TOP TOPICS OF THIS PAGE
CFA Program Cost Quick Facts
- A one-time program enrollment fee of USD 450 is required to register for the Level I CFA Exam.
- An additional registration fee is required for each of the three levels of the exam. The fee is USD 700 for early registration and USD 1000 for standard registration.
- The total exam registration fees can range from $2,550 to $5,040.
- The average pass rate for CFA exam test-takers is around 44%.
- Save yourself money and stress by investing in quality preparation materials to offset rescheduling fees.
CFA Program Minimum Cost
Additional CFA Program Costs
Examples of additional costs include travel and accommodation costs if a CFA exam testing center is not offered near you or the purchase of an approved CFA calculator (which is required for CFA candidates on your exam date).
CFA Program Fees
Registration fees for each exam level vary based on if you pay early or on time. There is also a CFA curriculum fee for each level or retake, but the cost of some study materials is part of the exam registration fee.
One-time enrollment fee
- The first time you register for the CFA Level 1 exam, you will have to enroll in the CFA Program and pay a one-time enrollment fee of $450 (USD).
Registration fee for each level or retake
- Each time you register to take one of the CFA exam levels, you will have to pay a registration fee. The fee varies based on when you register. Early registration is $700 (USD) per exam and standard registration is $1,000 (USD) per exam. This fee applies whether you are taking an exam level for the first time or retaking it after failing an earlier attempt.
Curriculum fee for each level or retakes
- When you pay your exam registration fee, you automatically get access to CFA Institute study materials including the CFAI Learning Ecosystem, mock exams, and a digital copy of the CFA curriculum. If you prefer to have a print copy of the curriculum, you must pay a curriculum fee of $250 (USD).
- Because the CFA exam is notoriously difficult with a low average pass rate (44% over the past decade), many candidates invest in Wiley CFA Study Materials to increase their chances of passing. Wiley video lectures help you understand the material with more ease, adaptive review helps you study efficiently by adjusting your study plan based on what you need the most help with, and predictive scoring gives you a reliable estimate of how you’ll do on the exam, so you know when you’re ready and feel confident in your preparation.
Learn more about the Level I CFA Program Exam pass rates in our helpful blog.
Using proven study materials from Wiley provides a big advantage on your path toward becoming a chartered financial analyst. As a leader in innovative education technology products, Wiley’s study materials give you an edge.
Our team of instructors is made up of some of the top university professors and subject matter experts that have helped CFA candidates achieve a higher pass rate and are available to assist through each step of the process.
Whether it’s your first time taking the CFA program exam, or you’ve chosen to take another swing at earning your CFA designation, Wiley will help you accomplish your goals.
CFA All Level Fees
We also encourage you to think ahead as you plan when you’ll take the exams. Level I tests are now offered each quarter. Due to exam rescheduling during the pandemic, 2022 Level II exams will be offered in February, August, and November while Level III exams will be offered in May and August.
The 2023 Level II exams are currently scheduled for May, August, and November while Level III exams will be held in February and August.
Learn more about CFA exam dates.
CFA Level I Fees
For 2022, the one-time enrollment fee of USD 450 is collected by the CFA Institute the first time you register for the Level I exam. You are then responsible for the USD 700 early registration fee or USD 1000 standard registration fee.
The Level I exam has historically had the highest pass rate among CFA charterholders.
CFA Level II Fees
Level II fees are identical to the fees you pay in Level I, minus the enrollment fee.
CFA Level III Fees
Level III fees are identical to the fees you pay in Level I and Level II, minus the one-time enrollment fee.
Is CFA Worth It?
With pass rates at an all-time low, there’s never been a better time to study with Wiley to earn your credential. We offer an SIIA CODiE award-winning best-in-class platform geared toward your learning style.
And our courses are taught by world-renowned expert instructors with a proven track record of teaching candidates how to walk into exam day with confidence and pass. Two out of three candidates who’ve used a competitor’s product prefer our CFA Program exam review. Jump in now and enjoy free access for two weeks with no credit card required.
CFA Program Fee – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- The CFA program costs anywhere from $2,450 to $3,450 (USD) to take all three levels depending on whether you take advantage of early registration discounts. If you need to re-take any exams, you’ll spend an additional $700-$1,000 for each exam registration.
- The CFA is expensive, but it’s an investment in your future. And the money you spend to obtain this distinguished credential is typically returned. According to industry research, financial advisers who have a CFA earned 24% more than those with the certified financial planner mark and 23% more than advisers who are also CPAs.
- The CFA Institute accepts the following payment methods in USD only:Credit Card: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, UnionPay, or Visa, ACH or wire transfer, Checks (personal, corporate, certified, or cashier checks), Alipay, and Pay by invoice (available during early registration only).
- A full refund of your enrollment fee, registration fee, and any other sales tax paid is available within 14 days of payment. CFA Institute may take several months to process the refund. More details can be found on the CFA Institute website.
