Should You Take the CFA® Exam in College or Wait Until After Graduation

Picture yourself sitting in a lecture hall or perhaps working your first full-time job. At the back of your mind, a question keeps nagging: should I start the CFA Program now or wait until later?

This is a decision that every aspiring finance professional faces.

Starting too early might feel overwhelming while waiting too long could mean missed opportunities.

So, what is the smart move?

To answer that, you need to understand not only the CFA certification requirements but also how the timing of your enrollment affects your studies, career prospects and personal life.

Let us go through the essentials together.

What Exactly is the CFA?

Before we dive into the timing debate, let’s clear the basics.

CFA is the full name of the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification, a professional certification offered by the CFA Institute. It is widely regarded as the gold standard in investment management and financial analysis.

But what does CFA stand for in practical terms?

It stands for credibility, global recognition and mastery of financial knowledge. Earning it is not just about passing exams but also about proving you can apply ethical judgment and financial expertise in the real world.

Many students and professionals ask: what is a CFA and what can I do with a CFA?

The short answer is that it opens doors.

Whether you want to work in portfolio management, equity research, corporate finance or risk management, the CFA charter strengthens your career opportunities and helps you stand out in a competitive market.

CFA Certification Requirements You Should Know

Now, let’s get into the details of requirements for CFA candidates. This is where many first-timers get confused, so let’s break it down in simple terms.

• CFA education requirements: You need either a bachelor’s degree or you must be in the final year of your degree program. This is the core academic requirement.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience: If you do not have a degree, you can still qualify with equivalent work experience. The CFA Institute allows candidates with at least four years of relevant, professional experience to enroll. This is useful for non-degree holders asking, is CFA worth it without a degree? Yes, it can still be valuable if you meet the experience requirement.
• CFA work requirements: To actually become a charterholder, you must complete 4,000 hours of professional work experience over a minimum of three years. This is often called the CFA work experience requirement. It ensures that the CFA qualification is not just theoretical but also grounded in real-world practice.
• CFA prerequisites: So, who can take the CFA exam? The program is open to undergraduates in their final year, bachelor’s degree holders, and those with equivalent work experience. In short, CFA eligibility is broader than many people realize.

When people ask about chartered financial analyst requirements, these are the basics. Passing the exams alone does not make you a charterholder. You need both the education and the experience.

Breaking Down the CFA Levels

The CFA Program is not one exam but three, and each stage comes with its own set of challenges.

• CFA Level 1 requirements: This level focuses on basic knowledge of investment tools, ethics and professional standards. Most candidates spend around 300 hours of study time preparing.
• CFA Level 2 requirements: This is more advanced. You’ll apply concepts learned in Level 1 to real-world scenarios, with a heavy emphasis on asset valuation. The study time for CFA Level 2 is typically similar or slightly more demanding than Level 1.
• CFA Level 3 requirements: Here, the focus shifts to portfolio management and wealth planning. Many candidates find this the most conceptually challenging stage. Again, expect to spend about 300–350 hours.

So, how long to study for CFA in total? The CFA Institute estimates 300 hours per level, and since there are three levels, that is about 900 hours. However, many candidates spend more, especially if they are juggling jobs or college.

How long does it take to become a CFA?

On average, candidates complete all three levels and fulfill the work experience requirement in four to five years. So, if you are wondering how long to get a CFA, remember it is not a quick journey but rather a long-term commitment.

CFA Exam Registration and Enrollment

Once you are clear on eligibility, the next step is CFA enrollment. This is where you officially join the program.

• How to register for CFA: You begin by creating an account on the CFA Institute website, providing your education or work details and paying the registration fees.
• CFA exam registration: Each level has its own registration windows. The earlier you register, the lower the fee.
• How to apply for CFA: Applications are completed online. You’ll need to upload identification, verify your eligibility and confirm your exam location.
• CFA level 1 sign up: Level 1 is the starting point for everyone. The process is straightforward, but be prepared to pay both an enrollment fee (a one-time cost) and the exam registration fee.
• How to take the CFA exam: Exams are computer-based and offered multiple times a year in test centers around the world.

In other words, the enrollment process itself is not complicated but it requires careful planning, especially with deadlines and costs.

Start in College or Wait Until After Graduation?

