Passed CFA® Level 3 vs. CFA® Charterholder for Hiring Purposes

Just curious if for employers there is a definite difference between "Passed CFA® Level 3" and "CFA® Charterholder". I ask because I want to know if the minimum work experience requirement is not met would a jump to HF be possible in coming years after passing level 3, and, like most monkeys, just trying to plan ahead.

5 Comments
 

I would think that CFA charter holder would be more impressive if only because it implies that you have 4 years of work experience, while passing level 3 doesn't.

"There's nothing you can do if you're too scared to try." - Nickel Creek
 

Doesn't make a huge difference.

"Oh, so you have your letters. That's great." /interview convo moves on

I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold. I'll be fine once I get it
 
Best Response

I'm in the same boat as you; I've passed all 3 levels but still don't have the CFA designation, and I'm also looking to break into IM careers. Based on my networking discussions, people were very impressed that I was able to pass CFA level 3 without any finance background and they viewed the charter as a pending formality.

Having said that most people would agree that "John Smith, CFA" would definitely look very powerful, short and crisp. You cannot use things like "John Smith, CFA Level 3" or "John Smith, CFA Charter Pending", etc. and probably need a full line of explanation on your resume, which sometimes may not catch the immediate attention of the recruiter. Plus, there is that 4 years of quality experience that you build.

 

Enim et labore asperiores et sit cum nesciunt perspiciatis. Nostrum eum perferendis corrupti molestiae fugiat optio. Suscipit sunt aliquam commodi.

Aperiam et molestias sed ut rerum. Nulla nulla non et ut dolorum. Excepturi voluptate commodi molestiae molestiae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
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...”