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300Hours: CFA, ACCA & Finance Certifications Hub

cfa vs cfp

CFA vs CFP: Which Certification Is Right for You? (2026)

Sophie Macon

18 Jul 2026

Career Advice, CFA, CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, CFA Level 3, CFP

CFA vs CFP: Quick summary CFA suits investment management, research, and corporate finance careers; CFP suits personal financial planning and wealth advisory careers. CFA is the harder qualification: three exam levels, at least 300 study hours per level, and pass rates as low as 22% at some levels. CFP is a single 6-hour exam requiring around 200-250 study hours, with pass rates consistently between 56% and 68% since 2016. CFA charterholders earn an average total compensation of $267,000 across all functions; within portfolio management, ...