How to put the CFA on your CV: candidate, Level I passed and charterholder wording
CFA Institute sets rules for how you may refer to the CFA Program on a CV, and employers do notice when candidates get them wrong. The rules depend on where you are: a registered candidate, someone who has passed a level, or a charterholder. This guide sets out the wording CFA Institute allows and the wording it does not.
If you are a candidate
If you are registered for an upcoming CFA Program exam, or awaiting results, use an approved candidate statement. The approved examples are:
- CFA Program candidate
- Passed Level I of the CFA Program
If you are not currently registered, do not use "candidate". Describe your progress factually, for example "Passed Level I of the CFA Program".
You should not imply that you have earned any portion of the CFA charter, or that you will earn it by a future date. That means these are not permitted:
- Jane Doe, CFA (expected 2026)
- Jane Doe, CFA (expected 2028)
The letters after your name are for charterholders only. Passing Level I, or even all three levels, does not entitle you to them, because the charter also needs work experience, references and membership. See how to become a CFA charterholder.
Where it goes on the CV
Put the statement where you list qualifications, such as a Certifications section, and choose the line that matches your situation:
| Situation | Example line |
|---|---|
| Passed Level I, not registered for the next exam | Passed Level I of the CFA Program |
| Registered for an upcoming exam or awaiting results | CFA Program candidate |
Keep the wording factual and do not add phrases that suggest a higher status than you hold. If you are not registered for an upcoming exam or awaiting results, use "Passed Level I of the CFA Program" and not "candidate".
If you are a charterholder
Once you hold the charter:
- Use the letters after your name, for example Jane Doe, CFA.
- List it in Education or Certifications, for example: CFA charterholder, CFA Institute.
- Do not use CFA as a job title, or in a plural or possessive form.
- In running text, not immediately after a person's name, include the registered trademark symbol on the first and most prominent use, for example "CFA® charterholder".
Permitted: Jane Doe, CFA, and under Certifications, CFA charterholder, CFA Institute. Not permitted: CFA Jane Doe, or Senior CFA Analyst.
LinkedIn and other profiles
The same rules apply anywhere you describe your progress, including a headline, an About section and a signature. Apply the candidate wording above until you hold the charter, and check that nothing in your profile implies you have already earned it.
Common questions
Can I put CFA Level 1 on my CV?
Yes, in CFA Institute's wording. Use "Passed Level I of the CFA Program" once you have passed, or "CFA Program candidate" if you are registered for an upcoming exam or awaiting results.
Can I put CFA after my name if I passed all three levels?
No. The letters are for charterholders, who have also completed the work experience and membership requirements.
Can I write "CFA (expected 2028)"?
No. You should not imply you will earn the charter by a future date, so "Jane Doe, CFA (expected 2028)" is not permitted.
Can I write "CFA candidate" if I am not registered for an exam?
No. Candidate wording is only for people registered for an upcoming exam or awaiting results. Otherwise describe your progress factually, such as "Passed Level I of the CFA Program".
Sources
- CFA Institute, The CFA Program: the guidance on how to refer to the CFA Program and designation on a resume or CV.
CFA Institute may update its rules. Check the current guidance on its website before you finalise your CV.