A decade after being introduced to China, the test of Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) is attracting more Chinese candidates, according to statistics from the CFA Institute.
   
In 2004, 5,228 Chinese candidates took the test, which is regarded as the most challenging examination for the investment industry worldwide. The examination, however, did not witness such enthusiasm from Chinese people in the first six years after its entrance to China.
   
Only 162 Chinese candidates took the exam in 2000.
   
Not until 2002, when 1,656 Chinese took the test, did the test see substantial rise of candidates in China. In 2003, 3,935 Chinese candidates took the test.
   
Jeffrey J. Diermeier, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFA Institute, said during his recent visit to Shanghai that the rise of Chinese candidates suggests the country is in great need of investment professionals.
   
The enthusiasm for the test in China, he said, also shows Chinese financial industry's recognition of professional standards and ethics raised by the CFA Institute.
   
Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have CFA test centers.
   
Currently, 63,000 people in the world hold CFA certificates. On the Chinese mainland, 245 people are qualified.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2005)