CFA® Chartered Financial Analyst Certificate Programs
CFA® Charterholder: The Global Passport of the Financial Elite
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
The CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is arguably the gold standard of the investment world. However, reaching this summit requires more than just standard coursework—it demands excellence in preparation. At IFE, we have meticulously redesigned our program for the May-August 2026 exam cycle with a 'Boutique Cohort, Maximum Focus' philosophy.
- Boutique Cohort (Max 20 Participants): No getting lost in crowded lecture halls. We offer a high-interaction 'Executive' classroom environment where you can engage in direct dialogue with our instructor, ensuring every concept is fully mastered.
- Optimized Timing: Commencing on January 22, 2026, and concluding in early April, this program provides a generous 1-3 month window for intensive review and practice exams before your test date.
- Biorythm-Aligned Schedule: Sessions are strategically scheduled between 19:00 - 22:00 (TR) to account for after-work mental fatigue. You will start your lesson with a fresh, focused mind.
Investment yields its highest return when made in oneself, not just the market.
PROGRAM ARCHITECTURE AND CURRICULUM DISTRIBUTION (69 HOURS)
Our program adheres with surgical precision to the CFA Institute’s 2026 curriculum weights and learning modules. Expect a focused, 69-hour intensive flow, streamlined to eliminate unnecessary detail and maximize your score.
| Topic Title | Hours | Sessions | Focus Areas & IFE Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods | 9 | 3 | Time Value of Money (TVM), Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, and Regression. Mastering the use of the financial calculator (TI BA II Plus). |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 9 | 3 | Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Analysis. The art of reading the 'story' within the numbers like an analyst, not just an accountant. |
| Fixed Income | 9 | 3 | Bond Valuation, Yield Curves, Duration, and Convexity. Managing interest rate risk and credit analysis. |
| Economics | 6 | 2 | Supply-Demand, Market Structures, Macroeconomic Indicators, Currency Valuation. Fundamental economics required to interpret market movements. |
| Equity Investments | 6 | 2 | Market Organization, Indices, Industry Analysis, and Equity Valuation (DDM, Multipliers). The logic of equity trading. |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 6 | 2 | Standards (I-VII) and GIPS. Internalizing the 'CFA Ethical Mindset' for the most critical section of the exam. |
| Derivatives | 6 | 2 | Forwards, Futures, Options, and Swaps. Using derivatives for hedging and speculation. |
| Corporate Issuers | 6 | 2 | Corporate Governance (ESG), Capital Budgeting, Leverage. Analyzing corporate financial decisions from an investor's perspective. |
| Portfolio Management | 6 | 2 | Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), Risk/Return, Fintech. Asset services and portfolio construction. |
| Alternative Investments | 6 | 2 | Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Real Estate, Commodities. Introduction to non-traditional asset classes. |
| TOTAL | 69 | 23 | Target-Oriented, Intensive Program |
2026 ACADEMIC CALENDAR (TUESDAY & THURSDAY)
Our schedule is carefully planned around 2026 public holidays (specifically Eid al-Fitr) to ensure an uninterrupted learning process.(*)
- Class Days: Tuesday and Thursday
- Class Hours: 19:00 – 22:00 (3 Hours)
CFA INSTITUTE EXAM REGISTRATION SCHEDULE (MAY & AUGUST 2026)
While the IFE program is optimized for the May 2026 exam window, candidates whose schedules differ can also benefit from this program for the August cycle. The table below lists the official fees and dates provided by the CFA Institute.
(Note: The fees below are paid directly to the CFA Institute and are not included in the IFE program fee.)
| Session Details | May 2026 Exam | August 2026 Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Window | May 12 - 18, 2026 | August 18 - 24, 2026 |
| Registration Period | Aug 12, 2025 - Feb 12, 2026 | Nov 11, 2025 - May 6, 2026 |
| Early Bird Fee | $1,140 USD | $1,140 USD |
| Early Bird Deadline | Oct 14, 2025 (Closed) | Jan 21, 2026 |
| Standard Registration Fee | $1,490 USD | $1,490 USD |
| Final Registration Deadline | Feb 12, 2026 | May 6, 2026 |
| Rescheduling Deadline | Feb 18, 2026 | May 13, 2026 |
| Invoice Payment Deadline | Jan 3, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 |
Important Notice: To secure your preferred exam center and date (Scheduling), we strongly recommend booking your appointment immediately after registration rather than waiting for the deadline.
Program Director
Prof. Yaman Omer Erzurumlu, CFA
The CFA Program is offered by the CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by the Istanbul Institute of Finance. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.