fbpixel CFA Level II | IFT World - Part 2

Preparing for Level II: IFT Products and Study Strategy

As I have mentioned in earlier blogs, Level II is significantly more quantitatively intense relative to the Level I. Specifically, there is an emphasis on pricing and valuation across multiple topics. Some candidates might have cleared Level I by slogging in the last few weeks; this strategy is much less likely to work at Level II. It is critical that, firstly, you have the right materials to study from, and secondly, you use a well thought out strategy for preparation. In this blog, I will address both of the above. Beyond the curriculum, at IFT we feel that we have… Read More

Level II

Advice for those who passed the Level II exam

To begin, I would like to congratulate you. You have passed the Level II exam, a significant accomplishment.   Now, however, your next major target should be to clear the Level III exam. Unless there are compelling reasons otherwise, I’d recommend that you take the Level III exam in June 2020. You have a rhythm going, the Level II material is relatively fresh, so why wait? Now let us talk a little about Level III. There is a common perception that Level II is the hardest of all three exams, and so things get a little easier with Level III…. Read More

Level II

Advice for those who failed the Level II exam

If you failed the Level II exam your natural response is probably to feel disappointed. You might even be wondering whether or not you should continue with the CFA Program.   The typical advice is to keep trying; however, I suggest a more thoughtful approach. Put the result on the side for a moment and ask yourself: did I really enjoy the subject matter? Try doing a post-audit on why you did not pass. Was it because you did not have enough time to prepare for the exam? Or did you have a very hard time understanding the concepts? Is… Read More

Level II

Advice To Those Who Don’t Pass the Level I Exam

Dear December Level I Candidates, If you have failed the exam; always remember failure is not fatal. If you are interested in my thoughts on what to do next please read on. I did not make it. What next? For those who do not pass the Level I exam, the typical advice is to keep trying; however, I suggest a more thoughtful approach.  Put the result on the side for a moment and ask yourself whether you really enjoyed the subject matter?  Do a post-audit on why you did not make it.  Was it because you did not have enough… Read More

Leave a Comment Level I

Final Advice for Level II Candidates

As a Level II candidate you are a veteran of at least one CFA exam. Hence, most of what I’m going to say is probably not going to be a revelation.  Nevertheless, I feel the points made here will serve as useful reminders. Print your admission ticket and make sure the name matches exactly what you have on the passport. If there is a discrepancy, inform CFA Institute as soon as possible. I know people who were sent back on exam day because the name on the exam ticket and the name on the passport did not match. Get a… Read More

All-Levels

Level II Study Advice – March 2018

With about 3 months left for the exam it is crunch time.   Spend as much time as possible studying and make your study time as productive as possible.  Here are some do and don’ts: With every reading focus on the main points; do not get hung up on the details.  (If you try to understand the depth of every single point you’ll not have time to practice… which is suicide.) Understand the curriculum examples… especially the ones which are relatively short and focused.  Some examples seem to go on and on.  At this stage it does not make sense to… Read More

Level II

Advice to Those Who Pass the Level I Exam

Dear December 2017 Level I Candidates, Tomorrow, the moment of truth will come.  I’m sure you have been anxiously waiting for your Level I result.  You will experience the agony of failure or the thrill of victory. If you have cleared the exam, this is indeed a milestone. If you are interested in my thoughts on what to do next read on. I passed the exam.  What next? About this time every year, I get the same question from successful Level I candidates: should I take the Level II exam in June this year? As with so many other situations… Read More

Level I

Your June 2017 Level I & II Exam Results

A few days ago, you either experienced the joy of passing or the disappointment of falling short. The result time is always slightly awkward for me, because I share the happiness of those who did well, while at the same time I feel for those who did not make it. For those who took the exam in June 2017, you will fall in one of the categories given below. Please click on the link which describes your situation. • Passed the Level I exam • Failed the Level I exam • Passed the Level II exam • Failed the Level II… Read More

Level I, Level II