hello everybody.
i hav worked for commerical bank as a derivatives sales for 4 years.
i am interested in math or quants, and want to be a real trader or risk manager.
but seems it is too hard to make my dream come true becos i hav only a bachlor degree in finance.
it is almost impossible for me to get a MSCF, even phd degree.
so i want to know if there have some professional certificate or exam i can take during my part time,
now i am enrolled in the cfa program, and so interested in FRM(financial risk management), those certificates are usful to acheive my goal , or i just waste my time.
by the way, i builded up a set of derivatives pricing model using C++ & VBA last year, but no oppotunities to show it and use it. so i think if there hav some .. very hard exam or certificate i can get .. maybe i need not go back to school. thanks.

ken

This board seems to be entirely quant related, which the CFA is not. The CFA exams are also relatively new to Europe. Some people consider it a poor man's MBA in finance (definitely not a good MSc.) while others believe it is a professional exam, which it may become in the UK, if you believe the CFA sponsor, AIMR. A lot of CFA Candidates howl about the derivatives material, but it is very basic. However, if you can finish the CFA exams in 3 years (perfect 3 for 3) then you can rightly say that you have done something. The numbers have grown exponentially though and just having a CFA does not, and should not, mean too much now though. It is worth pondering whether the 3 years spent on the CFA should be intensfied and spent on an MSc or even Phd, which will provide deeper knowledge. But if you can't do that then try for the CFA. It is not easy. As for the FRM, I am totally confused by the split between GARP and PREMIA or whatever it is called.

i get the impression CFA is really oriented toward the investment management side of things.

I am a CFA charter and I can tell you that I am very happy that I've done it. The course work is more suitable for someone who is interested in portfolio management. The course work is broad and general (a good PM should have broad knowlege anyway), probably not as intensive and specialized as a MSCF. CFA is done on part-time basis for at least 3 years; thereore require real personal commitment. I would recommend CFA highly for someone looking to spend time in porfolio management, but I am not sure if it's really that useful in trading.

tks vm for your kindly help. best regards for you.

ken

Both GARP and PRMIA are now offering risk management certifications. The body of knowledge is the same and one could easily study for one and take both tests without any extra work. However, is there any feeling out there which will be the “Coke” and which will be the “RC Cola” of the profession.Paul, your input would be much appreciated.Sergey

ken 2000,Maybe I have a solution for your problem.Do the certificate in financial engineering and asset management, gives by the University of Lausanne(Switzerland). It is a very good certifiate, it last 5 intensive weeks.The association of (world) financial engineers find the programm excellent.But you must already have a master of science in finance, and the selection is very very strict.You must be one of the best to enter this certificate programm.Bye

I have a Ms in Comp Finance, but to get a job, would a CFA help much?

I too have a similar query, I am currently doing a CFA & plan to do an MS in Fin Math soon after. Does this give you an edge from an employment angle ? Significant or marginal ? On a related note, If one can show that he cleared all 3 CFA Level exams in 3 consecutive years, would that help him during the admission process to an American MSCF program ?Maybe some quants who also have a CFA (or those who know quants with CFAs) could share heir opinions ?Vikram.

FOlks..am somewhat on the same boat having appeared for FRM and cleared level 1 CFA. FRM was a big dissapptmt. Its a very general program and 10 days of full time study is more than enogh..some of the questions are very general too...dont know how creditable the cert is if the quality of questions is so low...the CFA level 1 is defin of better quality...my friends whoi have visited GARPs conferences oses say that the guest lists etc are very impressive..but does industry recognise is a big ? Guess if u r an accountant and want to know what RM is about FRM is a good place to start..but if you fancy ur quant abilities why not go for the Msc..My ? is does anyone know a good Msc distance edu course since I do not want to take a break from my worklife. I saw a adv of Univ of Leicester..any views..

According to AIMR, it is a violation of one's CFA membership to goaround stating you passed all 3 CFA exams on the first try.I guess AIMR has this policy so as not to discourage someone from re-taking (and re-paying) the exam, since no one will know it took you more than once to pass.

Quote I guess AIMR has this policy so as not to discourage someone from re-taking (and re-paying) the exam, since no one will know it took you more than once to pass.Thank you reminding me about the code of conduct/ethics. But won't this be obvious from the guys CV ? yr 1 - passed Level I, ...... yr 3 - passed Level III.Animal, are you a CFA & a quant ?Any comments on my questions, dont tell me me there are no quants with CFAs on this forum !Vikram.