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.