dyga

The only real advantage to becoming a member prior to passing L3 is that once you pass L3, you don’t need to screw around with paperwork and finding sponsors since everything should be done. You may need to update your work experience if you don’t have 4 years but that is pretty easy to do via email. I suppose another advantage is access to the jobline on the CFAI website.
The downside is that you have to pay dues each year.