Last year, a record number of candidates sat for the CFA Level I exam, and 37% of those who took the exam passed, reports CFA Institute.
So far in 2013, 3,726 Canadians wrote the exam, up from 3,648 in 2012.
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This dedication demonstrates a strong desire to build a more trustworthy industry and develop a culture where ethical practice is just as important as investment performance, says the Institute.
“Although major equity markets have rebounded since their 2009 lows, public confidence in the financial industry remains at a very low level,” says John Rogers, CFA, president and CEO of CFA Institute.
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He adds, “Today’s successful candidates are one step closer to earning the CFA designation, which after 50 years, remains the gold standard in education for investment professionals emphasizing the highest ethical and professional standards.”
To earn the CFA designation, candidates must pass all three levels of exams (successful candidates often report dedicating more than 300 hours of study per level); meet the work experience requirements of four years in the investment industry; sign a commitment to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct; apply to a CFA Institute society; and become a member of CFA Institute.