CFA® Program Survey: Insights from Charterholders and Candidates

Get exclusive insights into the experiences of CFA candidates and charterholders.

CFA® Program Survey Highlights

As the international gold standard for investment and finance professionals, the value of the CFA charter is undeniable.

Kaplan Schweser conducted a study that provides a unique look into the experiences and opinions of CFA candidates and charterholders at different points in their journeys. The study focused on:

  • How candidates prepare for their CFA exams
  • How passing their exams and earning the CFA charter has impacted their careers
  • Candidates’ thoughts on the value of employer support during the CFA exam process
  • Pursuit of other designations in addition to the CFA charter

Whether you’re on the path to becoming a CFA charterholder, already a charterholder, or an employer of charterholders, this report will give you new perspectives on the CFA charter specifically and the investment management industry in general.

About the Survey Respondents 

Gender

75% of respondents are male.

Age

A variety of age groups responded, with 63% being under 35, 30% being between the ages of 35 and 54, and 7% being 55 or older.

Education

53% of respondents hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with another 40% holding either an MBA (18%) or other master’s degree (22%). 4% hold a doctorate.

Resources Used to Prepare for the CFA® Exam

Career Impact of the CFA® Charter

Salary Increase

32% of surveyed CFA candidates received a salary increase after passing one of their exams or becoming a charterholder.

Career Advancement

20% of surveyed CFA candidates were promoted after passing one of their exams or becoming a charterholder.

Personal Satisfaction

60% of respondents were more satisfied with their career trajectory after passing their most recent exam or becoming a charterholder.

32% Received a Salary Increase: Earnings increases are dependent on numerous factors other than, or in addition to, passing CFA® exams, including specific employment conditions and individual experience. Kaplan Schweser does not guarantee any earnings increase resulting directly from such designation. These are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan between May 2 and May 27, 2024. For this survey, a sample of 728 CFA Level I, II, and III candidates was interviewed online, of which 709 were employed at the time of the survey.

20% Received a Promotion: Promotions are dependent on numerous factors other than, or in addition to, passing CFA® exams, including specific employment conditions and individual experience. Kaplan Schweser does not guarantee any promotions increase resulting directly from such designation. These are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan between May 2 and May 27, 2024. For this survey, a sample of 728 CFA Level I, II, and III candidates was interviewed online, of which 709 were employed at the time of the survey.

60% Were More Satisfied with Career Trajectory: These are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan between May 2 and May 27, 2024. For this survey, a sample of 728 CFA® Level I, II, and III candidates was interviewed online, all of whom had passed at least the CFA Level I exam.