Chartered Financial Analyst is a course respected worldwide. To get into the CFA course, one has to complete graduation or an active final year of undergraduate. The course progression is 2 to 4 years. Once you get the CFA license, you’ll be recognized worldwide. There are ample numbers of international opportunities.The ICMAI CMA course duration is crafted to develop skillful accountants with financial and strategic ability. This progression has foundation, intermediate, and final levels along with articleship. The whole course lasts 2.5 to 3 years depending upon the educational qualification. The graduates have direct access to the CMA intermediate level; their time span comes down to 2.5 years. The same goes for the postgraduates and working professionals.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
A globally recognized program that is growing day by day due to an increase in the fields of investment, capital control, and wealth portfolios. People are pursuing CFA for the same reason. The course completion length is 2 to 4 years.
CFA Eligibility and duration
- CFA segments: Level I, Level II, and Level III
- The body which administers CFA is CFA institute in the USA
- The eligibility requirement for CFA is graduation or final year UG
- Timeline for completion: 2 to 4 years
- Exam occurrence: Level 1 (4 times), level 2 (semi-annually)
- Exam pattern: Multiple Choice Questions, descriptive questions
- Employment opportunities: worldwide jobs in the field like Investment banker, Risk analyst, equity research
CFA course fees
| Fee attributes | Indian Rupees |
| One-time registration | 29,000 |
| Exam enrollment fee | 77,000 to 100,000 |
| Rescheduling cost | 20,000 |
| GST of 18% | 14,000 to 18,000 |
| Study material | 24,000 |
| Coaching | 70,000 to 150,000 approximately |
CFA course structure
| Aspect | CFA |
| Exam Levels | 3 levels |
| Study hours per level | 300-400 hours |
| Quantitative Intensity | Moderate to high |
| Syllabus | Ethics, equity, fixed income, portfolio management |
| Exam structure | MCQs and essay (level 3) |
| Pass rates | 40%-50% |
| Time duration | 2.5-4 years |
| Difficulty level | Levels 2 and 3 are tougher |
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The first step towards success is to seek out one of the right professions for your knowledge and career advancement. The Institute of Management Accountants (USA) supervises the CMA credential. Begin your journey at this moment and build a strong, worldwide-recognized career in management accounting by choosing CMA and getting recognized worldwide.
CMA Eligibility and duration
- 12th pass with minimum of 50% marks
- Has to complete graduation after higher secondary education
- Membership of IMA
- It takes 9 to 12 months to obtain a CMA credential.
CMA course fees and structure
| Particulars | Attributes |
| Managed by | IMA, USA |
| Course tier | Part 1 and part 2 |
| Course duration | 9 to 12 months |
| Registration fees | INR 18,000 |
| Exam fees | INR 33,000 per part |
| Total cost | INR 100,000 to 120,000 |
CMA vs. CFA: which is harder
| Particulars | CFA | CMA |
| Levels | 3 tiers – Level I – Level II – Level III | 2-tier Part I Part II |
| Pass percentage | 40 to 45% | 45% TO 50% |
| Study duration | 350+ hours for each part | 180 hours for each tier |
| Syllabus length | Wide and extensive | focussed |
| Exam pattern | MCQs and conceptual | MCQs and descriptive |
| Course progression | 3 to 4 years | 9 to 12 months |
| Difficulty | High | Moderate |
What is the final verdict?
CFA is more difficult compared to CMA
- It has 3 levels
- Pass rates are considerably low compared to CMA
- Vast syllabus: 300 hours per level
- Advanced and complex topics
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CMA vs. CFA Salary in india
| Employment opportunities | CFA | CMA |
| Preliminary level | 7 lakhs to 9 lakhs | 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs |
| Intermediate position | 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs | 10 lakhs to 12 lakhs |
| Experienced Level | 30 lakhs annually | 20 lakhs annually |
Why Opt for CFA?
- Internationally Recognised
- Investment Specialist
- Wide and Varied Job Opportunities
- Ethics and Credibility
- Can Take Care of various Finance Roles
Why Opt for CMA?
- Advanced Experts and Better Understanding of Financial Aspects
- Operational Efficiency and Competency Growth
- Versatile and International Recognition
- Cost Friendly with Significant Benefits
- Leadership and Professional Growth
ArivuPro for CMA and CFA

Conclusion
The first step towards success is to seek out one of the right professions for your knowledge and career advancement. Begin your journey at this moment and build a strong, worldwide-recognized career in management accounting by choosing CMA or CFA and getting recognized worldwide.
FAQ’s
Considering the course details, CFA is more complex than CMA.
CMA is consumes less cost in respect with CFA
The CMA study length is 9 to 12 months, whereas the CFA takes 2 to 4 years.
Both are considered internationally.




