How to Add CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Exam Scores on a Resume

If you've passed any level of the CFA exam, it’s worth mentioning on your resume. It shows employers your skills, knowledge, and commitment to finance. But how do you include it without overloading your application?

Last update:
01/01/2024
How to Add CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Exam Scores on a Resume

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In this guide, we show you the best way to list your scores and stand out in a competitive job market. Learn how to keep it clear, professional, and easy to spot.

Here are the key points we discuss in this guide:

  1. Steps for Adding CFA Institute Exam Scores on a Resume
  2. Why Should You Add CFA Program Test Scores on Your Resume?
  3. Specific Job Roles That Benefit from Adding CFA Scores on a Resume
  4. Other Scores and Results to Add to Your Resume

Steps for Adding CFA Institute Exam Scores on a Resume


Adding your CFA exam scores to your resume doesn’t need to be tricky. Follow these simple steps to make sure your achievements stand out while keeping your resume clean and professional.

Beautiful woman typing on her laptop

1. Pick the Right Section

Where you list your CFA test scores depends on your situation. Here are the best places:

  • Education Section: If you’re still a student or have recently graduated, this is a great spot. It fits well with other academic achievements.
  • Certifications Section: If you’ve been working for a while and have other qualifications, this section works better. It keeps everything organized.
icon checkExample for the education section:
  • Bachelor’s in Economics, XYZ University, 2023
  • Passed CFA Level I (2024)

icon checkExample for the certifications section:
  • Passed CFA Level I (2024)

2. Be Specific About Your Progress

Don’t just write “CFA Candidate.” It’s vague and doesn’t show what you’ve achieved. Instead, include the exact level you’ve passed or the one you’re currently working on.

Here’s how to do it:

icon checkCorrect:
Passed CFA Level I (2024)

icon uncheckIncorrect:
CFA Institute Candidate

If you’re preparing for the next level, you can write:

  • CFA Level II Candidate (Exam Date: June 2025)

This shows where you stand and helps employers understand your progress.

3. Keep It Short and Clear

Resumes should be easy to skim. Avoid long explanations or unnecessary details about the exam. Employers don’t need to know your exact scores or percentile rankings unless they specifically ask.

Instead, stick to simple formats like this:

  • Certifications: Passed Chartered Financial Analyst Level I (2024)
  • Education: Bachelor’s in Finance, XYZ University, 2023; Passed CFA Level I (2024)

Young woman smiling in front of her computer

4. Update Your Resume as You Progress

Passed another level? Update your resume right away. Keeping it current shows you’re actively advancing in your CFA institute certification.

For example:

  • Before: CFA Level I Candidate
  • After: Passed CFA Charterholder Level I (2024) and CFA Level II Candidate (Exam Date: June 2025)

Employers value candidates who are constantly improving their qualifications.

5. Highlight Relevant Skills Alongside Your CFA Designation on Your Resume

The CFA program covers a wide range of finance skills, including portfolio management, equity valuation, and ethics. Mentioning these skills on your resume can help recruiters see how your knowledge applies to the role.

For example, under your skills section, you can write:

  • Financial Analysis
  • Investment Strategies
  • Portfolio Management
  • Passed CFA Charterholder Level I (2024)

This approach combines your certification with practical skills.

6. Tailor It to the Job You’re Applying For

Your resume should match the job description. If the role focuses on investment analysis, highlight how the CFA Institute certification strengthens your expertise in that area.

For instance, in your professional summary, you could write:

  • “Finance graduate with a strong background in equity valuation and investment strategies. Passed CFA Institute Level I in 2024.”

This connects your CFA charterholder achievement directly to the job requirements.

Young casual woman working at home on laptop

7. Avoid Overloading Your Resume

It’s tempting to list every detail, but too much information can clutter your resume. Stick to what’s relevant and professional. For example, you don’t need to include the date you registered for the CFA institute program or the number of hours you studied.

Focus on what matters most:

  • The level you passed
  • The year you passed

8. Choose a Simple Layout

Formatting matters. Use a clean, consistent style that makes your resume easy to read. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Use bullet points to organize information.
  • Stick to one font type and size.
  • Keep margins balanced.

Here’s an example of how your resume might look:

Certifications

  • Passed CFA Charterholder Level I (2024)
  • Certification in Financial Modelling (2023)

Skills

  • Portfolio Management
  • Risk Analysis
  • Equity Valuation

9. Don’t Exaggerate Your CFA Charterholder Achievements

Honesty is key. Don’t claim you’ve passed a level if you haven’t. Employers can verify this, and any misrepresentation could harm your reputation.

If you’re currently studying for a level, it’s fine to write:

  • CFA Institute Level II Candidate (Exam Date: December 2024)

This is accurate and still shows progress.

Pretty brunette woman usung laptop at home

10. Consider Adding CFA Designation Credentials in Multiple Sections

You can mention your CFA test scores in more than one place if it’s relevant. For example:

  • In your education section for academic achievements.
  • In your skills section to emphasize specific financial abilities.
  • In your summary section to grab attention right away.

Example summary:

  • “Finance professional with expertise in investment strategies and risk analysis. Passed CFA Charterholder Level I in 2024 and currently preparing for Level II.”

This approach makes your CFA Institute credentials more visible.

11. Prepare for Follow-Up Questions

Employers may ask about your CFA charterholder experience during interviews. Be ready to explain how the program has improved your skills and how it relates to the role you’re applying for.

For example, you could say:

  • “Passing CFA Institute Level I gave me a deeper understanding of financial reporting and ethical standards, which I believe are essential for this role.”

12. Keep It Professional, Not Flashy

Your CFA Institute credentials are impressive, but there’s no need to overdo it with bold fonts or unnecessary graphics. A straightforward approach is always better.

