How to Properly List CFA Level 1 Candidate on Your Resume

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly regarded in finance, and even being a Level I candidate signals commitment to professional growth. Including this on your resume shows employers you are pursuing a rigorous qualification, but it must be listed correctly to maintain professionalism and comply with CFA Institute guidelines.

A poorly worded or incorrectly placed mention of your CFA status can create confusion or misrepresent your progress. Accuracy ensures your qualifications are presented effectively while avoiding ethical concerns.

Stating Your Current Level I Candidacy

Precision is key when listing your CFA Level I candidacy. The CFA Institute has strict guidelines to prevent misrepresentation. The correct way to state your candidacy is: “CFA Level I Candidate.” If you have a scheduled exam date, you may include it for clarity.

You can only refer to yourself as a CFA Level I Candidate if you have officially registered for the exam. Listing yourself as a candidate without registration is inaccurate and could raise concerns about your attention to detail.

Placement in Your Resume Sections

Where you position your CFA Level I candidacy affects how prominently it stands out to hiring managers.

– Recent Graduates or Candidates with Limited Finance Experience: Listing it in the Education section keeps it aligned with academic achievements and certifications.
– Professionals with Industry Experience: Placing it under a Certifications or Professional Development section distinguishes it from formal degrees.
– Applying for Investment-Related Roles: Including it in the summary section can highlight your commitment to the field, but only if it adds value without cluttering the layout.

If you hold other finance-related credentials, such as the FINRA Series 7 or CPA designation, grouping them under a “Certifications” heading creates a streamlined presentation.

Appropriate Language for Mentioning Candidacy

The way you phrase your CFA Level I candidacy matters. Using misleading wording can create confusion about your progress.

Avoid phrases like “CFA Level I Certified” or “CFA in Progress”—these are inaccurate because passing Level I does not grant certification. The correct phrasing is “CFA Level I Candidate.” This wording is widely recognized and clearly communicates that you are registered for the exam.

If you hold multiple credentials, ensure clarity between completed and ongoing qualifications. For example, listing “CPA, CFA Level I Candidate” could mistakenly suggest both have been earned. Instead, separate them under distinct headings or use formatting that differentiates completed designations from those in progress.

Adhering to CFA Institute Requirements

The CFA Institute enforces strict guidelines to ensure consistency and prevent misrepresentation. These rules apply to resumes, LinkedIn profiles, business cards, and other professional materials. Violating them, even unintentionally, can lead to disciplinary action from the CFA Institute’s Professional Conduct Program.

Candidates must avoid implying that candidacy confers a professional designation. The CFA charter is awarded only after passing all three exam levels and fulfilling the required work experience. Even minor wording differences, such as “CFA Level I Passed” without specifying candidacy, can be misleading.

Additionally, the CFA Institute prohibits using the CFA designation as a noun or in a way that implies partial certification. For example, “CFA Professional” or “CFA Candidate Level I” are incorrect. References to your status must follow the exact phrasing permitted by the CFA Institute.

Updating Your Resume as You Progress

As you advance through the CFA Program, updating your resume ensures accuracy and reflects your progress. Employers value candidates who persist in completing rigorous qualifications.

– After Passing Level I: Change your resume from “CFA Level I Candidate” to “Passed CFA Level I Exam.” You are not a Level II Candidate until you officially register for the next exam.
– After Registering for Level II: Update your resume to “CFA Level II Candidate.”
– After Passing Level II: Use “Passed CFA Level II Exam” until you register for Level III.
– After Passing All Three Levels: You are not yet a CFA charterholder until you meet the required work experience and membership requirements. Until then, the correct phrasing is “Passed All Three Levels of the CFA Program.”
– After Earning the CFA Charter: Once you meet all qualifications and receive official confirmation, you can use “CFA” after your name.

Ensuring each update follows CFA Institute guidelines prevents misrepresentation and maintains professionalism.