What Is CFA
The Chartered Financial Analyst program is a postgraduate professional certification offered internationally by the American-based CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals.
Entry Requirements To Study CFA In South Africa
Have earned a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree, or be in their final year of a bachelor’s program.
Have accumulated four years of applicable professional work experience (not required to be investment related).
A passing score for the CFA Level I Exam or the self-administered Standards of Practice Examination.
48 months of professional work experience (<-link – includes work assessment test) in investment decision making.
3 professional references.
KEY SUCCESSFUL FACTORS
Before the program it is expected that candidates have background knowledge in the following areas:
Statistics (measures of central tendencies, hypothesis testing, probability and measures of central tendency)
Economics (Micro and macro economics models, demand and supply)
Accounting (balance sheet, income statement, Double entry)
WHO SHOULD ENROLL FOR THE PROGRAM?
Anyone interested in pursuing a career in Financial Planning, Investment Management, & Wealth Management
COURSE STRUCTURE
The program is structured as follows:
1. Classroom/Online Sessions: 3 days sessions spread across 4 months – covering all the syllabus
2. Revision Sessions: 3 days revision session – practice exam level questions (2 or 3 weeks before the exams)
3. Mock exam: Candidates take the Schweser Mock Exam which is almost a reflection of the CFA examination
STUDY MATERIAL/SYLLABUS
Kaplan Schweser Book 1/Module 1: Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods
Kaplan Schweser Book 2/Module 2: Economics
Kaplan Schweser Book 3/Module 3: Financial Reporting & Analysis
Kaplan Schweser Book 4/Module 4: Corporate Finance, Portfolio Management and Equity Investments
Kaplan Schweser Book 5/Module 5: Fixed Income, Derivatives and Alternative Investments
| Teaching phase study options |
| 8 weekdays, 8 Fridays, 8 Saturdays or 16 evenings |
| Phase 1 (2 consecutive weekdays, Fridays, Saturdays or 4 evenings):Quantitative MethodsEquityEthics (overview) |
| Phase 2 (2 consecutive weekdays, Fridays, Saturdays or 4 evenings):Financial Reporting & Analysis |
| Phase 3 (2 consecutive weekdays, Fridays, Saturdays or 4 evenings): Fixed IncomeDerivativesAlternative Investments |
| Phase 4 (2 consecutive weekdays, Fridays, Saturdays or 4 evenings): EconomicsCorporate FinancePortfolio Management |
Revision phase
The revision phase pays particular attention to focused exam preparation and improving your exam technique.
3 consecutive weekdays
3 consecutive Fridays
OR 3 consecutive Saturdays
Schools Offering CFA In South Africa
International Business Training College IBTC
CFA Institute
Spectrium Graduate School Of Business
College of Chartered Accountants
Financial Training Institution South Africa
South African College Of Business
What education is needed to become a CFA In South Africa?
CFA Education Requirements
As noted above, as you pursue your CFA (chartered financial analyst) designation, a completed bachelor’s program qualifies you to take the CFA exam, but you also qualify if you have completed an equivalent program or are a final-year student in a bachelor’s or equivalent program.
How long does it take to become a CFA in South Africa?
Earning this charter required a dedicated effort over a minimum of three years to pass three six-hour examinations covering a globally relevant Body of Knowledge set by an international council of investment industry leaders.
Which university is best for CFA in South Africa?
What are the Top CFA Institutes in South Africa?
Financial Training Solutions, Sandton.
Edge Business School, Sandton.
Charterquest , Johannesburg.
Spectrum Graduate School of Business, Johannesburg.
CFA Society, Fourways.
IBTC, Johannesburg.
SACOB, Cape Town.
COCA, Braamfontein.
How much does a CFA earn in South Africa?
A Certified Financial Accountant CFA takes home up to R850k per year, and a standard financial accountant or tax accounting job in a South African firm still offers a very competitive salary range between 500k and 800k.
Are CFA in demand in South Africa?
South Africa now has double the number of CFA candidates of Brazil, and more than in France and Russia. The supply of jobseekers – particularly at junior level exceeds demand, says a derivatives specialist at a major bank.
How many CFA are there in South Africa?
1700 members
CFA Society South Africa currently has around 1700 members the majority of whom are CFA Charter holders. The individual and collective benefits of society membership are valued by investment professionals at all levels, in every segment of the industry.
Can I study CFA on my own In South Africa?
This question comes up often among candidates sitting for the CFA® exams. The answer is simple: NO! The CFA exam is unlike any other exam you will take Annually, many competent professionals around the world study for the exam on their own, sit for the exam, and fail.
Is CFA difficult to pass In South Africa?
The Bottom Line. Overall, the CFA exams are very difficult, but candidates can increase their chances of passing by studying for over 300 hours, utilizing alternative prep materials, answering as many practice questions as possible, and creating a structured study plan.