CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA program is a graduate-level, self-study program that takes on average four years to complete. The CFA curriculum covers a broad range of topics related to investment analysis and portfolio management.
The program is divided into three levels, each level taking approximately one year to complete. Level I is the most basic, covering topics such as financial reporting and analysis, fixed income, and equity valuation. Levels II and III build on this foundation by covering more advanced topics such as derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
To earn the CFA designation, candidates must pass all three levels of the exam within four years. Less than 20% of candidates who start the program ultimately earn their CFA charter.