Becoming a Member

Join a global community of investment professionals dedicated to shaping and upholding the highest educational and ethical standards, cultivating fair and equitable markets, and serving investors and the wider public.

Regular Membership

This membership type is recommended for candidates in the CFA Program and required for award of the CFA charter.

To become a regular member of CFA Institute you will need to

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or have equivalent education or work experience
• Pass Level I of the CFA exam or pass the self-administered Standards of Practice Examination
• Have 48 months of acceptable professional work experience in investment decision making
• Provide professional reference statements
• Apply for membership in a CFA society. Society membership is voluntary and highly recommended. Learn more.
• Agree to adhere to and sign the Member's Agreement and the Professional Conduct Statement
• Pay annual dues

Already have an application in progress? Manage Your Member and Society Applications.

Affiliate Membership

This membership type is recommended for investment professionals who do not intend to participate in the CFA Program. Affiliate members receive the same benefits as regular members, however, affiliate members are not eligible for award of the CFA charter and may not vote on CFA Institute proxies.  

To become an affiliate member of CFA Institute you will need to

• Fulfill the requirements for your selected member society
• Provide professional reference statements
• Agree to adhere to and sign the Member's Agreement and Professional Conduct Statement
• Pay annual dues