[Paul T]

IMO CFA is much much more desired in the finance world. When I interview people, I could care less if they have an MBA, but a CFA tells me they are the real deal. The exams are tough. There are a total of 3 exams, each taken a year apart unless they have changed that. Each exam lasts about 6 hours and the pass rates are typically in the 40% range. These tests require immense dedication to pass.

Really depends on what you want to get into though. The CFA focuses heavily on investment management theory and is really important if you are leaning toward analyst or investment management positions. Probably not needed if you are just in ops, but does not hurt there either.

I sat for level one and passed, then sat for level 2 and did not, though I think I had to be very, very close. They don't give you a real score, just a range, and they don't tell you where the pass line was either - just pass/fail. At the time (6 yrs ago) I was in a situation where I thought I was going to be out of the industry for good, so I did not continue on. Of course, here I am still here, but I'm an ops guy so it's not a career requirement - still think about getting it though just for personal accomplishment.

Feel free to PM me with any questions..