CFA vs CPA: Which Certification Should You Choose?

All candidates must agree to adhere to the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, which emphasizes integrity and professionalism in the investment industry. We don’t recommend pursuing two entirely different certifications unless you’re switching from one to the other. For instance, CMA and EA have almost nothing in common, and there’s no real job benefit to earning these 2 together. Conversely, employers are often impressed if you have two complementary certifications, like the CMA and CPA, or the CIA and CPA.

Portfolio Development and Construction

The CFA Exam has a pass rate of about 40-50% for each level, with Level I typically being the most challenging due to its foundational content. The multi-level structure adds to its difficulty, requiring sustained effort over years. Each level is offered twice a year (for Level I) or annually (for Levels II and III), and candidates must pass each level sequentially. Find the latest careers and job opportunities for CFA candidates and charterholders. The CFA Level 3 exam pass rate has historically been higher than the other levels. Achieving the CFA charter requires successfully navigating individual exams.

The CPA exam consists of four sections and is a uniform exam administered by AICPA across the US. CPA candidates are allowed to choose the order of the sections they sit for. Each of the four sections can be taken in any order and do not need to be taken sequentially. Deciding whether to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an important starting point in your financial or accounting career. Both professional credentials are highly sought after and will help advance your career almost immediately.

• No matter which you choose, each of these three financial designations will provide ample professional opportunities in return for the time and energy spent to earn them.
• Adaptive and mobile-friendly, it lets you learn at your own pace when and where it’s convenient for you.
• Develop, implement, and manage an institutional investor portfolio, drawing from lessons learned in the CFA curriculum and using advanced Excel skills.
• It is designed for investment professionals and evaluates a candidate’s expertise in investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards.

CFA® vs. CPA Which One to Choose?

If you’re ready to learn more about the different accounting certifications, keep reading. By understanding their differences, you can align your career goals with the right certification, setting yourself up for success in the fields of accounting or finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a CPA’s average annual pay, without bonuses, is around $119,000. CPAs with less than 1 year of experience earn an average of $70,000 a year, while those with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $150,000 annually. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) oversees 55 state boards that regulate and grant the CPA license. Additionally, the scope of employment responsibilities for CPA professionals may vary based on the state of practice.

Passing Rate

• For insight into how the CFA Program impacts career progression in India, download the Impact Assessment of CFA Program in India report.
• A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) focuses on financial planning for clients, which covers investments, estate planning, retirement planning, and more.
• Rather than focusing solely on pay, it’s important to evaluate which designation aligns better with your long-term career goals and interests.
• The CFP exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections.

Though there are no numerous roles for CFA charterholders like the CPA, the few available are more lucrative. CFA charterholders offer financial services in the public and private sectors. Progressive-minded accounting undergraduates can get multiple job offers before their graduation.

Educational Requirements

Gain an overview of corporate governance along with a framework for understanding and analyzing corporate governance and stakeholder management. This topic also highlights the growing impact of environmental and social considerations in investing. We cover how companies make use of leverage and manage their working capital to meet short-term operational needs. Total exam fees for all three levels of the CFA Program range from USD 3520 – 4,600, depending on whether you register during the early or standard registration window. The fees displayed on our website do not include local taxes – if these need to be collected, they will be added during the payment process.

CFA Program Learning Ecosystem

Candidates will be tested on the same domains, however, the weightage of each domain being tested varies depending on the level. It is important to note that you can only proceed to the new level once you have passed your current one. Candidates must have at least four years of professional work experience in a field related to investment decision-making.

Accounting Certifications Comparison Chart

The CFA Program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete and excel in today’s complex and evolving investment industry. We are specialized in Cloud, AWS, Google, Cyber Security and Azure exams. The passing score for the CMA exam is 70% overall whereas it is 75% (per section) for the CPA exam and 40% to 55% for the CFA exam. The average annual salary for CPA professionals is around cfa vs cpa $70,000 and $461,004 in the United States. On the other hand, the average salary of a CFA generally ranges from $119,000 to $219,000 in the United States with a median salary of $160,000 USD annually. CPAs are also well-suited for positions within corporations, where they manage internal financial records, prepare financial statements, and ensure compliance with regulations.

We offer career resources, college readiness tips, educational guides, and tons more. Having both credentials will offer you limitless carer opportunities and you will most likely earn a higher salary having both certification than having either single designation. According to the CFA Institute, a CFA charter holder can earn between $60,000 and $200,00 per year. The average CFA holder salary is $93,947 per year in the US according to PayScale. This range very greatly based on the experience and position of the Charter holder. On the other hand, you need 300 self-study hours to complete the CFA exam, and unlike the CPA exam, where you have the chance to reschedule the exam, you cannot do so with CFA.

Examens CPA versus CFA

Both the CFA and the CPA exams have different exam structures so let’s take a look at how your exam experiences may vary when taking either of these certification. However, keep in mind that some countries have specific stipulations and fees. So it’s best to check with your local CIA requirements and double-check. If you plan to center your career around auditing, then you should heavily consider the Certified Internal Auditor certification or CIA. This will enable you to work in a company, advise on processes and procedures, and establish internal control procedures, among other tasks. Therefore, the EA designation is excellent to get in conjunction with another certification because the EA designation is focused on taxation.

The objective of the Accounting and finance course is to provide you with the skills, information, and practical experience you need to succeed in the field of accounting. This four-month hybrid program, taught on weekdays in recorded and live lectures, contains practical case studies guided by PwC India. Both designations command respect and open doors to prestigious roles. Your decision should ultimately depend on your professional interests, career goals, and the industries you want to be part of.