Certified Financial Analyst (CFA®); CFA® Institute
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA® Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To earn the CFA® charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA® Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA® Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
The CFA® course study is organized into three levels, and each level requires passing a six-hour exam. The program curriculum increases in complexity throughout 3 levels:
- Level I: Focuses on a basic knowledge of the ten topic areas and simple analysis using investment tools. The ten topic areas include: Ethical and Professional Standards; Quantitative Methods; Economics; Financial Reporting and Analysis; Corporate Finance; Equity Investments; Fixed Income; Derivatives; Alternative Investments; Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning.
- Level II: Emphasizes the application of investment tools and concepts with a focus on the valuation of all types of assets.
- Level III: Focuses on synthesizing all of the concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning.
To learn more about the CFA® charter, visit www.cfainstitute.org
Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
The CPWA® designation is administered through the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CPWA® designation signifies that an individual has met initial and on-going experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for the professional designation, which is centered on private wealth management topics and strategies for high-net-worth clients. Prerequisites for the CPWA® designation are:
- a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA®, CIMC ®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, or CPA license;
- have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements; and
- five years of experience in financial services or delivering services to high-net worth clients.
CPWA designees have completed a rigorous educational process that includes self-study requirements, an in-class education component, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. CPWA® designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CPWA® designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification.
Additional information regarding the CPWA® is available at https://investmentsandwealth.org
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst® (CAIA®)
- Bachelor’s or equivalent degree and more than one year of business experience in the financial industry, or
- Four years of experience in the financial industry