By Arif Irfanullah, CFA
Posted on 14-04-18 at 10:18 am
The Exams
The CFA Program has three levels. The focus area and exam format for each level is shown below:
Level | Focus | Format |
I | Basic knowledge of ten topic areas and simple analysis using investment tools | Two three-hour exams
120 multiple choice questions per exam |
II | Application of investment tools and concepts with a focus on the valuation of all types of assets | Two three-hour exams
10 case studies per exam 6 multiple choice questions per case study |
III | Focuses on synthesizing all of the concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning | Two three-hour exams
Morning exam has a structured-response format (also called the essay exam) Afternoon exam has 10 case studies with 6 multiple choice questions per case study (similar to the Level II format) |
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/exams/Pages/index.aspx
Topics and Weights
The topics and relative weights across the three levels are shown below:
Topic Area | Level I | Level II | Level III |
Ethical and Professional Standards | 15 | 10-15 | 10-15 |
Quantitative Methods | 12 | 5-10 | 0 |
Economics | 10 | 5-10 | 5-15 |
Financial Reporting and Analysis | 20 | 15-20 | 0 |
Corporate Finance | 7 | 5-15 | 0 |
Equity Investments | 10 | 15-25 | 5-15 |
Fixed Income | 10 | 10-20 | 10-20 |
Derivatives | 5 | 5-15 | 5-15 |
Alternative Investments | 4 | 5-10 | 5-15 |
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 7 | 5-10 | 40-55 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa/curriculum/overview
Registration Deadlines and Fees
For the latest information about the deadlines and fees please visit the below link:
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/register/Pages/fee_schedule.aspx
Useful Exam Calendar
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/exams/Pages/cfa_exam_calendars.aspx
Scholarships
There are multiple scholarship option available some which are listed below and you can also visit the link below to find out more about scholarships.
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa/scholarships
Pass Rates
Recent pass rates are as follows:
December 2017 exam pass rate:
June 2017 exam pass rate:
December 2016 exam pass rate:
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa/exam/results-info
How Much to Study
According to CFA Institute, June 2017 candidates reported the following number of study hours on average:
Level I | 300 hours |
Level II | 328 hours |
Level III | 335 hours |
While the numbers above give a sense for the hours of study required for each level, the amount of time you need to spend depends on your background, the speed with which you pick up new concepts and level of diligence with which you want to study the curriculum. You can use the following tool to estimate the time required to prepare for your exam:
https://interactive.cfainstitute.org/study_plan_tool_test
We will cover this in more detail in the “How to Study” segment of this website.
https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/curriculum/study-support
Study Sessions and Learning Outcomes
The study sessions and learning outcomes are available here:
https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfaprogram/courseofstudy/Pages/study_sessions.aspx