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300Hours: Finance Certifications Hub for CFA, FRM & CAIA

is cfa worth it

Is CFA Worth It? 2026 ROI Analysis and Career Impact

Sophie Macon

31 Jan 2026

CFA, Career Advice, CFA Level 1

Quick Summary: Whether the CFA is worth it depends on your career goal: it is highly valuable for asset management and equity research, where charterholders see a median salary premium of 53%. However, it requires a 1,000+ hour commitment over 4 years on average. For those in corporate finance or accounting, a CPA may offer a better return on investment. Is CFA worth it, especially considering the 1,000+ hours you need to complete all 3 levels over an average of 4 ...