CFA Institute Certifications
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
CFA Institute issues professional certifications in investment and finance. This overview covers one certification: the CFA Level I exam. Each certification carries its own official examination fee as published by CFA Institute, specific prerequisites for eligibility, and a defined validity or renewal cycle. Candidates should verify all current requirements and fees directly through CFA Institute's official channels before registering.
The exam fees listed here represent the base single-attempt charge set by CFA Institute as of June 2026 and are subject to change. These figures exclude costs for third-party study materials, exam retakes, and other ancillary expenses. Individuals considering pursuit of a CFA certification should confirm the live examination fee, current eligibility requirements, and renewal obligations on CFA Institute's official website prior to registration. CFA Institute remains the authoritative source for all certification information, requirements, and policies.
| Certification | Exam fee | Domain | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFA Level I | $1,490 | Finance & accounting | Charter after 3 levels + experience |