CFA exams can be quite challenging and tasking but worth it because of the recognition in the world as the basis of assessing a financial analyst. The CFA designation is highly sought after by finance professionals around the world. It means Chartered Financial Analyst whose key interest is in portfolio management and investment analysis. It is a requirement for many jobs in asset management and equity research. CFA institute require an educational background in finance, accounting, economics, or business from the applicant.
CFA EXAM REQUIREMENTS?
The requirements of becoming a CFA can be quite rigorous because of the prestigious status of the course and has over time retained an elite status because of how expensive it can be.
The CFA Institute’s assessments are primarily multiple-choice, and applicants have numerous alternatives for the way to prepare. The CFA examination includes a sequence of 3 assessments: Levels I, II, and III. On the Level I examination, you may assume inquiries to be centered on simple information and comprehension round funding tools, whilst the Level II take a look at is focused on a extra complicated evaluation of valuing assets. The Level III examination is application-based, tough you to suppose extra analytically approximately portfolio control and wealth planning
Registration for the CFA exams can be a little bit expensive. The designation typically costs between $4,000 and $5,000 which is roughly 2 and 2.3million naira respectively , depending on whether or not you have to rewrite any exams and how early (or late) you register for your exams. The pass rate to obtain the full certification program (all 3 levels) is below 20%.
STUDYING FOR CFA
If you plan on taking the CFA exams, it is better you prepare beforehand for the exams. Passing the CFA exams is a requirement of acquiring the CFA charter. These assessments require a big-time investment, as they are no longer easy. While some professionals can find out about the assessments whilst working in the field, others discover concentrated study to be an extra successful strategy. The CFA Institute estimates that the average candidate spends 322 hours getting ready for every exam—304 average hours for Level I, 329 hours for Level II, and 334 hours for Level III.
You have different options in the test prep landscape that depends majorly on your learning style, budget, and time constraints, given that all these can be subject to change in your conquest to passing the CFA exams.
Preparing for the CFA exams directly from the CFA institute materials gives you an advantage over others. These materials are free with every paid registration around $700 to $1,000 as this curriculum form the basis to which the exams are crafted. You can also take advantage of their approved prep centers for your study .
The CFA Institute has a scholarship offering for those who have met their requirements. There is the possibility of paying so much less than the normal fees approved by the institution. However, there are study centers in every nation where the CFA is approved. Below is the list of prep study centers available in Nigeria
CFA STUDY CENTERS IN NIGERIA
1. New Frontiers Learning Centre , 20B Amodu Tijani Street Off Sanusi Fafunwa Street, VI, Lagos
2. Pure Factor Learning Center , 5 Olusoji Idowu Off Association Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos.
3. V Learning Centre , 5 Adefolu Drive, Off Bamishile Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos
4. 3V Learning Centre, Block 4, Unit 7,2, Araromi Street, Off Moloney street, Behind Access Bank, Obalende, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
5. First Quartile, Professional CFA Tuition Provider, Abuja
CFA CAREERS
There are specific career opportunities available to the CFA member. The prominence and elite status of this course completion gives the eligible candidate a privilege over others. Great job opportunities await a successful member of the CFA. Here is a list of jobs you can apply for :
According to the CFA institutes research on CFA careers
• Portfolio managers: 23%
• Research analysts: 16%
• Chief-level executives: 7%
• Consultants: 7%
• Risk managers: 6%
• Corporate financial analysts: 5%
• Financial advisors: 5%
• Relationship managers: 5%
You can also watch this video for more information on the CFA