Now that you know the requirements and the process, let’s return to the original question: should you pursue CFA in college or after graduation? Both paths have benefits and drawbacks.

Enrolling in CFA While in College

If you are in your final undergraduate year, you are eligible to register. Here’s why starting early might be a smart move:

• Flexible schedule: You may not feel it, but college schedules often allow more breathing room than full-time jobs. With careful planning, you can devote the 300 study hours needed for CFA Level 1 without clashing with work commitments.
• A competitive edge in job hunting: Passing even one CFA level as a student makes your CV shine. Recruiters notice this commitment. It also signals to professors and mentors that you are serious about your career, which can lead to strong references or job connections.
• Cost benefits: Students can access CFA scholarships and discounts from exam prep providers. If you are studying at CFA affiliated universities or CFA school programs, the alignment of your coursework with CFA content gives you extra preparation at a lower cost.

But, of course, it is not all rosy:

• Heavier workload: College is already demanding. Adding CFA prep means long nights and sacrificed social activities. The pressure can be intense.
• Limited time for internships: Networking and practical experience are as important as theory. If you devote all your time to CFA, you might miss out on valuable internships.
• Delayed recognition: Even if you finish all three levels in college, you will still need the required work experience before you can add CFA to your name.

Enrolling in CFA After Graduation

The second option is to wait.

Many people ask, should I get my CFA after graduation? For a lot of candidates, this is the more natural choice.

• Single academic focus: Without university exams to juggle, you can dedicate your mental energy to CFA prep.
• Employer support: Some firms cover CFA exam registration fees or allow employees to study during work hours. This financial and logistical support can make a huge difference.
• Peer motivation: You are more likely to find colleagues also taking CFA exams. Study groups can keep you motivated and accountable.

Still, there are challenges:

• Competing priorities: You will probably be working full-time while studying. Balancing both can feel overwhelming.
• Career delays: If you put CFA off for too long, you risk being passed over for promotions. Employers value candidates who are proactive with professional development.
• Financial responsibility: Without student discounts or scholarships, you may end up paying the full fees yourself, unless your employer helps.

Is CFA Worth It?

By now, you may be wondering if all this effort is worthwhile. So, let’s tackle the question directly: is CFA worth it?

The answer depends on your goals, but generally yes. The CFA charter is globally respected and opens doors to roles in investment banking, asset management, equity research, corporate finance and more. The CFA benefits include career advancement, higher earning potential and global recognition.

For those debating MBA vs CFA, the difference lies in focus.

An MBA provides broad business management training while the CFA Program is deeply specialised in finance and investments. Both can be valuable, but if your passion is financial analysis or portfolio management, the CFA is often the better choice.

Practical Timeline

So, how many months to study for CFA? The typical timeline is 4 to 6 months per level, dedicating 12 to 15 hours a week.

• CFA level 1 study duration: About 300 hours over several months.
• Study time for CFA levels: Similar across all three, though Level 2 often requires the most focus due to the volume and complexity of material.
• CFA time to complete: From enrollment to final charter, most candidates spend four to five years.

If you are thinking of fast-tracking, remember that while the exams are offered multiple times a year, rushing through them without proper preparation rarely works. It is better to space your attempts wisely.

Making the CFA Journey Manageable with AnalystPrep

No matter when you start, during college or after graduation, the CFA Program is demanding. That is why preparation is key.

AnalystPrep offers a complete suite of study tools: video lessons, detailed notes, practice questions and mock exams designed to replicate the real test experience.

Our resources are built to save you time and boost your confidence.

If you are still a student, AnalystPrep helps you balance CFA prep with your degree. If you are already working, our structured study plans allow you to fit learning around your busy schedule. Either way, having expert guidance makes a challenging process much more manageable.

Conclusion

What is the best time to start your CFA journey, college or after graduation? The honest answer is that it depends on you.

If you value a head start and can handle the extra workload, starting in college might give you the edge. If you prefer the support of an employer and want to focus fully on your undergraduate degree first, waiting until after graduation makes sense.

Whichever path you choose, remember that the CFA charter is not just another certificate. It is a long-term investment in your career that requires commitment, discipline, and strategic planning. Equip yourself with the right resources, prepare diligently, and you will not only pass the exams but also unlock a world of CFA career opportunities.

And when you are ready to take the leap, AnalystPrep will be here to guide you every step of the way.