CFI Certification Programs

Overview

CFI certifications represent a broad body of knowledge that demonstrates your competence in the skills required for a chosen finance domain. Whether you're aiming for a career in investment banking, corporate finance, or commercial lending, our certifications are designed to equip you with the critical and practical skills and expertise employers seek.

Syllabus Structure: From Beginner to Expert

The courses within each certification are organized in a very deliberate order, helping you build a solid foundation before advancing to more complex topics. The syllabus is structured to guide you from beginner-level concepts to expert-level proficiency, ensuring you master the essential knowledge required to thrive in your chosen finance domain.

Prep Courses (Optional)

For those who may need a little extra preparation, we offer optional prep courses to help you get up to speed before tackling the core syllabus. These courses are designed to reinforce foundational knowledge, allowing you to enter the certification program fully prepared and confident.

Core Courses (Required)

At the heart of each CFI Certification are the core courses. These provide the main body of learning, covering essential concepts and skills that form the foundation of your certification. The core courses are carefully designed to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, ensuring that you are well-equipped to handle the demands of the finance domain you’re working in.

Each core course is packed with practical, real-world applications, giving you the tools you need to solve complex problems, make informed decisions, and succeed in your role. Whether you're working through financial modeling techniques, learning valuation methods, or mastering corporate finance, the core courses provide the backbone of your certification journey, guiding you step-by-step toward expertise.

By the time you complete the core courses, you’ll have gained not just theoretical knowledge but the practical skills necessary to apply what you’ve learned directly to your work.

Elective Courses: Choose Your Focus

CFI’s certifications also provide flexibility through elective courses. These electives allow you to personalize your learning experience by diving deeper on specific areas of interest or career relevance. Electives give you the freedom to tailor your certification to your career goals and interests.

Certification Exams: Testing Your Knowledge & Skills

At the conclusion of each CFI Certification Program, you’ll be required to take a final exam to test your knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the core courses. These exams are designed to assess both your theoretical grasp and your ability to apply the skills you've learned in real-world scenarios.

Each certification exam is carefully crafted to ensure that you’ve mastered the essential concepts and practical applications necessary for success in your chosen finance domain. The exam serves as a final checkpoint to confirm your readiness for professional challenges.

Find out more about CFI's exams here.

Completing a Certification Program

To complete a Certification Program, learners must:

1. Pass the Qualified Assessments for each required core course and necessary electives.
2. Complete all lessons within each course.
3. Pass all required lessons and assessments for the course to count towards certification.

Certifications are considered 100% complete once all required courses are passed.

The Final Exam does not affect the completion percentage.

Earning Multiple Certifications

Should I complete more than one certification?

In some roles, it may be beneficial to complete more than one certification, especially if you're looking to develop expertise across multiple domains. However, in most cases, the best path is to complete a core certification, followed by specializations in advanced skills relevant to your career.

For example, after completing a certification in Financial Modeling & Valuation, you may choose to specialize in advanced accounting for financial analysts, data skills in Excel, or leadership skills to further enhance your expertise. This approach allows you to build a well-rounded skill set while gaining deep knowledge in the areas which matter most to your career.

Available Certification Programs

Starting and completing a Certification Program is the most popular choice among CFI learners, and is the best way to advance your professional skillset.