former

Once you pass L3 and have met the work requirements and paid your dues, CFAI will send you a letter (or maybe email) saying something like "Your charter is being prepared, blah blah blah. You should receive it in the mail shortly. You may now use the CFA designation." Usually it takes a week or two after this email for it to show up on the directory but you can still use it during that time. I seem to recall getting that letter sometime in September or maybe really early October. Bottom line is you cannot use the designation until they tell you, even if you passed L3, have your work experience approved and paid your dues.