Hey everyone! I’m thinking about starting the CFA program and I’m curious about how long it usually takes people to complete it. Can anyone share their experience or what they’ve heard from others? I know it varies, but I’d love to get a general idea of the time commitment. Also, if you’ve gone through it, did you find the process took longer or shorter than you expected? Thanks in advance for any insights!
hey charlotte91, i did the CFA and it took me about 3 years. started in 2018, finished in 2021. it’s a grind tbh, longer than i thought. work got in the way alot. some friends did it faster, like 2 years. depends on how much time u can commit. good luck!
Hey Charlotte91! 
I’m actually in the same boat as you - thinking about diving into the CFA program myself. From what I’ve gathered, it seems like a pretty intense journey!
Have you talked to anyone in your professional circle about their CFA experience? I’m super curious if different industries or job roles impact how long it takes.
From what I’ve read online, it looks like most people take around 3-4 years to complete all three levels. But I’ve seen some wild stories of folks crushing it in 18 months! 
Kinda makes me wonder what their secret is, haha.
Are you planning to keep working full-time while studying? I’m trying to figure out how to balance that myself. Maybe we could share study tips if we both decide to go for it!
What’s your motivation for pursuing the CFA, if you don’t mind me asking? I’d love to hear what’s driving you towards this goal!
As someone who’s been through the CFA program, I can tell you it’s quite a journey. It took me about 4 years to complete all three levels, which is on the longer side. I had to balance it with a demanding job in finance, so that stretched things out.
The key is consistency. I’d say most people I know finished in 3-4 years, but I’ve seen some really dedicated folks do it in 2. It really depends on your circumstances and how much time you can devote to studying.
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not just about passing exams. You need work experience too. So factor that into your timeline.
My advice? Be realistic about your time commitments and don’t rush it. It’s better to take a bit longer and really absorb the material than to rush through and struggle. Good luck with your CFA journey!