Lesson 3 of 4 · All lessons in this module
This lesson is part of the 2027 curriculum. You are following the 2026 curriculum, where it is not taught in this form. Switch if you are sitting the exam under the 2027 curriculum.
Lesson 3 of 4 · 15 min
Standard VII(B) cases: using the designation, membership and candidacy
VII(B) lets you state facts and honestly labelled opinions about CFA Institute, the charter and the Program, and forbids promises: no partial designation, no expected completion date, and no claim that the charter or fast passing produces better results.
In short
- Facts are fine: levels passed, 'candidate in the CFA Program', years of membership, an accurate account of what earning the charter required, passing the levels in consecutive attempts.
- Promises are not: superior performance, 'most qualified', 'best value', or better skills guaranteed by enrolment.
- The right to use the designation depends on active membership; a lapse suspends it until reinstatement, and a former member may say only that he or she was a member or charterholder.
- A candidate is accepted and enrolled for a specific exam, or has sat it and awaits results; he or she may not imply a partial designation ('CFA Level II') or give an expected date ('CFA, expected 2029', 'charter pending').
- The rule covers every medium (cards, bios, brochures, websites, social media, speech); pseudonyms must not carry the designation, and firms should use compliance-approved templates.
Unlock this lesson free for 7 days
Create a free account to get 7 days free: every lesson, video and flashcard, and the question bank. No card needed.