Two hundred and fifty hours of minimum study, successful completion of three rigorous exams, four years of relevant work experience, and an adherence to code of ethics and professional conduct , the CFA (chartered financial analyst) charter demands it all. Unfortunately, not many people understand the value of a CFA charter and understate all the efforts made by students to pass the CFA study and exam. Read on to get a better understanding of a CFA charter and the value of the CFA designation, and know how it can lead to a rewarding career. What does CFA mean? A CFA charter holder is knowledgeable, well-informed about his/her areas of work, and intellectually curious to learn more to gain competence in the field of finance. They continuously strive to dig their heels in in this everlasting complex world. The CFA charter can only be obtained from the CFA institute, a non-profit professional association, after passing three rigorous examinations. What does a CF