The CFA exam is worth more money in the long run than getting your MBA — here's how to ensure you pass it

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Moving up in the business world is no easy task. For those looking to climb the corporate ladder, in most cases it's necessary to get your MBA or CFA before attaining an upper-level position.

The debate over which is better in the long term is ongoing, but for many, pursuing a CFA is a more economically sensible option.

While getting your MBA can cost somewhere in the range of $60,000 to $100,000, signing up to take the CFA costs just $1,000, plus whatever money you decide to spend on study materials.

Additionally, getting a CFA tends to lead to higher compensation in the long run when compared to an MBA.

The Level 1 CFA exams are offered only twice a year, with this year's first examinations happening on June 4. It is recommended that those taking the test study for approximately 300 hours, meaning that if you have been slacking on your studies, now is the time to hit the books full force.

For anyone looking for a little help and guidance while studying, Udemy is currently offering a complete guide to the 2016 curriculum, covering all of the information you'll need to know to pass the exam. With over 200 lectures and 70 hours of content, the course serves as a study guide of sorts for those looking to properly prepare to pass the CFA test. It also adds audio and visual components to your studies, assets that are known to be invaluable to anyone who's ever crammed with large textbooks as their only company.

The course normally goes for $50, but if you use the code "MAYINSIDER25" you can enroll for just $37 — a small price to pay once you see your salary increase after you've passed the test. 

Complete CFA Level I — 2016 Curriculum, $37 (originally $50), available at Udemy. [25% off]

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