CFA registration is not only about entering the list of candidates and paying for the exam. It is also strongly linked with the CFA Program entrance requirements, CFA scholarships available to many or the responsibility you accept as a CFA candidate when you register for your exam.

To register for your CFA level 1 exam, you first need to create an account at the CFA Institute website. Usually, it’s done just before actual registration to the exam. However, if you’re eligible and plan to apply for CFA Access Scholarship or Women’s Scholarship, you will need to register at the CFA Institute website much earlier to be able to submit your scholarship application.

The next step of your CFA registration involves fee payment. If you are awarded a scholarship, the payment will be substantially reduced.

If you are ineligible for a CFA scholarship, you’ll have to pay relevant fees to register for the exam you want to sit. Your CFA exam cost will depend on when exactly you decide to register. There are 3 registration fee deadlines. The first one is the cheapest because it’s very early, the second is optimal price-wise and time-wise, while the last deadline is rather late and thus the most expensive:

Unfortunately, the enrollment in June 2020 & Dec 2020 CFA exams is more costly than in previous years. In 2020, exam registration fees increase for all deadlines: by USD 50 for the early and standard deadlines and by USD 70 for the final registration fee deadline.

Additionally, if you register for your first CFA Level 1 exam ever you have to pay a one-time enrollment fee of USD 450 at registration. The amount is the same regardless of the CFA registration deadline or the exam you choose.

The moment you pay for your first CFA Level 1 exam, you enter the CFA Program. It means you accept responsibilities that go hand in hand with your candidacy. During your registration, you are asked to agree to the provisions of Candidate Agreement. It specifies for example possible exam violations and relevant testing policies but it also tells you when your exam can be deferred. You must also submit your Professional Conduct Statement (disclosing relevant reprimands, investigations, litigations, etc.) upon your first CFA exam registration and then annually and before every next exam registration.

The decision about entering the CFA Program can be a long-lasting process. You may know you’d like to take your CFA exam one day but you may need some time before you actually register for an exam. Besides, life often verifies our hopes and postpones our plans.

But even if you do not register for the nearest CFA exam, it’s worth registering at a CFA learning portal like Soleadea the moment you set CFA exam as your future goal. Why? Because a decision about CFA enrollment is a serious one and you could surely use some help while getting there. And even more if you actually register for June 2020 or December 2020 exam.

At Soleadea, registration is free and you get your personalized study plan right away. Inside, you’ll find lots of study tools and materials (some are free and some are premium). You’ll get to know how much you should study per week and get some idea of how your study routine should look like. Outside the CFA Study Planner, you’ll also find many valuable contents concerning the CFA designation and CFA exam and you’ll be guided towards the best way to prepare for your exam.

If you're a level 2 candidate, you can take your exam only in June (Dec is just for L1 candidates).

Basically, enrolling in your level 2 CFA exam does not differ much from your level 1 registration. If – however – you have your doubts, the list below shows how to register for the CFA level 2 exam (or another level 1 exam if you need to retake it):

1. You already have your CFA Institute account.
2. If you’re eligible for a scholarship – just apply for it before the deadline and then wait for the official decision before you register and pay for your exam [LEARN MORE].
3. If you’re ineligible for a scholarship – the same registration fees and deadlines apply, there is no enrollment fee for you, though.
4. Candidate Agreement needs to be accepted and Professional Conduct Statement submitted – no change here.
5. Also, no changes as far as well-planned prep goes: create a study plan that adapts to your needs but stays demanding!