The CFA program
The CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®) designation is an internationally respected professional designation conferred by the CFA Institute. The program’s professional conduct requirements demand that both CFA candidates and charter holders adhere to the highest standards of ethical responsibility. Upholding ethical standards are as much part of holding the CFA® designation as passing the examinations. Adherence to these standards fosters confidence and trust among clients, employers, and regulators.
Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya; is a tuition provider for the CFA® program in east Africa region.
Prerequisites
The CFA® Program is postgraduate. The readings assigned in the study program and the questions on the CFA® examinations are geared for individuals who are prepared to deal with “masters” level course work. No specific prerequisite courses of study are prescribed for enrolling in the CFA Program, but applicants should be aware that assigned readings in many topic areas are beyond a basic, introductory level.
Examinations
The CFA® examination is offered at various locations throughout the world. Candidates must complete three examinations sequentially. Level I, Levels II and III examinations are offered in May/June. The three levels cover different aspects of the Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK).
Level I
- Tools and concepts that apply to investment valuation and portfolio management
- Basic concepts regarding securities laws and regulations
- CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
Level II
- Asset valuation
- Application of tools and concepts of investment valuation
- Industry and company analysis
- CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
Level III
- Working knowledge of the entire portfolio management process
- Application of concepts learned at Levels I and II
- CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
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Basic Entrance Requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. An applicant must receive the bachelor’s degree no later than 31 December of the current examination year to qualify for entrance into the CFA® Program. If an applicant does not have a degree, qualified professional work experience totaling at least four years may be acceptable. Eligible professional experience for entrance to the program instead of a degree does not have to be investment related; summer, part-time, and internship positions do not qualify. Employment dates (month and year) and a detailed description of duties for all current and previous positions must be included with the Registration & Enrollment Form.
An applicant may also apply for entrance to the program with a combination of college/university and professional work experience that total at least four years. Details must be included with the Registration & Enrollment Form. If a student does not meet the degree requirement by 31 December of the examination year, his or her candidacy will be cancelled, examination results will be voided, no refund of submitted registration and enrollment fees will be issued, and he or she will need to register again and pay all applicable fees to re-enter the program.
CFA® Examination Topic Areas
The CFA curriculum is grounded in the practice of the investment profession. The CFA Institute periodically conducts a job analysis involving CFA charter holders around the world to determine those elements of the body of investment knowledge and skills that are important to charter holders in their practice. The table below is a summary of examinable topic areas for CFA level 1 and approximate emphasis (weights) each should receive in the CFA examinations.
Ethical and professional standards |
- |
15% |
Tools and inputs for investment valuation and management |
Quantitative Analysis |
12% |
| Economics |
10% |
| Financial Statement Analysis |
28% |
| Corporate Finance |
| Asset valuation |
Equity Investments |
30% |
| Debt Investments |
| Derivative investments |
| Alternative investments |
| Portfolio Management |
- |
5% |
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Calculator Policy
On examination day, candidates are permitted to use only two models of business calculators: either the Texas Instruments BAII Plus or the Hewlett-Packard 12C. Candidates are encouraged to purchase and practice with one of these calculators.
Contacting
CFA Institute
CFA Institute
560 Ray C. Hunt Drive
P.O. Box 3668
Charlottesville . VA 22903-0668 - USA
Tel: 800-247-8132 or 434-951-5449
Fax: 434-951-5262
Website:: www.cfainstitute.org
Becoming a CFA® Charter Holder
1. Register for CFA exam either online or print and fill the necessary forms. Sign and complete; the Professional Conduct Inquiry & the terms of the Candidate Responsibility Statement. Fulfill basic entrance requirements: Bachelor's degree or four years of qualified, professional work experience. Pay the required fees.
2. Sequentially pass LEVEL I, LEVEL II, & LEVEL III exams.
3. Join CFA institute as a member. Provide current completed sponsor forms. Sign and complete the Professional Conduct Statement. Sign and agree to comply with the terms of the Member's Agreement. Exhibit a high degree of ethical and professional conduct. Apply for membership with a CFA Institute member society.
Candidate Registration with CFA Institute
| |
26th Sept 2007 |
14th Feb 2008 |
14th Mar 2008 |
Program Enrollment (New candidates only) |
US$ 390 |
US$ 390 |
US$ 465 |
Exam registration |
US$ 600 |
US$ 688 |
US$ 930 |
Total fee |
US$ 990 |
US$ 1078 |
US$ 1395 |
NOTE: CFA Institute fee based on June 2008 exam
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* Applications and payment must be received by the dates indicated.
The CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, review, or warrant the accuracy of the products or services offered by Strathmore University or verify or endorse the pass rates claimed by Strathmore University. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by the CFA Institute.
Course Structure at Strathmore University Kenya
The regular course will take 8 months and classes will be on:
- 2 - Weekdays 5.30pm – 8.30pm and
- Saturdays 8.30am – 1.00pm
Registration
To register for the course in Strathmore University all interested students should bring the following items:
- Original and photocopies of the degree certificate *
- Three passport size photographs
- Registration fees
* If an applicant does not have a degree, qualified professional work experience totaling to at least 5 years and a relevant professional certification may be acceptable. However, please note that applicants who do not succeed to register with CFA Institute will not be refunded fees or have their fee carried forward to a later intake other than the current one. Fees payable to Strathmore University cannot be transferred from one applicant/candidate to another applicant/candidate.
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