CFA Exam Level 1:
1. Obtaining a Bachelors degree
Complete a bachelors degree program or equivalent and obtain the corresponding degree. If you are unsure whether the course you are studying meets this requirement, you can consult your school.
2. Undergraduate students
The exam window selected when registering for the CFA Level 1 exam must be 23 months or less before the graduation month of the bachelors degree program or equivalent program. For example, four-year undergraduate students can take the Level 1 exam as early as the summer vacation of their sophomore year.
3. Professional work experience
When registering for the CFA Level 1 exam, one must have obtained at least 4000 hours of work experience and/or higher education for three consecutive years. There is no overlap in time between relevant educational and work experiences. If work experience is combined with higher education to achieve the minimum number of hours and years, it is assumed that higher education requires 1000 hours per year.
Professional work experience refers to work that requires specialized knowledge, educational level, or advanced skills. Professional work experience requires the application of relatively high-level judgment and business skills, including leadership and teamwork, business communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management, professional judgment, analytical skills, adaptability, etc.
(1) Professional work experience does not need to be related to investment.
(2) If the internship is a full-time and salaried type, it can be considered as meeting the requirements for professional work experience.
(3) If working in ones own company or family business, one must also have full-time professional work experience and a salary to meet the requirements.
4. Requirements for identity documents
Registration and participation in the CFA Level 1 exam require a valid international travel passport. For candidates planning to take the CFA exam in mainland China, in addition to their passport, they can also use their Peoples Republic of China resident ID card to register for and/or participate in the exam.
CFA Exam Level 2:
1. Qualification requirements
To register for the CFA Level 2 exam, you need to pass the CFA Level 1 exam.
Candidates who participate in the CFA Level 1 exam as undergraduate students can choose to take the exam at least 11 months prior to the graduation month of their bachelors degree program or equivalent program. For example, four-year undergraduate students who graduated in June 2025 and have already passed the CFA Level 1 exam can register for the CFA Level 2 exam as early as the summer vacation of their third year (August 2024).
2. document requirements
Registration and participation in the CFA exam require a valid international travel passport. For candidates planning to take the CFA exam in mainland China, in addition to their passport, they can also use their Peoples Republic of China resident ID card to register for and/or participate in the exam.
CFA Exam Level 3:
1. Qualification requirements
To register for the CFA Level 3 exam, you need to pass the CFA Level 2 exam.
2. document requirements
To register for the CFA Level 3 exam, one must hold a valid international travel passport or a resident identity card of the Peoples Republic of China.
