There was a time when a lone general MBA degree meant a high profile job. Then times changed and specializations became important and companies started to pick people with relevant specialization. A general degree was still sought after but the charm was fading away. Then dreamers started doing dual specializations to have an edge over the competition. Obviously that didnt last for long either. MBA students are now looking beyond their regular MBA degrees. Add on certifications to complement specializations is fast becoming the in thing.
One such add on is CFA. CFA, in India, was synonymous with iCFAi. ICFAI university very cleverly used the CFA trademark to offer courses similar to the ones offered by Charted Financial Analyst Institute, USA. But, thanks to globalisation and India’s growing economic and intellectual might, CFA Institiute soon unearthed this gross violation of its Intellectual Property Right and dragged ICFAI to court . Changing times and ever evolving buisness needs further helped in propelling the CFA brand to newer heights. Add to it sluggish economy, where finding jobs is anyways difficult and you get the red hot combo of MBA in Finance and CFA certifications.
Today, If an MBA passout wants a serious and assured financial profile, he must seriously think about completing the CFA charter. And sooner you complete it, better. Good news is that first year of MBA in India has some serious overlaps with the CFA curriculum. The CFA institute gives Chartered Financial Analyst designation to candidates who complete its three level of exams. Each candidate who completes these three levels is called CFA charterholder. Following is a quick introduction to CFA,

Features of CFA programme

• No exam center in India. Gotta travel to kathmandu, Singapore or the likes to appear for the paper
• CFA designation and courses offered by CFA institute not recognised by AICTE in India.
• Candidate should complete all three levels within seven years of enrollment.
• CFA level I should be completed within three years of enrollment.
• No affiliation with the programme offered by ICFAI
• International recognition.
• CFA level I exams are conducted twice a year July and december
• CFA level II and III can be given in July only.
• CFA level I can be given after MBA first year.
• Core financial profiles after successful completion of each level.

Subjects covered in CFA

• Ethics and Professional Standards
• Quantitative Methods
• Economics
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Finance
• Investment Analysis
• Portfolio Management and Analysis

Subjects for Level I

[image source : Investopedia]

CFA paper pattern

• Level I : 240 multiple choice questions
• Level II : MCQ’s, Problem solving and Essays
• Level III : MCQ’s, Problem solving and Essays

CFA is Expensive and NOT at all EASY

• $1000 for registration at CFA website
• Travel expenses to the tune of INR 50,000 for each level. Update : CFA june in India
• Only 37~40% manage to pass CFA level I
• Only 15%(approx) manage to get CFA Charter

CFA preparation material.
I recently got hold of some CFA videos and books for CFA level I. The videos are from two of the most credible video suppliers, Schwezer and Allan resources. I have the material with me and am looking to share the cost. Please use the comment section below or email me if you are interested.