162. Should You Get the CFA? All Your Testing Questions Answered with Kaplan's Joyce Schnur

Send us a text

Wondering if you need the CFA to break into banking? Curious what the SIE is, or whether a CPA helps you land a role in private equity? You're not alone—exam questions are by far the most common DMs we get. So in this episode, we finally break it all down.

We’re joined by Joyce Schnur, Senior VP at Kaplan, who walks us through the differences between licensing (SIE, Series 7, 63, 79) and credentials (CFA, CPA, CFP, CAIA), who actually needs them, and how they impact your finance career. Whether you're entering investment banking, sales & trading, asset management, or wealth advisory, we cover which exams matter—and which ones don’t. We also talk exam structure, pass rates, and how new rules may let you fund prep with a 529 plan.

Plus, we dive into the latest market drama—TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out), bond market crowding, and the beauty M&A boom featuring Hailey Bieber’s near-billion-dollar deal. As always, it’s markets, career advice, and pop culture—through a Wall Street lens.

For more information about Kaplan, check them out HERE

To connect with Joyce Schnur on LinkedIn, find here HERE

For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HERE

For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE! 

Sign up for our LIVE Virtual Bootcamps!

2-Day Financial Modeling Bootcamp
Master the technical Excel and accounting skills essential for investment banking, private equity, and fundamental investing. (Learn more HERE)

Global Markets & Investing Playbook
A one-day crash course on the financial ecosystem, perfect for anyone seeking a big-picture understanding of how global markets and Wall Street fit together.

Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)