What is CFA Institute
Overview
CFA Institute is a global professional body that offers the CFA Program, specialty certificates (for example CIPM and Sustainable Investing), and paid digital and printed learning products.
The organisation also operates an online store for courses and curriculum materials and works with local societies such as CFA Society South Africa for regional matters.
What this guide covers
This guide explains cancellation and refund rules that apply to purchases and registrations made through CFA Institute for users in South Africa.
It covers web purchases, app/platform purchases, exam registrations, common pitfalls, consumer rights in South Africa and next steps after cancelling.
How to cancel CFA Institute
Web purchases (CFA Institute website)
- Log in to your CFA Institute account and go to Self Service to request cancellation within 14 calendar days from the date the contract is concluded.
- Alternatively call CFA Institute customer service within the same 14-day window to request cancellation.
- Note: If you access or expressly consent to supply digital content within that period, your right to cancel is lost. See CFA Institute store terms for details: Store Terms and Conditions.
App Store and Google Play purchases
- Purchases made via the App Store or Google Play are governed by the platform’s cancellation and refund process.
- CFA Institute refers users to the platform mechanisms; contact Apple or Google support for refunds for app-store purchases.
Exam and certificate registrations
- For initial registrations to the CFA Program, CIPM or Sustainable Investing Certificate you may cancel within 14 days of payment and receive a full refund.
- After the 14-day window ends, registration and enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. See the CFA Program refund policy: CFA Program Refund Policy.
What happens when you cancel
Access to digital content
When a valid cancellation is accepted, access to the purchased digital course or certificate content is revoked and any ongoing subscription or access is terminated.
If you accessed or agreed to immediate supply of digital content during the cooling-off period, cancellation rights may be void.
Account status and renewals
Membership or product cancellations do not automatically cancel future renewals; check your account settings and billing details to prevent future charges.
Recorded transactions and cancellation confirmations are kept for administrative and audit purposes.
Will I get a refund?
Standard refund windows
- Initial CFA Program registrations: full refund if cancelled within 14 days of payment (until 11:59 PM ET on the 14th day).
- The same 14-day full-refund rule applies to initial CIPM and Sustainable Investing Certificate registrations.
- Web purchases of courses and certificates follow a 14-calendar-day cancellation policy as set out in the Store Terms and Conditions.
Exceptions and non-refundable items
- Printed curriculum orders are non-refundable once the order has been placed.
- After the applicable 14-day window, exam and enrollment fees are non-refundable under CFA Institute policy.
- App-store purchases require you to follow Apple/Google refund policies; CFA Institute does not process refunds for those transactions.
CFA Institute plans and pricing
Summary
Below are the commonly referenced membership options relevant to South Africa. Exact ZAR conversion of USD fees depends on the current USD/ZAR exchange rate.
If you need official billing or payment instructions, consult your CFA Institute account or CFA Society South Africa.
| Plan | Price | 期間 | Features |
| Affiliate Membership (CFA Institute + CFA Society SA) | USD 275 + USD 65 ≈ ZAR conversion varies | Annual (1 July - 30 June) | Includes CFA Institute (USD 275) and local CFA Society South Africa membership (USD 65) for charterholders or candidates. |
| Local Membership (CFA Society South Africa only) | R1,000 | Annual (30 September - 31 August or 1 September - 31 August) | Access to local CPD webinars, events, networking and volunteer opportunities. |
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Cooling-off and refund protections
Consumer protection laws in South Africa commonly provide a cooling-off period for certain distance and electronic purchases, often 7 - 14 days depending on the circumstance.
CFA Institute’s 14-day refund policy for web purchases aligns with this typical cooling-off expectation; platform purchases (App Store/Google Play) are governed by the platform rules.
Escalation and enforcement
If you believe CFA Institute has breached consumer law or acted unfairly, you may lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission in South Africa or seek local consumer advice.
Keep records of orders, correspondence and refunds as evidence if you escalate the matter to a regulator or dispute resolution body.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Many users praise the CFA credential and the quality of the curriculum and exams as a strong professional qualification.
Example: reviewers have described the credential as an “Excellent Credential” in online reviews.
Common complaints
Some candidates report dissatisfaction with customer service responsiveness, handling of special circumstances (illness, discrimination claims), and perceived inflexibility on refunds or postponements.
Users have also reported technical problems with the iOS app and web layout issues on certain device sizes in public forums and review pages.
Documentation checklist
What to prepare
- Order or registration confirmation number (email or account record).
- Payment receipt or card/transaction details showing date and amount.
- Personal identification (ID/passport) where requested by support.
- Supporting documents for exceptions (medical certificates, official letters) if requesting special consideration.
- Copies/screenshots of any correspondence with customer service relating to your request.
How to present documents
- Attach clear PDF or image files when using Self Service or email support.
- Label files with order/registration number and date to speed up processing.
Common mistakes
Missing the 14-day window
A frequent error is assuming a refund is available after the 14-calendar-day period; for registrations and many purchases CFA Institute policy states fees are non-refundable after that window.
Accessing digital content too soon
If you access or consent to immediate supply of digital content within the cancellation period you may lose your right to cancel and receive a refund.
Using the wrong channel
Attempting to cancel App Store or Google Play purchases through CFA Institute instead of the platform can delay or prevent a refund. Use the platform refund process for app purchases.
Comparative recap
Quick comparison table
| Item | Cancellation window | Refund status | 期間 |
| Web course or certificate purchases | 14 calendar days from contract date | Full refund if not accessed; void if digital content accessed | 14 days |
| Initial CFA Program / CIPM / Sustainable Investing registration | 14 days from payment (until 11:59 PM ET on day 14) | Full refund if within window; non-refundable after | 14 days |
| App Store / Google Play purchases | Follow platform policies | Platform-determined; contact Apple/Google | Platform rules |
| Printed curriculum orders | None (non-refundable once ordered) | Non-refundable | None |
After cancelling
Next administrative steps
Save the cancellation confirmation, monitor your bank or card statement for the refund, and follow up with customer service if the refund does not appear within a reasonable time.
Review your account to ensure access has been revoked and to cancel any recurring billing if applicable.
Useful official links
Address
Physical address (local society)
CFA Society South Africa
The Pivot, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2191, South Africa
Notes on contacting locally
For region-specific questions about membership or local events, contact CFA Society South Africa directly using local channels listed on their website or membership communications.