Age limit to pursue CFA from someone in a totally different field

CFA General
#1

I need advice from you more experienced folks out there. I am in my mid 30s and not in finance but works for a financial firm. I am thinking about pursuing CFA. If I pass Level 1, I will search for an entry level investment related role. By the time I will be done with the exams and with 48 months of related experience, I will be in my early 40s. With perhaps 15 years left in my working life, is it wise to even attempt to pursue this career change?

Thanks in advance!

#2

I was 40 when I got my charter.

#3

I think it depends on the area you want and if you have kids.

1- After your 30s, some areas become rly hard to apply, even for an entry level job.

2- If you have kids, maybe its not a good idea to start the CFA jorney now.

But if it’s your dream, go for it. If I were you, I would at least try level 1 and see how it goes.

#4

I’m 43.

#5

The answer to the title question, by the way, is 109.

#6

I was 40 when I got my charter. I can imagine the future might bring many more older candidates as careers now have 5-year lifetimes. Many computer folks gaining charter for “domain expertise” as they start their fintech companies.

#7

I’ve just registered for the Level 1 exam next June. I’m 42 though have been considering this path of study for a number of years and now my life is in a place where I am able to give it a go. Go for it…and good luck!

#8

Im 40 and got my charter this year. I also have zero accounting knowledge prior to the exams. I’m also part of the 3 for 3 club.

no excuses, not age or lack of experience is a relevant excuse.

#9

I’m not sure how, at appx. age of 45, you have “perhaps 15 years left in my working life,” but that’s not relevant to what I’m going to say here.

I was 62 and a CPA when I got my charter. I’m also an accredited senior appraiser (ASA) in business valuation, a designation issued by the American Society of Appraisers. For non-CPAs, it requires 10,000 billable hours of valuation experience.

Still and all, the charter is the professional accomplishment of which I’m the proudest.

1 Like
#10

Thank you all. I am now determined to pursue this path and have communicated with my management cuz I am asking for funding. Depending on my Level 1 success, I may or may not pursue this path.

Good luck to you all as well!! GAMBATE!

#11

Ghez, you got your charter like 20 years ago… i didnt know you are a senior now. Will have to give you senior citizen respect moving forward. :+1:

#12

You better believe it, sonny boy!