CFA® Exam Fee Changes in 2026 - How CFA® Program Cost Increases
- Key Takeaways for CFA Exam Fees 2026
- CFA Exam Prices Are Increasing in 2026
- New Higher 2026 CFA Exam Fees!
- CFA Exam Fee Increase Rationale
- How This Price Increase Affects You
Key Takeaways for CFA Exam Fees 2026
- CFA exam registration fees go up for all levels: Higher costs for all CFA candidates from 2026 onward, the early-bird registration fee is up by USD 150 and the standard registration fee is up by USD 200 compared to the 2025 exams.
- The $350 enrollment fee is gone: No more one-time fee for new level 1 candidates.
- Total CFA exam cost: You will need to pay at least USD 3520 for taking the 3 levels of the exam if you start your CFA exam adventure in 2026, assuming the fees do not grow again in 2027.
CFA Exam Prices Are Increasing in 2026
From the Feb 2026 registration onward, CFA exam fees will increase even by $200 per level. Both the early-bird price and the standard registration price increase for all levels compared to the 2025 CFA exam registration.
New Higher 2026 CFA Exam Fees!
| CFA Exam | 2025 Early-Bird Fee | 2026 Early-Bird Fee | 2025 Standard Fee | 2026 Standard Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | $990 | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| Level II | $990 | $1,140 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| Level III | $1,090 | $1,240 | $1,390 | $1,590 |
CFA Institute is making these big changes to its exam pricing. The $350 CFA exam enrollment fee will be eliminated, making it easier for new candidates to enter the CFA Program. However, exam registration fees are going up significantly for all levels starting with the Feb 2026 CFA exam registration.
If you’re planning to take the CFA exam in 2025, the current prices still apply. But for those sitting for the exam in 2026 and beyond, the CFA exam cost will be higher. The fact that the enrollment fee is being eliminated doesn't change much. Of all the CFA exam fees, that's the one you're paying only once so the trade-off isn't that big... Plus, if you need to retake your CFA exam, the enrollment fee elimination doesn't even concern you...
Why Is CFA Institute Raising CFA Exam Fees?
According to CFA Institute, these price increase reflects how the CFA Program is changing from 2024. In recent years, the CFA exam has evolved in many ways:
- Practical Skills Modules (PSMs) have been introduced in 2023 to strengthen CFA candidates' real-world investment skills.
- Specialized Level III Pathways are in place from the 2025 CFA exams and now candidates are able to choose between different tracks like Private Markets or Private Wealth.
Moreover, CFA Institute reviews its pricing periodically to account for inflation and economic conditions. So, this 2026 price increase is also said to be a regular price adjustment.
The PSMs or Specialized Pathways are the improvements that surely add value to the CFA Program.
How This Price Increase Affects You
If you need to retake your CFA exam, the overall CFA exam cost will be lower for you if you take your CFA exam in 2025. However, if you join the CFA Program in 2026, the increased total cost will be offset by the elimination of the enrollment fee, which is always something to appreciate.
Due to the 2026 increase in registration fees, the total CFA exam cost is now USD 3520 minimum. That's if you can pass each level of the CFA exam on your first attempt, do not need any retakes, and supposing that there is no further increase in the fees in 2027.
- First Level I CFA exam in 2026? Enjoy the eliminated enrollment fee, which used to be USD 350 for newcomers to the CFA Program.
- Retaking Level I CFA exam: You can lock in the lower exam prices if you don't wait till 2026 with your retake.
- Taking Level II or Level III CFA exam now? You’ll pay more by USD 200 if you wait till 2026 to register for your exam.
PUBLISHED: Feb 5, 2025
About Soleadea:
Our CFA Exam Study Planner is available to candidates of all levels at groundbreaking Pay-What-You-Can prices. You decide how much you want to pay for our services. After you activate your account, you get unlimited access to our Study Planner 4.0 with study lessons inside, various level 1/level 2 study materials & tools, regular review sessions, and a holistic growth approach to your preparation. Join
Read Also:
