Timeline: 1980s - Celebrating 50 years of the CFA Program

About the CFA Charter

The CFA Charter is a distinction granted to those who undertake and pass a rigorous, graduate-level curriculum. The Program links theory and practice with real-world investment analysis and portfolio management skills, and emphasizes the highest ethical and professional standards.

Candidates must pass three exam levels and meet requirements of four years of work experience in the investment industry. They also must pledge to abide by the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, apply to a CFA Institute society and become a member of CFA Institute.

Those who meet the requirements benefit from the extensive knowledge attained in pursuit of the Charter. In addition, they also gain the advantages of membership in an active, global community.

A 50-year history of the CFA Program

Learn how the CFA Program has become the “gold standard” of professionalism in the financial and investment communities. This special commemorative book covers the charter’s first 50 years, revealing how the ideas and perseverance of a few visionaries transformed financial analysis and institutionalized its highest ideals and best practices.

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1980s
6,393 CFA charters are earned this decade.
1982
First Council on Continuing Education meets and first Continued Education Seminar is offered: “Management Skills for the Investment Manager.”
1982
FAF/ICFA publish first Standards of Practice Handbook.
1983
Publication of the CFA curriculum centerpiece, Managing Investment Portfolios: A Dynamic Approach, by John L. Maginn, CFA, and Donald L. Tuttle, CFA.
1985
First CFA exam graders from outside North America, coming from London and Middle East.
1986
ICFA President travels to England, India, Singapore and Japan to meet with other international organizations to spread the word of the CFA Program.
1986
Formal accreditation program starts.
1986
Level I goes to 50% multiple choice questions.
1987
5,000 candidates sit for the CFA exams in 92 exam centers. 104 graders.

1980s

1982

1982

1983

1985

1986

1986

1986

1987