CFA is highly sought and respected "Professional Certificate/Degree" In the FINANCIAL WORLD!! Whether you are in US, Nepal or other part of the world...if you have CFA (all levels (3) + 4 year of financial related work experience), you are soluble ANYWHERE. No, enrolling in CFA doesn't help you be in status!! P.S: Its best to give while you are in school (only seniors can apply, (or) Masters :-)...cause course is vast and too much studying and reading to do!! Work and Study will drain you out, but not impossible!!(my own experience)

geda_gudi · Oct 18, 2009 10:03 AM

Thank you for your insights.

nepaliinmissouri · Oct 19, 2009 11:51 AM

"Its best to give while you are in school (only seniors can apply, (or) Masters)" So isn't there any sort of work experience requirement as an eligibility factor in taking the tests and get certified? I always thought you'd need X no. of yrs of work experience in the Financial world with a degree (UG or G) in a related field to validate the CFA cert...

Saajha · Oct 19, 2009 4:33 PM

Have a U.S. bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree .. Or be in the final year of your bachelor's degree program (Note: education information must be updated before progression to Level II) Or have four years of qualified, professional work experience, Or a combination of work and college experience that totals at least four years. (Note: summer, part-time, and internship positions do not qualify) To have a CFA you need to pass All the Level (1,2 and 3 ) and PLUS + 4 year of Qualified, Professional work experience (Financial)!!Qualifying activities include being:   Directly involved in the investment decision-making process or Engaged in responsibilities and/or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process (from CFA institute) Last edited: 19-Oct-09 06:43 PM

geda_gudi · Oct 19, 2009 6:36 PM

How does this (CFA) certification compare with a CPA designation: I don't think the CFA charter and the CPA certification are comparable. One is an apple and the other is an orange. But yes, both of them are respected well in professional services area. I took the CFA Level 1 after completing my BBA in Finance, and I didn't have any direct full-time experience in finance/investment. But I was allowed to take the test. I am taking the Level 2 test in June 2010. I don't think it is "required" to have such experience before you take the test, but yes, you will need to satisfy the work experience requirement before you can apply for the CFA charter.

sahilbryan · Oct 20, 2009 5:51 PM

I am really sorry if my posts caused any confusion!! And yes, sahilbryan said it correctly....I  meant the same thing too.... (pass all the levels and 4 year of work experience so you become CFA (CFA Charter)!! best deal is to visit CFA website, all the information you need has been provided there!! www.cfainstitute.org

geda_gudi · Oct 20, 2009 6:45 PM

It's great to see these many folks participating in this discussion with a genuine interest. I look forward for more discussion and knowledge sharing. Also, FYI, there's a group in Facebook called "Nepalese Finance Professional", and I invite you guys to join that group.

sahilbryan · Oct 21, 2009 12:13 AM

Before you enroll for CFA, make sure that you have the drive to persevere for 3 years. It's a huge commitment. So think before you jump in. There are no credits for the partial completion...

newlynew · Oct 21, 2009 8:14 AM

That's correct. There's no such thing is John Anyone, CFA I or Jason Anywho, CFA II, etc. 4 years is the minimum if you are taking the exam, passing it, while working to fulfill your work experience requirement. But you know what? For people with a passion in investments, I think it's worth doing it. When I had to take the exam, I studied literally for more than two and a half months (without working) to pass the test even though my background was in Finance. So, I can tell you that it does need a lot of serious effort.

sahilbryan · Oct 21, 2009 8:34 AM

Anyone doing FRM here?

newlynew · Oct 21, 2009 9:09 AM

"परिश्रमको फल मिठो हुन्छ" Commitment, Challenge and Return makes this journey pleasurable!!

geda_gudi · Oct 21, 2009 2:48 PM