The CSA Research Writing & Presentation Examination (Basic Level) involves:

1) A three-hour written exam proctored by CSA Institute testing your knowledge in the areas of accounting footnotes and business valuation. Our written exam will be designed based on requirements set by securities industry regulators such as FINRA and China Securities and Exchange Commission. The exam will be focused on value investing. We have value investing experts to develop exam questions and valuation case studies. (Please contact us if you would like to volunteer or contribute your work.)

2) Initial summary reports on three of your best investment ideas, at lease one page per idea. Your written executive summary will be graded by value investing experts. You may get follow up questions via email or phone regarding your research work. A candidate risks being disqualified or barred if cheating or plagiarizing is discovered. All insights, findings or reports from other sources must be properly cited.

3) A book report on an intellectually challenging subject about investing, accounting or business management, etc. You can select that book but it has to be approved by CSA Institute. A book too thin or too easy would not meet the level of difficulty requirement.

4) A research paper on a investment topic designated by CSA Institute.

5) Selecting a research topic for the final CSA Dissertation: This is project is as challenging as a PhD dissertation in the field of value investing. You have three years or more to complete the dissertation. The topic and outline must be pre-approved by CSA Institute. You must submit your dissertation before you complete the three year CSA Program. You may have to present and defend your dissertation in front of CSA candidates and expert examiners. All your reports and exam papers will be graded by CSA Institute. You have the right to request grading comments and records and put forth one appeal in front of the CSA Exam Committee.

CSA Institute may provide your research papers to potential employers in the investment industry. Your name and contact information may be made available upon request subject to your prior approval. All your exam papers and research reports will be the property of CSA Institute. CSA Institute has the right to publish any part of your work, citing your name. Proceeds of CSA publications will go to the global charitable efforts of CSA Institute. You have the right to publish your own work with or without renumeration through reputable media outlets citing CSA Institute as a source couple with reference to our website. You must request prior written approval before submitting your CSA related work to other publications or websites.

To registered as a CSA Basic Level Candidate, please call 646.388.0887