Hi folks
I was thinking about taking CFA exams. It has three levels one, two and three. I am seeking some advice. Will it help if somebody completes level one or upto level two only ? Finishing all three levels requires some commitment. Please advise. Thanks
Do you know if any other exams that has only one level?

HajurNamasteBro:
You are right CFA has three levels I II and III. Detailed info at www.cfainstitute.org.

Only after you complete all levels and required work experince, you will receive CFA charterholder. This gives you right to use CFA designation in your business cards, resume etc. which is believed to add value to your marketability.

If you complete level I or II. You can stil state in your resume that you have completed Level I or II but you cannot say that you are CFA I or CFA II or CFA III. There is no partial deisgnation.

CFA is a huge commitment. I wish I never took on this but I am way into it now that I cannot quit. I have Level I and II complted and going for III in 2006. I began in 2002 but was not able to appear for the exams in 2003/4 due to professional/personal commitments. The decision I made back in 2002 is still haunting me. I am hoping to finish it off once and for all in 2006.

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

Also, I have heard of FRM exam (Financial Risk Manager). I also think it is just one exam. So this may be the right choice for you if you are not in the position to sign up your precious life for CFA. Not sure about the value of the designation though.

I am still an undergrad, and from my expreience from talking to professors and other individuals, its wayy better to get an MBA from a recognized institution. That's because an MBA is broad and covers a lot of ground. CFA exams test you on your accounting and financial skills whcih one will forget once you start a job. An MBA gives exposure to a wide variety of fields each of them which have a fiancial relationship to it. I would reccomend an MBA. CFA is tough and is good for analyst positions within an investment bank. MBA provides access to managerial positions within the same firm. I'd rather be an associate or a manager rather trhan start over from an analyst position all over again.

You should get an MBA first.That will land you a job.Then you can choose what you want to do for professional degrees depending on your interest and job field.
CPA is for the people who are more interested in accounting.
CFA is for investment banking and fund management.
After that you can be CFP (Certified financial planner ) or get your Series 7 and Series 63 if you want to deal with stocks.
Most of the professional degrees have to be sponsered from work like for CPA you have to apprentice for three years with UG degree.