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Important information to prepare for designations.

Guides to Financial Designations

CFI has worked hard to create these user guides to help you understand your options and choose the best path for you in a corporate finance career.  These guides to financial designation were created without prejudice and are meant to give you a fair picture of what will be most helpful for your career.



Research is an important first step in determining what type of designation will be most helpful for your career. By browsing these guides and comparisons you’ll quickly be able to determine what a fit and what’s not. You’ll notice that some designations focus more on theory and memorization, rather than practical applications. Some take years to complete, while others are much faster. Some focus on skills like financial modeling and valuation, while other more on accounting and financial math.


Featured Designation Guides

Top Finance Certifications

What are the Top Finance Certifications? If you’re considering a career as a financial analyst, or are already working as one, having a professional finance certification can significantly increase your earning power, reputation, and ability to deliver high-quality financial analysis.  This guide will walk you through each of the top finance certifications and designations for...


Should I do a CFA vs MBA? One of the most common debates among aspiring finance professionals is whether to get a CFA vs MBA. Both are highly sought after, and both have a long list of successful alumni. There are, however, some very important differences to consider, depending on what your career goals are....


CPA vs CFA, which one is better for me? When considering a career in corporate finance or the capital markets you will often hear people asking, “Should I get a CPA or CFA?” and “Which is better?”.  In this article, we will outline the similarities and differences of the CPA vs CFA designations and try...

Is an MBA worth it?

Deciding, “Is an MBA worth it? Most people go back to business school and get an MBA for one of the following three reasons: Their employer is paying for it They feel “stuck” in their current job and want the advancement opportunities possible with an MBA They want to re-live their college days The answer...

All Designations A-Z