Investment Industry Credentials: CFA Society San Francisco

Investment Industry Professional Credentialing Support

Professional credentials elevate your expertise, broaden your career opportunities, and signal your commitment to the highest standards in the investment industry. CFA Society San Francisco supports members in pursuing advanced designations by highlighting key industry-recognized programs and offering exclusive discounts on prep materials through our partnership with Kaplan Schweser.

Whether you're pursuing the CFA charter, a complementary credential, or expanding your technical skills, this page connects you to the tools and programs to move your career forward.

Professional Designations

CFA Designation

The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation is one of the investment industry’s most respected and recognized credentials—regarded globally as the gold standard in investment education. Earning the CFA charter signals a deep commitment to ethics, professional excellence, and real-world investment expertise, and is widely valued by employers across asset management, private wealth, institutional advisory, research, and beyond.

Designed for aspiring and experienced professionals alike, the CFA Program equips candidates with advanced knowledge in portfolio management, asset valuation, wealth planning, and investment analysis. Charterholders join a global community of over 200,000 professionals who are shaping the future of finance in roles ranging from portfolio manager and risk officer to consultant, CIO, and more.

To earn the CFA charter, candidates must complete all three levels of the CFA Program exams, accumulate qualifying work experience in investment decision-making, and apply for membership with CFA Institute. Whether you’re a university student planning your finance career, a current practitioner seeking to elevate your credentials, or a professional pivoting into the investment industry, the CFA Program provides the skills and credibility to thrive in a complex and evolving financial landscape.

Additional CFA Institute Programs

Explore Credential and Certificate Programs from CFA Institute

From foundational knowledge to investment mastery, the specialized programs offered by CFA Institute are designed to deepen your expertise in emerging topics and industry needs. View all CFA Institute programs on the CFA Institute website or explore program details below:

Private Markets and Alternative Investments Certificate

Understand key features and differences between private equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure, commodities, and hedge funds.

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Private Equity Certificate

Gain the knowledge and job-ready skills you need to thrive in the competitive landscape of private equity.

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Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate

Earn the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate and learn to assess climate-related risks and make informed, resilient investment decisions.

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Investment Foundations Certificate

Learn the essentials of finance, ethics, and investment roles in the global investment industry.

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Advanced Private Equity Certificate

Gain a competitive edge in securing roles within private equity or transition into this increasingly vital area of finance.

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Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM)

CIPM is a professional accredidation program from CFA institute that helps professionals evaluate investment performance and select managers.

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Sustainable Investing Certificate

By earning the Sustainable Investing Certificate, you will be able to meet the growing demand to incorporate ESG factors into investment decisions.

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Climate Finance Course

Gain practical guidance around climate change and climate-related finance matters.

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Additional Industry Credentials

Expand Your Professional Edge

CFA Society San Francisco members receive up to 15% off additional credentialing programs through our exclusive Kaplan Schweser portal. Explore top programs across risk, wealth, and financial planning to grow your impact and credibility.

CAIA Designation

Start your journey toward becoming a CAIA charterholder with trusted study packages. Active CFA charterholders may qualify to skip Level I through the CAIA Stackable Credential Program.

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