CFA® Program practice analysis
Industry experts consider the practice analysis process as the key reason the CFA Program is regarded as the global “gold standard” of investment credentials.
Keeping the curriculum current and relevant
We continuously evolve the CFA Program by connecting with practicing investment management professionals, university faculty, and regulators to determine the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed in an investment role today. Getting direct feedback, insight, and perspective from industry practitioners is the most effective way to prepare the next generation of investment managers for the demands of global capital markets.
We refer to this process as practice analysis. The primary goal of our global practice analysis is to assess and update the Global Body of Investment Knowledge (PDF) and Candidate Body of Knowledge, which identifies knowledge, skills, and abilities that investment professionals need to perform successfully throughout their career. The dynamic assessment of the competencies required of investment management professionals is designed to establish the blueprint for the CFA Program curriculum and exams. Industry experts consider the practice analysis process as the key reason the CFA Program is regarded as the global “gold standard” of investment credentials.
In order to maintain the CFA charter as the preferred designation of investment practitioners, CFA Institute needs your input.
Industry practitioner input at every stage
The Education Advisory Committee has developed a practice analysis process that includes interviews and surveys involving institutional and private wealth market practitioners, security market regulators, university faculty, and policymakers. In FY2021 over 4,000 participants were involved in panel sessions and surveyed in major financial centers across the globe. The questions addressed in practice analysis include:
- What skills are firms demanding when hiring investment professionals?
- What are the common skill deficits of investment professionals at the early stages of their career?
- What regulatory changes are impacting investment management practice?
Join the Practice Analysis Working Body to participate
Please contact us at practiceanalysis@cfainstitute.org with any questions
Practice analysis annual review and career skills framework
What were the key findings from this process? Our Practice Analysis Annual Review summarizes what we learned from engaging expert practitioners, and includes an updated Career Skills Framework (PDF) that outlines the knowledge and skills practitioners in a variety of roles need to succeed.
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