What Are the CFA® Exam Fees & Registration Costs in 2026?

The CFA exam registration fee covers access to the official CFA Institute digital curriculum, the Learning Ecosystem, and your scheduled exam appointment. It does not include third-party study materials, physical textbooks, travel costs, rescheduling fees, or exam-day expenses such as accommodation or transportation.

Yes. The early and standard registration fees are generally the same for CFA Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. However, first-time candidates must also pay the one-time enrollment fee when registering for Level 1.

CFA exam registration is specific to one exam administration. If you register for the June exam, your registration applies only to that session and cannot be transferred. If you need to defer your exam, a deferral fee applies, and you must request it by a set deadline, usually a few months before the exam date.

Yes. The CFAI requires that every CFA exam candidate have a valid international travel passport to register and sit for the exam.

CFA Institute charges a rescheduling fee if you need to change your exam appointment within the same exam window. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time you select a new date or test center.

Deferrals are not free unless you qualify under CFA Institute’s approved reasons such as medical emergencies, pregnancy, military deployment, or other documented hardships. Otherwise, you must pay the official deferral fee to move your exam window.

No. CFA Institute does not offer refunds for enrollment fees, registration fees, or rescheduling fees. All payments are final, even if you choose not to sit for the exam.

The CFA Institute requires a registration fee for each CFA exam attempt, including retakes. Fees vary by registration period and deadline, with lower costs for earlier registration. Additional fees may apply for special accommodations or changes to the exam date or location. For current details, check the CFA Institute’s website.

Beyond registration fees, candidates should budget for study materials, calculator purchases, travel, exam-day transportation, rescheduling fees, and optional third-party prep courses. These extra expenses vary by country and personal needs.

CFA Institute offers the Access Scholarship, which can significantly reduce registration costs for eligible candidates. Other than this scholarship, there are no general discounts or promotional codes. The best way to save is by registering during the early registration window.

Registering during the early registration window provides the lowest available exam fee. Early windows open months before the exam and offer substantial cost savings compared to standard pricing.