FAQs

What types of membership are there?

Regular, Affiliate, Adjunct and Student.

What are the requirements of membership?

Regular Membership: An applicant for Regular membership must be a financial analyst, which is defined as an individual spending a substantial portion of time evaluating and applying financial, economic, or quantitative information in the investment decision-making process in the field of banking, trust offices, insurance, investment counseling, investment companies, securities firms, employee benefit organizations, endowment funds, foundations, financial publishing houses, other institutional investors or similar organizations in the private sector, or in government or public agencies whose activities are concerned with or influence financial, investment and economic issues. In addition to those whose principal occupation is that of financial analysis, this definition of a financial analyst extends to include individuals whose principal occupation is the direct or indirect supervision of financial analysts as defined above or the teaching, administration, or conduct of research in the field of financial analysis at a college or university, such as a professor (including assistant and associate professor) or dean.

  1. The applicant must have at least three years experience as a financial analyst (as defined above) and successful completion and passing of CFA I.
  2. The applicant must have a bachelor degree from an accredited academic institution or equivalent education and work experience.

These occupational and educational requirements may be waived if the applicant is a CFA.

Affiliate Membership: An applicant for Affiliate membership must satisfy one of the following minimum requirements:

  1. The applicant must have one year of experience in financial analysis and provide evidence of enrollment in the CFA program with the intention of taking CFA I;
  2. Be a teacher or research fellow in the field of financial or economic analysis at a college or university;
  3. Be regularly employed for a period of at least three years in a field such as venture capital, real estate, treasury, corporate finance, money management consulting, or other disciplines closely allied to financial analysis and who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, would make a contribution to the programs and work of the Boston Security Analysts Society, Inc.; or
  4. Have at least six years experience in financial analysis.

Student Member: an applicant for Student Membership must be an undergraduate student, in their junior or senior year enrolled full-time in a university/college, pursuing a bachelor's degree in business or finance, or related field, OR a graduate student, enrolled full or part-time, pursuing an MBA or a master's degree in a business-related major. 

Are the benefits for Regular, Affiliate, Adjunct and Student Members the same?

Only Regular Members may become Officers and Directors of the Society, may vote at Society meetings, and can sponsor applicants for membership.

How much does membership in BSAS cost?

Membership dues are $125 annually for Regular, Affiliate and Adjunct members, and $50 annually for Student Members. (This does not include CFA Institute dues.)

How long is the application process?

It depends on when your completed application is received by BSAS. Applications for membership are voted on at each Board of Directors meeting. The Board meets once a month except in July and August. Applicants and the CFA Institute are notified upon acceptance.