Kaplan Schweser, which specializes in providing exam prep courses and study materials for financial certifications and is part of global educational services provider Kaplan, has released its 2024 CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Program Survey, exploring the diverse experiences, interests, and viewpoints of charterholders and candidates*. The CFA charter is a globally recognized professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute to finance and investment professionals. Achieving the CFA designation requires passing three rigorous exams (Levels I, II, and III), meeting specific work experience requirements, and adhering to a strict code of ethics. Among the survey’s key findings:

  • Artificial Intelligence: 82% of respondents say that AI has impacted their job role in some way. More than two-thirds (70%) also believe that AI will add value to their role in the future; however, about one-quarter are unsure of whether AI’s impact will be positive. This comes on the heels of a CFA Institute survey of investment industry employers showing mixed feelings among the workforce about AI/GenAI, with most employers saying their firm’s workforce seems both curious and anxious about AI, and about half noting resistance among their employees.
  • Job Satisfaction: 60 percent of respondents were more satisfied with their career trajectories after passing their most recent exam or becoming a charterholder. This was particularly true of charterholders, at 67 percent.
  • Pathways: CFA Institute introduced "Pathways" for the 2025 Level III exam, allowing candidates to tailor their focus within the CFA program to align more closely with their career goals. Of those surveyed, 36% plan to pursue the Portfolio Management Pathway, which is aligned with the traditional CFA curriculum, covering equity and fixed-income management, as well as trading and execution strategies; 15% plan to pursue the Private Wealth Pathway, which covers areas like wealth structuring, investment planning, and client management; 15% plan to pursue the Private Markets Pathway, which focuses on private equity, real estate, and private debt; and 49% did not indicate a specific pathway. (Note that respondents were able to select more than one pathway in which they had interest.)
  • ESG: CFA candidates and charterholders are split when it comes to ESG investing practices, which integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions and promote responsible, sustainable growth by evaluating companies’ impacts on people and the planet. While 38% agree that learning about ESG investing practices will make them more effective in their field, 28% disagree, and 34% are neutral on the topic. Related, 41% are optimistic about the long-term impact that ESG investing practices will have on asset management; 30% are not, and 29% are neutral.

Derek Burkett, vice president, Kaplan Schweser, said:

“The CFA charter remains one of the most important and impactful designations in the investment management industry. As a result of pursuing and earning the CFA charter, professionals are more satisfied with their careers and career trajectories, and are rewarded by their employers with promotions and increased earnings. Likewise, organizations see positive returns from supporting their CFA candidates. Their employees are more satisfied and competent in their job roles, feel valued, and are more committed to their current organization. At Kaplan Schweser, we’re committed as ever to helping candidates build their knowledge and pass their CFA exams, enabling them to achieve their goals.”

Reporters can contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com for more information. Open the full CFA Program Survey report for all the findings.

*This study represents the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by Kaplan Schweser between May 2-27, 2024. A sample of 728 CFA Level I, II, and III candidates and CFA charterholders from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, Switzerland, and France was interviewed online in English.

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About Kaplan

Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries/regions continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.

Press Contact: Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com

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