For instance:

icon uncheckAvoid:
PASSED CFA LEVEL I IN 2024!!!

icon checkUse:
“Passed CFA Program Level I (2024)”

Concentrating biracial man using laptop in kitchen

13. Don’t Forget Online Profiles

If you’re on LinkedIn, update your profile to include your CFA program progress. Use the certifications section or add it to your headline.

Example headline:

  • “Investment Analyst | Passed CFA Program Level I | Financial Reporting & Analysis Specialist”

This makes your profile more searchable and appealing to recruiters.

14. Double-Check for Accuracy

Before submitting your resume, review it for errors. Make sure dates, formatting, and information are consistent. A small mistake could distract from your achievements.

15. Get Feedback

If you’re unsure about how your resume looks, ask a friend, mentor, or career advisor to review it. They can provide valuable insights and help you make improvements to your CFA charterholder scores section.

A Complete Example Resume Entry

Here’s how all the steps come together:

Certifications

  • Passed CFA Program Level I (2024)
  • Certification in Risk Management (2023)

Education

  • Bachelor’s in Economics, XYZ University, 2022

Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Equity Analysis
  • Portfolio Management

Summary

  • “Finance graduate with strong analytical skills and a commitment to professional growth. Passed CFA Level I in 2024 and currently preparing for Level II.”

By following these steps, you can create a resume that showcases your CFA charterholders achievements effectively. Keep it simple, clear, and focused on the value you bring to potential employers.

Are you currently creating a new CV and getting stuck? Try our easy-to-use Resume Builder tool to help you get on the right track and create a standout CV to apply for your dream job.

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Why Should You Add CFA Program Test Scores on Your Resume?


Including your CFA scores can set you apart. Here's why:

1. Shows Dedication

Passing any level of the CFA test proves your commitment to learning and advancing your finance career. It reflects your ability to tackle challenging goals and stay focused under pressure.

2. Demonstrates Skills

The CFA program candidate curriculum is rigorous. Listing your exam scores shows you’ve mastered complex financial concepts, from equity valuation to ethics. It also highlights your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

3. Builds Credibility

Employers value the CFA designation. Even if you haven’t earned the full charter, passing any level adds weight to your resume. It signals to recruiters that you’re serious about your professional development.

Adding these scores can be a simple way to make your application stand out, especially in competitive industries like investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance.

Specific Job Roles That Benefit from Adding CFA Scores on a Resume


Adding your CFA exam scores can make a real difference in certain roles. It shows employers you have specialized knowledge, dedication, and the skills they need. Here are some jobs where including CFA details can give you an edge:

1. Investment Analyst

Investment analysts focus on researching markets, companies, and industries to guide decisions. Employers in this field value the financial analysis and valuation skills you gain through the Chartered Financial Analyst CFA program. Listing your scores signals that you’re serious about mastering these core competencies.

2. Portfolio Manager

As a portfolio manager, you’ll be responsible for managing investments and client portfolios. The CFA program curriculum directly applies here, especially the sections on portfolio management and risk analysis. Highlighting your progress shows you’re well-prepared for these challenges.

Serious Young Man Working on Laptop on Chair

3. Equity Research Associate

Equity research associates analyze stocks and create reports for investors. Passing Chartered Financial Analyst CFA exams demonstrates your ability to understand financial statements, evaluate risks, and provide data-driven recommendations. These are key skills for this role.

4. Risk Manager

Risk managers help organizations minimize financial risks. The CFA program covers essential topics like derivatives and risk management strategies. Adding your CFA institute scores makes it clear you have the technical expertise to thrive in this position.

5. Financial Advisor

For financial advisors, earning clients’ trust is everything. Passing CFA levels proves your commitment to ethics and sound investment practices. Including your scores helps showcase your credibility.

Adding your CFA scores or links to your CFA digital badges to your resume is an easy way to stand out in these roles. It shows employers you have the training and dedication they’re looking for.

Other Scores and Results to Add to Your Resume


Your Chartered Financial Analyst test scores aren’t the only results worth including. Depending on the role, these can also boost your resume:

1. GMAT or GRE Scores

If you're applying for a finance or consulting role, these scores can highlight your analytical and quantitative skills. They’re especially useful for roles that require problem-solving and data interpretation.

2. CPA Exam Results

If you’ve passed any parts of the CPA exam, list them under certifications. It shows expertise in accounting and financial reporting. Adding these results can boost your credibility in roles like auditing or corporate accounting.

Young man concentrating on his computer

3. Programming Certifications

In tech-driven finance roles, certifications in Python, SQL, or similar can demonstrate technical skills. These can be a strong advantage for roles involving data analysis, fintech, or automation.

4. Language Proficiency Scores

For international roles, scores like TOEFL, IELTS, or even Duolingo English Test results can show communication skills. They also demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively across global teams.

Make sure any score you add is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Irrelevant results can clutter your resume.

Final Thoughts


Adding your CFA program scores to your resume is simple and effective. It helps you stand out in the finance world and shows employers your expertise. Just keep it clear, professional, and up to date. Small details like this can make a big impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Adding CFA Scores on Your Resume

Should I include my CFA marks if I only passed Level I?

Yes! Passing even one level of the CFA exam shows dedication and finance expertise. It demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and provides a competitive edge, especially for entry-level finance roles.

Can I add “CFA Candidate” on my resume?

Yes, but be specific that you don't fall in the "active CFA charterholders" category. State the level you’re preparing for, e.g., “CFA Designation Level II Candidate.” This clarity helps employers understand your progress as a future CFA charterholder.

Do I need to include exam dates?

It’s a good idea. Adding the year you passed shows your timeline of progress. It also demonstrates consistency and helps recruiters assess how recent and relevant your qualifications are. It's wise to not include lapsed CFA charterholders scores.

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