I passed all 3 levels, but do not have the work experience. I need about 6 more months. Can I still apply for membership to CFAI ahead of time, kind of as people do before they officially pass level 3 but have all other prerequisites established, or do I need to wait for my 4 years of experience and then apply?
Just wait. Membership does not require passing 3 exams but 4 years of work experience. Your membership will be denied because you have not met the experience requirements. Period.
http://www.cfainstitute.org/community/membership/process/Pages/index.aspx
That’s exactly what I figured would happen, an automatic deny because of the year requirement