HajurNamasteBro: You are right CFA has three levels I II and III. Detailed info at www.cfainstitute.org. Only after you complete all levels and required work experince, you will receive CFA charterholder. This gives you right to use CFA designation in your business cards, resume etc. which is believed to add value to your marketability. If you complete level I or II. You can stil state in your resume that you have completed Level I or II but you cannot say that you are CFA I or CFA II or CFA III. There is no partial deisgnation. CFA is a huge commitment. I wish I never took on this but I am way into it now that I cannot quit. I have Level I and II complted and going for III in 2006. I began in 2002 but was not able to appear for the exams in 2003/4 due to professional/personal commitments. The decision I made back in 2002 is still haunting me. I am hoping to finish it off once and for all in 2006. Good luck to you whatever you decide. Also, I have heard of FRM exam (Financial Risk Manager). I also think it is just one exam. So this may be the right choice for you if you are not in the position to sign up your precious life for CFA. Not sure about the value of the designation though.