How much work experience do I need?

Four years (48 months) of acceptable professional work experience are required for regular membership. This experience may be accrued while you're in the CFA Program, after you've passed all three exam levels, or from previous positions. Just remember that you must be a regular member to be eligible for the CFA charter.

What's acceptable work experience?

You are required to spend at least 50 percent of your time in qualifying activities to accrue your required professional work experience. Summer, part-time, and internship positions do not qualify. Managing your own investments does not qualify.

　　Qualifying activities include being:  

　　Directly involved in the investment decision making process

　　or

　　Engaged in responsibilities and/or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process

View list of sample job titles.　　

Look at some sample work experience descriptions.

Sample Job Titles

　　Titles alone can't determine your qualifications for regular membership. You must spend at least 50% of your time in the investment decision-making process.

　　Many of our members hold these job titles. This listing illustrates the range of positions that can qualify for regular membership in CFA Institute, but positions with other titles can qualify as well. The details you provide about your work experience will determine your eligibility for membership.

Work Experience Descriptions

　　You must spend at least 50% of your time in the investment decision-making process in order for your work experience to qualify. Keep in mind that there are no "good" or "bad" job titles. Just tell us how your experience relates to the investment decision-making process and be as descriptive as possible.