CFA Level I: Requirements & Exam Details

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.

The CFA Level I certification is offered by the CFA Institute and represents the first step toward the Chartered Financial Analyst credential. To be eligible for Level I, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or be in their final year of a bachelor's program, and must also have accumulated 4,000 hours of qualified work or educational experience. The exam fee for a single attempt at Level I is $1,490 under standard registration, though early registration discounts may be available at a lower rate. These fee amounts are accurate as of June 2026 but are subject to change; candidates should confirm current pricing directly with the CFA Institute before registering.

The CFA credential itself requires completion of all three exam levels plus additional relevant professional experience. The Charter remains valid indefinitely once earned, though charterholders must renew their membership annually and adhere to ongoing continuing education requirements set by the CFA Institute. Eligibility requirements, examination fees, and renewal rules are established and may be updated by the CFA Institute as the issuing body. Prospective candidates should verify all current prerequisites, costs, and renewal policies on the CFA Institute's official website before proceeding with registration.

Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by CFA Institute and can change — confirm on the official page.

Full cost breakdown → · How to prepare →