CFA After BMS? Is It A Good Idea? How Much Time Do You Need? Is It Really That Easy?

A lot of students who complete a BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) are eager to know what can be done next, more so for those who seek to make a career in finance. Pursuing the CFA qualification is one common option.

CFA is a worldwide recognized credential, which contains a valid foundation for individuals that gain knowledge in finance, investment analysis, and portfolio management.

However, should we go for CFA after BMS? How much time will it take? And is it as easy as it sounds? The objective of this blog is to resolve all such queries as well as explain which medicine you need to take to get to the ultimate goal, for BMS graduates seeking to add wisdom to their career in finance.

CFA After BMS: Is It A Good Idea?

To take their finance careers to the next level, CFA is a very good option for many BMS graduates. But why is it such an excellent choice?

For BMS Graduates, Why CFA is the Excellent Option

As a BMS graduate, you will have already received a strong foundation in business, management and economics. You know how businesses work, how managers fit into the picture, and the fundamentals of economics. A lot of these fundamentals are referenced throughout the CFA curriculum which is why you have an advantage coming from a background like this if you decide to pursue the CFA.

BMS Knowledge Complemented by the CFA

Your BMS degree gives you considerable fundamentals about business and management, while CFA digs deeper into the process of finance. CFA emphasizes investment analysis, financial reporting, and portfolio management. Making your strengths stronger in areas highly demanded at a workplace within the finance and investment opportunity.

Unlock Entry to Top Finance Careers

Achieving a CFA can lead to new, exciting career paths in some of the high-charged, high-paying finance areas, including:

Investment Banking: If your interest lies in handling multiple corporate deals, mergers, and acquisitions, CFA provides you with knowledge about analyzing financial data for making strategic decisions.

Asset Management: CFA will provide you with the powerful skills required to handle investment portfolios such as institutions, mutual funds and even private clients.

Financial Analysis: The skill to analyze financial statements, forecast business performance, and provide a narrative around company valuation is a major hiring criterion for many finance jobs.

Now, you’re trained in data; when you clear CFA you go beyond the normal financial understanding that most tropical you get into the depth of financial analytical and decision-making aspects that corporate finance requires.

Also Read – CFA levels 1,2 & 3 – Syllabus, Exams, How To Study, Tips To Pass & More

After BMS, How Long Do You Require for CFA?

One of the questions that students often have regarding CFA is: How much time would it take to complete the program?

The three levels of the CFA explained.

There are three levels to the CFA program, each with progressive focus and difficulty.

Level I: Fundamental, broad overview of financial concepts and tools. It assesses your understanding of ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis.

Level II: Concentrates on asset valuation, financial reporting and analysis, and builds on the valuation of various asset classes.

Level III: Focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning and how to implement financial concepts in real-life situations.

It takes a lot of time to prepare for each level.

Average Time Investment for Working with Each Level

To prepare for each CFA level, the average candidate spends approximately 300-350 hours of study time. Here’s a rough estimate of how much time each part takes:

• CFA Level I: Most candidates will study for an average of 6 months for Level I, and as a BMS graduate you may find this level slightly easier but there is still a lot to learn in the financial domain and depth to your knowledge is also required in measures such as financial reporting and economics (to name a few).
• CFA Level II: The preparation duration for Level II is usually 6 to 9 months since this level has a more complex understanding of investment valuation and financial reporting.
• CFA Level III: Preparation for Level III can require 9-12 months. This is the hardest level and really more of a review that focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning and necessitates putting into practice all you’ve learned in the last levels.

Also Read – Breaking Down the Cost of CFA in 2025 + Essential Budgeting Tips

How to Balance CFA Study with Work or Other Obligations

CFA preparation can be quite difficult if you have a job or any commitments. But that’s possible with some good planning. An overwhelming majority of candidates who sit for the CFA exams study while working full-time (this is how they find time though, 10 to 15 hours of studying a week spread over weekends/evenings).

Being a BMS graduate, you must be well acquainted with time management while studying for exams, assignments and projects, which will help you stay disciplined while preparing for CFA examinations.

So is CFA Really that Easy after BMS?

BMS graduates have good basics but CFA is not a cakewalk. For someone with some technical background, the CFA has its challenges.

The Big Question About CFA: The Learning Curve

The CFA also addresses various technical domains that you may not have gone into detail about during your BMS education. Here are a few of the more difficult areas for the BMS graduates —

• Accounting and Financial Reporting: BMS students know something about financial management but CFA accounting and reporting is way too detailed. Getting used to the complex financial statements, accounting standards, and financial ratios will demand extra effort.

• Economics: CFA Level I covers microeconomics and macroeconomics. Although you would have studied economics as part of BMS, CFA is a more in-depth study which would include areas such as international trade and financial markets.
• Ethics: Ethics is one of the most important sections of CFA as it will check the understanding of CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Applying ethical standards to the real world, however, can be one of the more difficult sections for a lot of candidates.

Also Read – How Difficult is the CFA Program? | Can an Average Student Pass the CFA Exams Easily?

