Pursuing the CFA course while working full-time is no small feat. With long work hours, tight deadlines, and personal commitments, adding rigorous CFA preparation to the mix can feel overwhelming. Yet every year, thousands of professionals manage to do just that—and succeed.
So, how do they do it? What lessons can be learned from real candidates who’ve walked this path and earned the coveted CFA charter while working full-time? Let’s explore.
First, Know the CFA Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the balancing act, it’s important to understand the CFA eligibility criteria. To enroll in the CFA Level 1 exam, you must meet one of the following:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year of your undergraduate program)
- Have a combination of 4,000 hours of professional work experience and/or higher education over at least three years
For working professionals, this often means they already meet the criteria and can apply while continuing their job. However, knowing the eligibility early helps in proper planning and timing of registration.
Real Lesson #1: Consistency Beats Intensity
Many successful CFA candidates stress that studying consistently for 1–2 hours daily is more effective than cramming on weekends. Short, focused study sessions prevent burnout and improve retention.
For instance, Ramesh, a Mumbai-based equity analyst, credits his success in Level 2 to his “90-minute morning ritual.” He woke up early, revised concepts before work, and left weekends for mock exams.
Tip: Create a realistic study plan that fits your lifestyle, not someone else’s. Stick to it religiously.
Real Lesson #2: Use Work to Reinforce Learning
If you’re already in a finance-related role, your job can double as a learning platform. Many topics covered in the CFA course—such as financial reporting, ethics, and portfolio management—align with real-world scenarios.
Neha, an investment associate from Bangalore, shared how applying valuation methods at work helped her master Level 2 topics faster. She said, “My job and CFA studies began complementing each other instead of competing for time.”
Tip: Identify overlap between your job and study material. Use your work experience to bring CFA concepts to life.
Real Lesson #3: Protect Your Time Ruthlessly
One thing all successful working candidates agree on: saying “no” is essential. Whether it’s to social events, excessive screen time, or unproductive routines—protecting your study hours is crucial.
Karan, a Level 3 candidate and full-time consultant, blocked study slots in his calendar as “non-negotiable.” He communicated clearly with friends and family about his exam commitment months in advance.
Tip: Treat study time as seriously as meetings or deadlines at work. Prioritize without guilt.
Real Lesson #4: Use Quality Resources Strategically
With limited time, quality trumps quantity. Don’t waste hours jumping between materials. Stick to the CFA Institute curriculum or a trusted prep provider.
Tip: Use question banks, mock tests, and flashcards for active learning—especially useful when commuting or during lunch breaks.
Real Lesson #5: Accept the Rollercoaster—and Push Through
Balancing work and CFA studies isn’t always smooth. There will be moments of doubt, exhaustion, and setbacks. The key is to stay committed and trust the process.
Most candidates who succeed do so not because they had more time, but because they were more disciplined, intentional, and resilient.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing the CFA course while working full-time is undoubtedly challenging—but it’s also deeply rewarding. Not only does it prepare you for high-level finance roles, but it also builds time management, emotional discipline, and strategic thinking.
And remember: if others with 60-hour work weeks, family responsibilities, and career stress can pass—all while meeting CFA eligibility and expectations—you can too.
All it takes is a plan, a purpose, and perseverance.
