IFM, like CFA, is an international vocational qualification certificate introduced and recognized by the state. IFM and CFA are international vocational qualification certificates protected by Chinese laws, which are included in the national vocational qualification certificate management system and have the same legal effect as national vocational qualification certificates. You can find them on the website of National Vocational Qualification Work: www.osta.org.cn.

The difference lies in CFA students, who are suitable for financial investment professionals, such as fund managers, securities analysts, traders and investment directors of financial institutions.

IFM (intermediate and senior) is a management-oriented talent who provides enterprises with post functions such as fund management and capital operation, and students are suitable for financial direction. In enterprises or financial institutions, middle and senior managers, such as party secretary, chairman, general manager, secretary-general, chief financial officer, financial manager, accounting supervisor, fund manager, investment banker, internet finance, venture finance, financial law, financial accounting, credit evaluation and other related talents. Assistant level (AIFM) is suitable for business graduates above higher vocational colleges or employees engaged in financial management-related positions in financial institutions, as well as employees engaged in basic accounting work in enterprises but with rising career development needs.

CFA can pass the CET-3 all-English exam, and IFM has been localized to take Chinese exam (advanced IFM has written English exam).