How to Overcome These Challenges

The learning curve can be steep, yet here are ways BMS graduates conquered these challenges:

• Utilize Your Business Acumen: Your knowledge of business management and macroeconomics will give you a base from which to learn the more numeric very technical aspects of CFA. If you understand corporate structures and what drives market participants, you will be able to make financial statements and asset price discovery appear simple.
• Make a Structured Study Plan: A structured study plan is the cornerstone of CFA time management. Keep your study sessions short and sweet: Instead of a three-hour study session, aim for a one-hour session and break the material up. Build a solid foundation by concentrating on areas such as financial reporting, ethics, and asset valuation.
• Emphasise on important topics: Topics such as financial reporting, equity valuation and portfolio management need to be understood better. Focus on areas you’re struggling with to make sure you understand the material head to toe.

Join a Study Group or Take Coaching Sometimes it’s beneficial to study alongside others or get some guidance from professionals who have cleared the exam. You can also join a CFA study group or sign up for coaching classes to get the necessary guidance and help.

Also Read – CFA Self Study Vs Coaching | What’s Best For You? 10 Factors You Need To Consider Before Choosing

Career Opportunities for BMS Students After CFA

CFA is one of the finest options available in the domain of finance. Whether you want to work independently or in a finance sector organisation, the CFA qualification helps you to do either with the right knowledge and qualifications; hence, this is important for students who are working as BMS graduates and want to upgrade their financial skills to move into a higher-paying career. Let’s take a look at some of the popular career options you can expect to pursue upon conclusion of the CFA, along with average salaries so you can know what you stand to gain.

Investment Banking

As an investment banker, we work with large companies via corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial advisory, and raising capital. That is, as an investment banker you will help analyze financial statements, conduct valuations, and offer strategic advice to clients. Different qualifications that allow you to analyze complex financial data and assess the value of companies are valued in these industries; in that sense, a CFA qualification is a big plus.

Asset Management

Asset management: Asset managers oversee clients’ investment portfolios, such as mutual and pension funds or hedge funds. Evaluating market trends, making investment decisions, and managing risks to ensure the utmost return on investment for your clients. Also, you will acquire the ability to assess different types of assets including stocks, fixed-income assets and alternative assets with a CFA.

Risk Management

Risk management is the process of assessing, analysing, and minimising the risk associated with financial losses. It’s a vital function in companies that manage large amounts of capital and investments. Risk managers assess how exposed a financial institution or company is to market fluctuations, credit risk and other uncertainties. A CFA helps you comprehend risk management methods and models, allowing you to estimate strategies to reduce potential losses.

Equity Research

Equity Researchers analyze financial data, market trends, and company reports to evaluate stocks and make recommendations to investors. A CFA equips you with the technical skills necessary for analyzing financial statements, assessing company performance and forecasting stock prices.

Financial Analysis

Financial analysts review financial statements and trends along with information involved in company performance as they assist businesses in making decisions. They may collaborate with firms to develop forecasts, examine market conditions, and deliver suggestions based on financial information. Knowing how to analyze financial data properly can give you a competitive edge over others in the same field as you, as it is invaluable to businesses in all spheres of industry.

Also Read – CFA Scholarships – Types, Eligibility & Application Process

Why Opt for the IMS Proschool CFA Program?

A course, like a recognized CFA program by IMS Proschool, can simplify and structure your CFA learning pathway. The CFA course at IMS Proschool focuses on specially training BMS graduates to succeed in CFA exams.

Why IMS Proschool CFA Course is the right choice for you?

• Trained Instructors: Get to learn from trained instructors who can explain complex topics in easy terms and walk you through the CFA exam process.
• Structured Study Approach: With IMS Proschool’s structured course, you will always have a clear study path to follow which will not only help you manage your time and cover all vital topics.
• Simulated Exams: Do simulated exams to evaluate your progress and become accustomed to the real exam format. This will ensure that you can focus on performing better on exam day.
• 100% Assistance: IMS Proschool constantly supports you during your CFA training from start to finish; guiding and helping you stay on top.

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FAQs

Q1: Should I do a CFA immediately after BMS?

Yes, you can. CFA is a natural choice for BMS graduates seeking to expand their financial expertise and advance their careers.

Q2: What is the time required to prepare for a CFA level?

It takes an average of 6 months to prepare for each level and more for the higher levels.

Q3: What is the difference between the CFA program and my BMS degree?

While the CFA program has a more detailed understanding of financial analysis, investment management, and portfolio strategies, BMS covers a more general overview of business management.

Q4: How does it help in a career after BMS to do CFA?

Knowing CFA can lead you to work in top-notch investment banking, asset management, equity research, and many other finance-related positions with hefty salaries.

Q5: How to Balance CFA studies, job, and other commitments?

The adequate time to prepare for CFA is 10-12 hours/week for 4-6 months depending upon how well you can manage your other responsibilities at work/family/personal front as you can easily create a structured preparation plan by utilizing your weekends and evenings for studying.

Conclusion

If you want a career in finance, you can pursue CFA after BMS degree, this is a good decision and rewarding as well. It allows you to expand your understanding of financial analysis, acquire specialized knowledge, and pursue in-demand positions in finance. It takes time, energy, and dedication, though.

If you require a structured and guided plan for CFA preparation, then you should consider the CFA course from IMS Proschool. It will support and equip you to succeed and meet your career objectives.