Is a Supervisor's reference absolutely necessary?

CFA Level III
#1

Hello everyone!

I will be taking up Level 3 in June 2015 but nevertheless decided to get my work experience approved before the heat and dust of exam preparation starts. In the references section, CFAI mentions Supervisor’s reference being preferred. How pivotal is it if I chose to skip it in favor of Colleagues’ referneces? I have 10 years work experience in Portfolio Management out of which the last 9 years have been spent at my current employer. Of late my equation with my supervisor is not at its best and there is every chance that I will be out of this place sooner than later. I don’t want to give my Supervisor any chance to fool around with my 3 years of hard work in pursuit of CFA.

Any thoughts and advice would help.

Thanks in anticipation.

#2

I am still in “Work Experience Review” status but I have close to 5 years. I wanted to make sure I put supervisors as references (especially as one is a member of the same society I want to join) as I was hoping that would make the process a little smoother.

I am not 100% certain but I believe 10 years of PM work experience will be a layup. Not sure though as to how they actually validate that 10 years though…

#3

You do not need a supervisor reference. I was in a similar situation and had one collegue, plus one friend who was also a local society charterholder.

#4

Thanks. It is certainly heartening.

#5

“CFAI mentions Supervisor’s reference being preferred” only means what it says! It is preferred NOT essential. There are many applying for the Charter after Level 3 when they are somehow unemployed and would like to avoid the previous supervisor. So, a reliable colleague is ok, it may not be preferred but meets the requirement as long as he ‘knows’ what do you do (and writes about it adequetly). If you can get at least one Charterholder (CFA) as a sponsor it will help more. So no need to take risk of him playing a spoilsport and go ahead to get the WE approved.

#6

Thanks mygos! Your explanation puts the issue beyond doubt.

#7

What are they looking for with the references? Is this to do with approving work experience, or is it more of a personal/professional reference to have people vouch for me?