Qualifications

[neilace]

As a recent graduate i wanted to boost my CV with more specific qualifications. All i wanted to know is the CFA quaification worth the price? Or am i better off doing S&II or IMC?

What would be my best option and why? Are there any other qualifications out there?

Cheers

 

[PualoP]

As a good starting point, get your SII done (Regs, Securities and Derivatives). Should take about a month. You'll need these regardless of what you do if you want to work for an FSA reg. firm. Looks good on your CV, shows you're dedicated, employers don't need to spend time/money getting you qualified and it also takes away the slight possibility that you may fail(rare). Could also be a good decider if 2 candidtaes are pretty much equal, eg you might get hired over someone who only has the Regs certificate.

As for the CFA, I don't think you can do that independantly can you, I think you need a few years experience and a sponser firm? Generally people who take this exam have a couple of years of work experience at Analyst level and are about to move up to Associate. If your firm wants you to take it (which isn't always nessacerry, particulary in trading) then they'll shell out the money, give you paid study leave and sponser you.

 

[grantx]

Neil, Pualop,

I don’t think the Regs paper can be taken on its own – has to be supplementary to another area, eg Derivatives. However, once the Regs is gained (with a another subject) other subjects can be taken in isolation.

Depending on which area you would like to concentrate, you may want to look at the Eurex Traders exam. All material (a lot) is free from the Eurex site. The material is more extensive than the SI’s Derivatives exam, on a higher level, and consequently more difficult.

If two candidates differed only in these two exams (SI vs Eurex), I’d pick the Eurex candidate.

Good luck.

Grant.

 

[neilace]

yes you are right grant about the s&II certificate format

Thanks for the info

 

[neilace]

Depending on which area you would like to concentrate, you may want to look at the Eurex Traders exam. All material (a lot) is free from the Eurex site. The material is more extensive than the SI’s Derivatives exam, on a higher level, and consequently more difficult.

.

I just had a quick glance at the website, am i right in saying this qualification is for more experienced candidates? and thus harder to gain entry

 

[maximm123]

Depends what you want to do.

If you want to work in fund management then the CFA is the one to aim for.

If you want to be a trader/market maker in a bank or a broker at an IDB then you only need your SII exams.

Why spend more money if you dont need to!