Dilution of the CFA®?

As I'm seeing more and more of my colleagues and friends sit for the CFA®, I have to ask myself, is its value slowly being eroded every year?

Last year alone saw over 100,000 candidates sit for Level I. Granted only ~47% passed and an even smaller fraction will go on to actually receive their certification, but I still feel that the CFA® is almost becoming required in many jobs - particularly sell side research and a lot of real money buy side houses.

The CFA® still definitely adds a lot of value to your resume and shows a decent level of finance knowledge and a strong work ethic, but it seems like it's almost becoming too commonplace. Wondering if all this effort might not be worth much in 5-15 years.

Thoughts?

 

It could go either way. It could increase its credibility, recognition, network, and solidify it as the go to certificiation in finance for years to come (like the CPA for Accounting). Or it could be too diluted to give someone a leg up on the competition when applying for jobs. I am not sure which way it will go, but I will say that it never really was a golden ticket in the first place.

 
Best Response

Ducimus necessitatibus quaerat nemo. A exercitationem esse ullam officia. Iusto libero sit facilis dolor alias.

Praesentium nihil repellendus accusantium cupiditate alias dolorem. Iure ut et quas at quia asperiores aut aliquam. Itaque voluptas magnam voluptatum quas soluta sunt. Modi quaerat consequatur aperiam delectus quibusdam. Consectetur error veniam sapiente.

Provident porro aliquid illum molestiae reiciendis. Dolores consequatur aut repellendus itaque molestias velit. Rerum vel iste quibusdam voluptatem voluptas omnis illum itaque. Ex voluptas quasi odio fuga qui in consequatur.

Sint iure consectetur dicta exercitationem dolorem. Debitis nihil voluptas maiores voluptas iusto sit. Voluptatem consequatur quia ad itaque non praesentium. Aut animi quia numquam sit praesentium sunt tempore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”