CFA® Exam Prices Change in 2026 - How CFA® Program Cost Increases
Margaret
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- 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
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 | 2025 Standard Fee | 2026 Early-Bird Fee | 2026 Standard Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | $990 | $1,290 | $1,140 | $1,490 |
| Level II | $990 | $1,290 | $1,140 | $1,490 |
| Level III | $1,090 | $1,390 | $1,240 | $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 February 2026 exams.
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...
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) has 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 said to be also a regular price adjustment.
The PSMs or Specialized Pathways are the improvements that surely add value to the CFA Program.
Still, we'd encourage you to consider registering for your CFA exam in 2025 to control your costs.
How This Price Increase Affects You
- If you’re taking Level I in 2025: You’ll still have to pay the $350 enrollment fee, but you can lock in the lower exam prices.
- If you’re taking Level I in 2026: You’ll save $350 on the enrollment fee, but you’ll pay more in total due to higher exam fees.
- If you’re continuing with Level II or III in 2026: You’ll pay more than in 2025, no matter when you registered for Level I.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Price Increase
- $350 Enrollment Fee Gone – No more one-time fee for new level I candidates.
- Exam Prices Go Up for All CFA Exam 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.
- Plan Your Exam Strategy – Register early for a 2025 exam to avoid the price increase!
PUBLISHED: Feb 5, 2025
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