Subject: CFA vs rest of world, CAIA planning, buy side vs sell side

And how to prepare for ESG ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
300Hours CFA Blog

8 articles • 56d to Feb'26 • 155d to May'26 • 253d to Aug'26

  • CFA vs others: If you are curious about the CFA Program, we compare it to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations, as well as offer a humorous overview on what the 10 CFA topic entails.
  • Planning for CAIA: Did you know that CFA Charterholders get an exemption for CAIA Level 1 exam? So you can obtain a CAIA charterholdership just by passing CAIA Level 2. We have included our CAIA study planner tool just in case.
  • Buy side vs. sell side careers: This week, let's explore the differences between typical buy side vs. sell side by comparing hedge fund vs. research analyst career paths.

Read, and remember to comment!
Zee Tan, 300Hours

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The CFA Syllabus, Explained With Two Cows

The CFA Syllabus, Explained With Two Cows

Zee Tan • Study Break

The CFA syllabus can be overwhelming. So let's simplify it. How can an example of two cows explain all the key topics in the CFA curriculum, in a way that makes simple sense?

ELICOW ➔

CFA Vs CAIA: Which Is Superior? Or Do Both?

CFA Vs CAIA: Which Is Superior? Or Do Both?

Sophie Macon • CAIA

For those of you looking at registering for a new qualification, you may be considering CFA and CAIA. What are the differences? Is one better than the other, and is it practical or even useful to shoot for both? We look at all these questions in this comparative guide.

CFA vs CAIA ➔

10% off Premium Packages from the Leader in CFA Exam Prep

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Kaplan Schweser • Prep Providers

Get a jump on your next CFA exam. Order now and save 10% on Premium Study Packages featuring our PassProtection guarantee. Use promo code Early10.

Order Your Study Package ➔

CFA Vs CPA: Which Is Best For You?

CFA Vs CPA: Which Is Best For You?

Zee Tan • Career Advice

CFA or CPA – which one is right for you? We break down the key differences between these two prominent certifications in finance and accounting, helping you make an informed decision based on your career goals, helping you choose the right path for your situation.

CFA vs CPA ➔

Get Your Free, Customized CAIA Study Planner Now

Get Your Free, Customized CAIA Study Planner Now

Zee Tan • CAIA

The 300Hours study planner has been used by thousands of candidates to help them pass their financial exams. You can get yours right now, customized to your exam and schedule.

CAIA study planner ➔

Ace the CFA Exam with Confidence

AdAce the CFA Exam with Confidence

UWorld Finance • Prep Providers

Elite & Advanced CFA prep packages—now 15% off. Practice smarter and pass with confidence.

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Advance your career with a FMVA certification

AdAdvance your career with a FMVA certification

Corporate Finance Institute • Other Qualifications

100 hours of professional Wall Street training material. 24 courses and certificates included. 20+ financial models & templates.

Special rate for 300Hours readers ➔

CAIA Stackable Program: Level 1 Exemption For CFA Charterholders

CAIA Stackable Program: Level 1 Exemption For CFA Charterholders

Zee Tan • CAIA

Are you eligible for any exemptions in the CAIA Stackable Program? We explain the criteria for potential exemptions, which could save you time and effort on your CAIA journey. This could be useful if you already have some relevant qualifications.

How to skip CAIA L1 ➔

EFFAS

EFFAS' Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA): Our Epic Guide

Sophie Macon • ESG

ESG investing has become one of the big asset management trends, driven by growing investor demand. If you’re serious about ESG, EFFAS’ Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) qualification may just be the right fit for you to augment your skillset.

How CESGA might work for you ➔

CESGA, ESRS Compliant & Integrated into the HKMA Framework

AdCESGA, ESRS Compliant & Integrated into the HKMA Framework

EFFAS • Other Qualifications

CESGA now the first certification accredited by EFRAG as ESRS Compliant and integrated into the HKMA framework

Learn More ➔

Hedge Fund Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Hedge Fund Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Sophie Macon • Career Advice

Dreaming of the high-stakes world of hedge funds? It's competitive, and not for those looking for an easy career path. We chart the typical path into and through hedge funds, highlighting the demanding environment and the rewards for top performers.

HF career path ➔

Research Analyst Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Research Analyst Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Sophie Macon • Career Advice

Are you considering a research analyst career path? Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it is right for you.

All about the research analyst career ➔

More guides, tips and stories ➔

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