AAFM® Global Designation

Accredited Financial Analyst^®

Learn to read the numbers everyone else just guesses at.

A financial analyst is the person who works out whether a company or an investment is actually worth the money — and it’s one of the most in-demand jobs in finance. The AFA® teaches you exactly how to do that, 100% online across two levels, from anywhere.

2 LevelsFoundation + Advanced

100%Online

151+Countries

Pearson VUEGlobal exam

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Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA) certification mark

An AAFM India Accredited Financial Analyst charterholder

What is the Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA®)?

Here’s the opportunity. Every bank, fund and company needs people who can look at the numbers and say what they actually mean — is this business healthy? Is this stock worth buying? Not many people can do that well, and the ones who can get paid for it. That’s your way in.

That’s where the Accredited Financial Analyst® comes in. Awarded by AAFM® USA, it teaches you what an analyst really does every day — reading financial statements, valuing companies, building models and backing an investment call with evidence. You don’t just learn the theory; you finish able to do the job.

And it fits your life. It’s 100% online across two levels, so you can study around college or a first job — and it’s recognised in 151+ countries, so it travels with you.

Financial-analyst roles are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, driven by a widening range of products and global markets.— US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Who it’s for

Commerce & finance graduates

B.Com, BBA, MBA, economics or accounting graduates targeting analyst roles.

Aspiring analysts

Anyone aiming for research, equity or investment-analysis careers.

Early-career professionals

Banking, broking and finance staff wanting deeper analytical skills.

CA / CS / professionals

Qualified professionals adding investment-analysis expertise.

Why the AFA® pays off

Skills employers screen for

Modelling, valuation and research — the exact things analyst interviews test.

A global passport

One credential, awarded by AAFM® USA and recognised in 151+ countries.

Job-ready, not just exam-ready

Real case studies and 500+ practice questions, so you can actually do the work.

A field that keeps growing

Analyst roles are projected to grow faster than average across markets.

AFA® Course Curriculum & Syllabus

Two levels, ten units. Level 1 builds your analytical base; Level 2 turns you into a complete analyst. Every unit mixes the ‘why’ with the ‘how to actually do it’, so you finish ready for the job — not just the exam.

Level 1 · Foundation

01Introduction to Financial Markets+

How markets, instruments and participants work — the context every analyst needs.

02Quantitative Techniques & Methods+

The statistics and quantitative tools used to analyse financial data.

03Financial Statement Analysis+

Read and interpret financial statements to find a company’s strengths and weaknesses.

04Corporate Finance+

Capital structure, cost of capital and the decisions that drive corporate value.

05Fixed Income Security Analysis+

Bonds and fixed-income markets — features, pricing and risk.

Level 2 · Advanced

06Equity Valuation+

Valuation models to price stocks and judge investment opportunities.

07Derivatives & Alternate Investments+

Futures, options and alternatives — for hedging and return.

08Portfolio Management Strategies+

Construct, manage and evaluate portfolios against objectives.

09Behavioural Finance+

How psychology and bias shape markets and decisions.

10Advanced Financial Analysis+

Bring it together — integrated analysis and financial modelling.

Skills you’ll graduate with

Financial-statement analysisEquity valuationFinancial modellingCorporate financeFixed incomeDerivativesPortfolio strategyRisk analysis

AFA® Career Options & Salary in India

So where can this take you? AFA® holders work as analysts across banks, broking houses, AMCs and corporates — researching companies, valuing securities and helping decide where the money goes.

Financial / Equity Analyst

₹4–18 LPA indicative

Analyse companies and securities; build models and recommendations.

Research Analyst

Competitive grade-based

Produce research for institutional and retail investors.

Portfolio / Fund roles

₹6–30 LPA indicative

Progress toward portfolio and fund-management positions.

Indicative industry ranges; actual pay varies by role, employer and experience. Not a guarantee of employment or earnings.

Globally accredited & recognised

AFA® Course Fees & What’s Included

Complete AFA® courseware (both levels)
Online LMS access
500+ practice questions
Real-life case studies
Globally recognised AFA® charter

₹47,200

incl. study material

AFA® Course — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA®) certification?+

AFA® is AAFM's globally recognised benchmark of competency in financial analysis and research. Awarded by AAFM USA, it develops the skills financial, equity and research analysts use — financial-statement analysis, valuation, corporate finance and financial modelling.

Who can do the AFA® — am I eligible?+

Graduates with a degree or diploma in finance, accounting, economics, business or a related field. It is ideal for students and early-career professionals targeting analyst roles.

How long does it take and is it online?+

The AFA® is delivered online across two levels, so you can study at your own pace around college or work, with live and recorded sessions plus an online LMS.

How is the AFA® exam structured?+

Two levels via Pearson VUE. Level 1 is 115 minutes / 80 questions (170 marks); Level 2 is 175 minutes / 90 questions (200 marks). Each needs 50% to pass with no negative marking. Level 2 can be taken only after clearing Level 1.

Is there a project work for certification?+

Yes. After clearing Level 2 you submit a short project work; on approval, the AFA® certification is awarded — so you finish with applied, demonstrable skills.

What does the AFA® cost?+

The programme is ₹47,200 inclusive of study material. Exam and certification fees may apply separately — an advisor can confirm the current details.

Is the AFA® recognised internationally?+

Yes — it is awarded by AAFM USA (GAFM) and recognised across 151+ countries, backed by AAFM's ISO 29990 certification and AACSB/ACBSP recognition.

What careers and salary can I expect?+

AFA® holders work as financial, equity and research analysts, and progress to portfolio and fund management. Indicative analyst pay ranges from about ₹4 LPA to ₹18 LPA depending on role, employer and experience.

AFA® vs CFA — what's the difference?+

The AFA® has been remodelled for India, is fully online and completed across two manageable levels — a faster, more accessible route into analyst roles. The CFA is a longer, globally uniform programme. Many students use the AFA® to build analytical skills and enter the field sooner.

What study resources are included?+

Proprietary study material (online and optional offline), LMS access, 500+ practice questions, real-life case studies and mock assessments.

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