How much does each CFA exam cost?
John Peck
Updated on March 29, 2026
The standard registration fee for each level of the exam is $950. There is an early bird discount that drops the fee down to $650. If you register late, the fee increases to $1,380. Assuming you register on time and at the standard rate, the total cost of taking each level of the CFA exam is $3,300.
How much do CFA study materials cost?
Total Costs to Become a CFA
| CFA® Exam Fees | CFA® Exam Costs |
|---|---|
| CFA® Exam Re-take Fee | $930 |
| Tavel Fees | $300 |
| CFA® Study Material Costs | ~$1,137 |
| CFA® Annual Membership Fee | $250 |
How much does it cost to retake CFA exam?
Retake Fees If you retake any level of the CFA exam, you will be charged the same examination fee. The fee will range from $700 to $1,450, depending on when you register to retake the exam. In addition, if you used a CFA exam preparation software solution, you may be charged a fee if you have to extend its use.
How much does it cost to get CFA Level 1?
The Minimum Passing Score (MPS) set by the CFA® Institute will never be higher than 70%. This means that the highest score bracket for passing a specific topic is 70%-100%, but you do not need to reach that in every topic to pass, as long as you can make up for losses in another topic.
What is more valuable MBA or CFA?
CFA is much cheaper than an MBA in Finance degree and it promises the same if not more returns. Plus, since the course is mostly based on self-study and does not require a candidate to join any particular college, there are no additional costs associated with the programme except for the course fee.
Does CFA Level 1 help getting job?
If you are a CFA Candidate with a finance background and are working on passing the CFA Level 1 Exam, some job opportunities available to you include: Investment Banking Analyst. Junior Financial Analyst. Equity Research Analyst.
How many times can you fail CFA?
Candidates will have a total of six maximum attempts per exam level. This policy is in effect beginning with the 2021 exams.
Why is CFA so hard?
One key reason for the high CFA exam difficulty level is the time commitment. Many people don’t make it through all three levels primarily due to the time it takes to study. Most people lack the necessary study time and/or don’t put in the time. It’s admittedly a hard exam, but not THAT hard.
Does CFA pass rate include no shows?
The CFA exam is notorious for its no-shows. Last year, 20% of CFA candidates failed to turn up. The CFA Institute told us these absentees aren’t included in the pass rate, which only covers people who attend both morning and afternoon sessions, irrespective of whether they finish the exam or not.
Is the CFA exam cost tax deductable?
There’s no tax credit for taking the CFA exam, and testing fees don’t count as qualified educational expenses. However, the costs you incur to take the CFA may be deductible in some circumstances as work-related expenses.
How much is the cost of a CFA?
Assuming you register on time and at the standard rate, the total cost of taking each level of the CFA exam is $3,300. You could, however, pay closer to $5,000 if you register late for each level. The CFA Institute offers several scholarship programs for eligible exam-takers to help with the cost.
What are the course fees of CFA?
enrollment fee (USD 450),
When to take the CFA exam?
The CFA coursework is generally considered “master’s level” and typically requires 250 hours of study time per level (that’s 10-15 hours a week for 18 weeks). You can take the Level I exam in either early June or in December, but the Level II and Level III tests are only given in early June each year.
