the CFA exams. However, it will require a significant amount of study and commitment. Many candidates start with little or no finance knowledge and successfully complete the program by dedicating time to learn the material thoroughly.