Introduction

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a globally recognized professional designation that requires significant levels of education, exam success, and work experience. To successfully obtain the CFA charter, candidates must pass all three levels of the CFA exams and meet extensive work experience requirements.

Proving Your Work Experience for CFA Level II

While passing the CFA Level II exam is the ultimate goal, the work experience portion plays a crucial role, particularly to gain a work experience wavier.

However, to get your work experience approved for CFA Level II, you need to provide proof that your experience is relevant to the investment decision-making process. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to do.

Employment Verification

The first step is to gather employment verification from your employer. This can be in the form of a letter from your supervisor or HR department. The letter should include:

Your employment start and end dates Your position title A brief description of your job responsibilities, specifically highlighting how they relate to investment analysis, portfolio management, or other financial activities

Detail Your Job Duties

Provide a detailed description of your specific responsibilities. For example, if you were involved in financial modeling, risk management, or any other activity related to the investment decision-making process, document it thoroughly.

Time Commitment

To get your work experience approved, ensure that the experience meets the minimum requirement of 4000 hours over a minimum of 36 months. This is a requirement for the CFA charter and must be meticulously counted.

Questions CFA Institute Might Ask

If the CFA Institute contacts you for clarification, they may ask a variety of questions to ensure your work experience aligns with the requirements. Here are some potential questions they might ask:

Nature of Work: What were your primary responsibilities in your job? Relevance: How does your work relate to the CFA curriculum and the investment profession? Skills Applied: What specific skills did you develop in your role? Projects and Contributions: Can you describe any projects you worked on that demonstrated your analytical skills or involvement in investment decision-making?

Be prepared to answer these questions with clarity and detail. The more specific and relevant your answers, the stronger your case will be.

Tips for Approval

Be Clear and Concise: Provide well-structured and detailed descriptions of your work experience. Highlight Relevance: Emphasize how your experience aligns with the CFA curriculum and the investment profession. Be Prepared: If contacted, be ready to discuss your experience in detail. Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. Stay Informed: Always refer to the CFA Institute’s guidelines on work experience requirements for the most accurate and updated information.

While having your work experience approved is necessary to obtain your CFA charter, it is critical to pass the Level II exam to proceed further. For those looking to sit for the Level II exam, make sure you fulfill the prerequisites, including having successfully passed Level I and having your college degree.

Conclusion

The CFA program is a testament to your dedication to the financial profession. By carefully documenting your work experience and being prepared to answer any questions, you can ensure that your experience is accurately reflected in the CFA Institute’s process.