The CFA, short for Chartered Financial Analyst is a highly sought-after professional credential, accredited by the CFA Institute. Previously known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the CFA Institute is an international body that ensures financial experts with a high level of excellence, through its series of tests and certifications.

Talking about the exam, it is categorized into three levels from basic to advanced – CFA levels 1, 2, and 3. After passing all the three levels and completed mandatory steps, one is designated as the CFA Charterholder. The CFA program is a globally recognized certification testing students and professionals in Investment Banking, Equity Research, Capital Markets, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, etc. Considered a high level of qualification across 165 nations, CFA holders are eligible for any senior or executive position in the investment business across the globe.

One question that triggers the mind is – “am I eligible to apply for the CFA level 3 examination?” Let’s see. If you meet any of the below-mentioned criteria, you are eligible to apply for this esteemed examination and set yourself on the path to greater heights in the finance and investment domain.

• Completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree.
• Learners who have already enrolled for any undergraduate program are also eligible to apply. But, remember, your exam window must be 23 months or fewer before your final graduation month.
• Candidates having a combined experience of 4,000 hours of work experience and/or higher education acquired over a minimum of three consecutive years. Please note this must be achieved on/by the registration date for the CFA level 1 exam. Also, ensure the dates of work experience and higher education do not overlap.
• Must have cleared CFA Level 2.

NOTE: Remember professional experience doesn’t necessarily have to be investment-related. It can include paid internships as well. In the case of the family business, work experience will only qualify if it is professional experience, for which you are being paid.

Some additional requirements: 

• Candidates must have a valid international passport to enrol in this course.
• Candidates must be proficient in the English language.

Learners and professionals who have already cleared the CFA Level 1 and 2 can start preparing for CFA level 3 to become eligible for the CFA charterholder credential. Professionals from diverse backgrounds can acquire this credential to solidify their expertise in the finance domain.

• Graduates/Postgraduates – Learners with graduation or postgraduation degrees can take up the CFA level 3 exam to get a solid start on their career and get senior roles in the lucrative industry.
• MBA/M.Com Holders- MBA and M.Com holders can definitely appear for the CFA level 3 exam to diversify their skill sets and opportunities simultaneously.
• Finance Working Professionals- Those already in the industry can leverage CFA level 3 to acquire more credentials in the kitty and climb up their way in the industry.
• CA/CA Inter- Those with a CA background can take up the CFA level 3 examination to switch careers and augment their career choices. Nevertheless, clearing CFA level 3 puts you up on the pedestal to apply for the highly sought-after CFA charterholder that opens up tonnes of opportunities in the top firms across the globe.

Exceptional faculty

Our highly qualified and experienced mentors are the real gems who stay with you every step of the way. At IIM SKILLS, all our mentors are full-time employees who are available to take up and resolve your doubts in real time. These mentors are not just educators, they are industry experts who fill you in with the tips and secrets to grow in the industry and find your calling in terms of career paths. Altogether, they facilitate you to understand the reasoning behind every concept to the level that you can attempt the exam with complete confidence.

Live Immersive Sessions

While most institutes offer self-paced exams with little to no assistance, IIM SKILLS offer super-interactive sessions with a complete focus on you to make you feel a part of the group. With live immersive sessions, you get to interact with your mentors and peers alike to amplify your knowledge base and spur discussions and doubts. Besides, you can share your ideas, and get feedback whenever, and wherever needed!

Flexible batches

Taking time to prepare for an exam while you’re caught up in a job or pursuing education might seem like an impossible feat. That’s why we have curated our training to fit into your busy schedules. So, you can learn in flexible batches as per your availability without compromising your studies or job at all! We have both weekday and weekend batches – you can pick and choose as you please

Industry-specific Curriculum

When it comes to preparing for an exam, curriculum and management is the key. An old-time curriculum can make you fail – no matter how hard you prepare for the exam. On the flip side, the most relevant questions of an up-to-speed curriculum can work like a charm to help you pass out with flying colours. That’s exactly what you get at IIM SKILLS.

Investment Banker

Most CFA charterholders or prospective CFA charterholders are attracted to investment banking positions due to the extensive perks of this profile. Having financial industry expertise, investment bankers are directly involved in client dealings in activities like mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, IPOs, etc. Investment bankers work for startups, organisations, and even government firms. Their day-to-day duties include:

• Raising capital through investment meetings, IPOs, selling or issuing securities, etc.
• Private management of capital
• Facilitating mergers and acquisitions
• Restructuring of the organisations

Private Wealth Manager

As the name suggests, private wealth managers are specialists who deal with high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth clients in managing investment and financial planning. With a visible surge in the growth of the fintech industry, the role of private wealth managers has increased considerably. These professionals help their investors in dealing with the intricacies of financial markets and changing trends.
Roles and Responsibilities look like:

• Managing portfolios for their clients
• Managing their estate and retirement plans
• Helping them avoid tax burdens
• Facilitating financial planning for their clients.

Risk Manager

To tackle the challenges and repercussions of unforeseen circumstances, most businesses employ risk managers. They are tasked with the responsibility to mitigate the negative effects of events like natural disasters, financial risks, and operational risks. They deploy techniques and precautionary measures to prevent future risks.
Roles and Responsibilities Include:

• Interpreting Risk Information Management Software (RIMS) data
• Assessing the future risks and negative effects
• Identifying potential risks and situations
• Implementing techniques to manage risk factors and their effects.

Research Analyst

CFA charterholders can also hold positions in research analysis – either they can become credit analyst or equity analysts. Most fundamentally, the roles and responsibilities of research analysts require them to collect and assess data related to investment securities and to build earning models.
On a day-to-day basis, their work responsibilities include:

• Gather and evaluate investment data for companies
• Building earning models for their clients
• Conducting valuations
• Recommending and suggesting valuation options to clients and portfolio managers.

IIM SKILLS is a one-of-its-kind global institution aiming to transform careers through its premium courses and coaching classes. Racing alongside the industry’s rising demands, this top-ranking institute imparts industry-accepted skills and knowledge per se.

Talking about the CFA level 1 coaching, our lead mentors prepare you to crack the exam on the first attempt. With equal focus on maintaining accuracy, speed, and concepts- the mentors meticulously train you to sway the exam with confidence. Not just the theory, but a practical understanding of each concept is what armours you for the best.

At IIM SKILLS, we’re committed to your success and that’s what fuels our passion to bring you better learning and upskilling opportunities. What makes us stand out from the herd is our dedicated mentors, live classes, on-the-spot doubt resolutions, and 24*7 support- at every step of the way.

Since 2015, IIM SKILLS has trained and helped 45,000+ learners from across 50+ countries. With a global presence and recognition, IIM SKILLS is just the right choice for you to start your Chartered Financial Analyst journey! Join hands and start exploring this inexplicable expedition.