CFA

Getting an MBA is usually pricey. Not only are students paying for two years of full-time graduate school, or its part-time equivalent, but they're also missing out on potential earnings during that time. A two-year MBA programme can end up costing far north of $100,000 from a top business school, not counting room, board, books and peripheral expenses. In 2016, 14 of the 20 top-ranked business school submitted salary and debt information for full-time MBA graduates, and the average debt was $94,583. Also consider the effects of any wages you forgo while in school. Of course, financial aid can reduce this burden somewhat, and some corporations will assume a portion of expenses for employees seeking an MBA. The return on your investment, however, might make it worthwhile. Average starting salaries for those with MBAs from the same 14 schools was more than $100,000. Getting an MBA from a well-regarded school can make you more attractive to employers because it demonstrates drive and work ethic, not to mention a solid network. It provides life-long professional contacts with scores of other Type A overachievers with whom you've shared a long, tough challenge.
The CFA designation, first introduced in 1963, provides those who pass three exams, known as charter holders, with specialised skills like investment analysis, portfolio strategy and asset allocation. It is less general than an MBA and quite coveted by investment professionals. Regulatory bodies in 27 countries recognize the charter as a proxy for meeting certain licensing requirements, according to the CFA Institute, which administers the test and awards the certification. Financially, getting a CFA designation is cheaper than earning an MBA, as the programme is based on self-study and not going to class. The only required expense is exam fees. These costs vary depending on how early you register, but standard fees are $650, $930 and $1,380 for early, standard and late registration for each test, plus a one-time enrollment fee of $450.