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?

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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.

 
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