Introduction To CFA
The following article provides an outline for CFA Program. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is an advanced finance course conducted by the American CFA Institute. Charter Financial Analyst is a globally recognized designation, as the CFA Charter is one of the most preferred credentials in the investment and financial sector.
CFA Program:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program comprises 3 Levels of a computer-based exam. Candidates must pass all 3 Levels of the exam to achieve the degree of CFA.
- CFA Level 1 Exams
- CFA Level 2 Exams
- CFA Level 3 Exams
This order of exams is not random. Candidates must pass one by one level of exam for CFA Charter holder.
Key Takeaways
- CFA Program curriculum designed to tackle candidate’s practical and real-world skill scenarios.
- CFA program curriculum version 2021 has no change as for year CFA exam 2020.
- Computer-based online test CFA exam patterns provide a quicker and reliable adjustment to the Covid-19 situation across the world.
- If you want to achieve your goal of making a career in the finance sector, then the CFA program is a bright alternative.
Careers In CFA Program
- Jobs at the top investment firms.
- Networking opportunities and landing dream positions for faster career growth.
- Profession in a variety of roles in finance.
CFA Program Curriculum
The CFA Program Curriculum is based on the study of investment analysis skills, portfolio management skills, and investment management skills which can improve candidate’s fundamental and critical advanced investment knowledge. Aspiring candidates feel real-life scenarios during their course in CFA Program.
CFA Program mainly focuses on the following:
- Knowledge for evolving industry needs that can affect the investment industry.
- Knowledge that improves industry practice.
Following are core curriculum topics with their weightage for all CFA Exam levels. All these topics are helpful to become a financial analyst.
|
Curriculum Topics |
Exam Weightage % | ||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Ethical And Professional’s Standards | 15-20 | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Corporate Issuers | 8-12 | 5-10 | 0 |
| Economics | 8-12 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 13-17 | 10-15 | 0 |
| Portfolio Management | 5-8 | 10-15 | 35-40 |
| Equity Investment | 10-12 | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Quantitative Methods | 8-12 | 5-10 | 0 |
| Fixed Income | 10-12 | 10-15 | 15-20 |
| Derivatives | 5-8 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
| Alternative Investment | 5-8 | 5-10 | 5-10 |
CFA Program Level 1
- The CFA level 1 exam is a computer-based exam having multiple-choice questions.
- Due to the covid-19 pandemic situation, the CFA level 1 exam schedule is disturbed, so two more windows have been added in CFA Exam 2021 which are scheduled in March and July.
- For the candidates who have missed the CFA Exam conducted in February, CFA has facilitated them with Online Proctored Test (OPT).
- The entire CFA level 1 exam is divided into two sessions: session 1 and session 2.
- Session 1 will cover curriculum topics such as quantitative methods, economics, and financial statement analysis, ethics and professional’s standards.
- Session 2 will focus on curriculum topics such as fixed income, corporate finance, equity, derivatives alternative investment, and portfolio management.
- To tackle the CFA level 1 exam, candidates need to answer 90 seconds for particular questions for both session 1 and session 2.
- Students can take an optional break between two sessions of exams.
- To pass the CFA level 1 Exam candidates have to study approx. 303 hours.
- 4 years of working experience along with graduation is mandatory to be eligible for CFA Level Exam.
Complete overview of upcoming CFA level 1 exam:
| Total Duration Of Exam | No. Of Questions In Morning Session | No. of Questions In Evening Session | Passing Score | Exam Dates |
| 4.5 Hours | 90
(2 Hours 15 Min) |
90
(2 Hours 15 Min) |
70% | 18 July-26 July in 2021
13 Aug-30 Aug in 2021 16 Nov-22 Nov in 2021 15 Feb-21 Feb in 2022 17 May-21 May in 2022 |
Resources for study CFA level 1 exam:
- CFA Program syllabus structure.
- Online mock test conducted by CFA institute.
- Approved preparation provider for CFA program.
- Curriculum practice questions.
- Online and offline Study groups.
CFA Program Fees
- The CFA Program for first-time registration of level 1 exam, one-time enrollment fees are $450.
- It is important for every candidate to keep in mind that there are rescheduling exam fees and it is $250 for rescheduling your exam appointment.
| Registration And Exam | Fees In USD |
| One-Time Enrollment Fee | $450 |
| Early Registration Fee | $700 |
| Standard Registration Fee | $1000 |
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This is a guide to CFA Program. Here we discuss the introduction, careers, curriculum, CFA program level 1 and fees for better understanding. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –
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