NISM study notes. Updated Jul 2026, 8-minute read.

How to Register for the CFA Exam: Step-by-Step

Registering for the CFA exam is done entirely online through the CFA Institute website. The process involves creating an account, confirming eligibility, paying the fees and scheduling your test at a Prometric centre. This step-by-step guide walks Indian candidates through each stage, including the all-important passport requirement.

Key takeaways

All CFA registration is done online at cfainstitute.org, not through any third party.
First-time Level I candidates pay a one-time enrollment fee (~US$350) plus a per-exam registration fee.
Registering early in a window secures the lower early fee (~US$990 versus ~US$1,290 standard).
A valid international passport is mandatory and must match the name on your registration.
After registering, you schedule your exam appointment at a Prometric test centre.
Confirm current fees, windows and deadlines on cfainstitute.org before you pay.

Step 1: Create your CFA Institute account

Registration happens entirely on the official cfainstitute.org website. Beware of third parties, only the CFA Institute registers candidates directly. Start by creating an account with your email address. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport, because any mismatch can cause problems at the test centre later.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

Before paying, make sure you meet the entry criteria for Level I: a completed bachelor's degree, final-year student status within about 11 months of graduation, or a combination of work and education totalling 4,000+ hours. You will also need a valid international passport. If you are unsure, review our full guide to CFA eligibility before proceeding.

Step 3: Choose your level and exam window

You always start with Level I, which is offered in multiple windows a year (typically February, May, August and November). Levels II and III have fewer windows. Pick a window that leaves you enough preparation time, as most candidates study for several months per level. Our guide to exam dates and windows can help you plan your timeline.

Step 4: Pay the fees

First-time Level I registrants pay a one-time enrollment fee (~US$350) in addition to the per-exam registration fee. The registration fee depends on how early you book:

Fee type	Approximate amount	Applies to
One-time enrollment	~US$350	First-time Level I registrants only
Early registration	~US$990	Booking early in the window
Standard registration	~US$1,290	Booking closer to the deadline

Registering early saves a meaningful amount, so plan ahead. Fees are set in USD and change yearly, so confirm the exact figures and any applicable scholarships on cfainstitute.org. See CFA exam fees for a fuller breakdown, and check whether you qualify for a scholarship before you pay.

Step 5: Verify the passport requirement

A valid international passport is the only accepted identification for the CFA exam. During registration you must enter your passport details, and the name on your registration must match your passport exactly. If you do not have a passport yet, apply for one before registering, as Indian passport processing can take several weeks.

Step 6: Schedule your exam at Prometric

Once you have registered and paid, you schedule your actual exam appointment through Prometric, the CFA Institute's testing partner. You select a test centre, date and time slot within your chosen window. Popular slots and centres in metro cities fill up, so book your appointment as soon as scheduling opens to secure a convenient location and date.

Step 7: Prepare and confirm the details

After scheduling, you will receive confirmation of your appointment. Keep this and your passport safe, and review the test-centre policies before exam day. With registration complete, you can turn your attention to studying. Our guides on how to prepare for CFA and the CFA exam pattern will help you build an effective study plan.

A quick recap of the process

Create an account on cfainstitute.org using your passport name.
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
Choose Level I and an exam window.
Pay the enrollment and registration fees, ideally early.
Enter your passport details accurately.
Schedule your appointment at a Prometric centre.

Because fees, windows and deadlines are updated periodically, always cross-check the latest details on the official CFA Institute website before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

How do I register for the CFA exam?

Register online at cfainstitute.org by creating an account, confirming your eligibility, choosing Level I and an exam window, paying the enrollment and registration fees, and then scheduling your appointment at a Prometric test centre. A valid passport is required throughout.

How much does it cost to register for CFA Level I?

First-time Level I candidates pay a one-time enrollment fee of about US$350 plus a per-exam registration fee, roughly US$990 for early registration or US$1,290 for standard. Fees are set in USD and change yearly, so confirm current amounts on cfainstitute.org.

Where do I schedule my CFA exam?

After registering and paying on cfainstitute.org, you schedule your actual exam appointment through Prometric, the CFA Institute's testing partner. You choose a test centre, date and time within your selected exam window.

Do I need a passport to register for the CFA?

Yes. A valid international passport is mandatory, and the name on your CFA registration must match your passport exactly. Apply for a passport before registering if you do not already have one, as processing can take several weeks in India.

Written by Arpan Das.

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