• Home > 
• What is CFA? > 
• CFA Progam > 
• Become Charterholder > 

To become a CFA charterholder, you must:

1.  Pass each of the Level I, II, and III exams. Requires a minimum of 250 hours of study with substantially more depending on individual circumstances.
2.  Meet the work experience requirements.
• Requirements if you became a candidate before the 2005 exam cycle, have passed Level I, and become a regular member by 1 July 2007
• Requirements if you first became a candidate during the 2005 exam cycle or thereafter
3.  Become a regular member of CFA Institute.   
4.  Receive your official status. CFA Institute will notify you when you have completed all requirements and can begin using the CFA designation; you will have the option to receive the charter by mail or during an award ceremony provided by your society.
5.  Maintain your status. Follow the charterholder guidelines.