A:
According to the CFA Institute, a candidate can take as much time as necessary to complete all three levels of the chartered financial analyst (CFA) program.
For example, if you passed the June 2017 CFA Level I examination, you could take the CFA Level II examination in June 2020 (rather than June 2018) and the CFA Level III examination in June 2023.
Remember, successful completion of all three CFA examinations is only one of several requirements needed to obtain your CFA designation. You also need to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Have four years of experience in the investment industry
- Become a member of the CFA Institute
- Follow the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
(For related reading, see: A Key Look at CFA Job Opportunities.)