CFA or CFP: What's right for your financial career goal?

CFA focuses on financial analysis and management of investments; CFP specializes in personal finance, wealth planning

- Aprajita Sharma

Bengaluru-based Abhinav Jain (34) completed his B.Tech and began working as a chemical engineer in 2012. But his passion lay in financial services. He heard about the chartered financial analyst (CFA) certification and appeared for the first of the three exams in 2018. However, considering it would get him only entry-level jobs, else he would have to do an MBA in finance, he continued with his old job, eventually quitting in 2022 to become a mutual fund distributor.

"Thanks to my engineering background, I had a great network of working professionals with decent salaries who could invest a significant amount each month. I could build a decent SIP (systematic investment plan) book in no time," he said. In 2023, Jain came to know about certified financial planner (CFP). The course appealed to him. "I could get an in-depth understanding of how to do financial planning. I have completed three modules and I expect to finish all my exams by March 2025. I'll be certified only after I have three years of experience in financial services," he said. "CFP certification will add value to my profile and boost existing practice. I will complete my CFA, too, and become a Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)-registered investment advisor."

Like Jain, many are confused about CFA or CFP courses. Both have different objectives. So, let's explore.

Chartered financial analyst