CFA® FAQ
Q. What is the CFA® Program?
The CFA® program is a highly acclaimed professional qualification in investment management. The qualification is based upon the curriculum and examinations conducted by CFA Institute. CFA Institute is the organization that founded the program in 1947 and has continued to administer the program. Candidates who successfully complete the program receive a Charter from CFA Institute, and the right to use the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst®.
Q. How long does it take to complete?
The CFA® Program requires the candidate to pass three separate exams, Levels I, II and III successively. The Level I exam is conducted twice each year, in June and December while Level II and Level III exams are conducted once each year in June. It is possible to pass the three exams consecutively over a two and a half year study period. Most candidates however spend 3 to 4 years to pass the exam while staying fully involved in their professional careers.
Q. Where is the CFA® exam be held?
The CFA® exams are held at several locations across the world in the main cities in virtually every country of the world. The candidate chooses the exam location based proximity to themselves. Please check with the CFA Institute regarding the updated exam locations for each exam.
Q. What is the CFA® Curriculum?
CFA institute has developed a core body of knowledge for investment management and finance which forms the basis of the three exams, with successively greater depth of material coverage as you proceed along the three levels.
Q. What are the curriculum topic areas for the CFA® Level I Exam?
The curriculum for the CFA® Level I exam covers the following subject areas; Quantitative Methods, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, Economics, Financial Statement Analysis, Fixed Income & Equity Valuation, Derivatives, Alternative Assets and CFA Institute’s Ethical Standards in Investment Practice.
Q. Where can I find books for the CFA® study?
CFA Institute provides the official prescribed textbooks for each exam level when a candidate registers for the exam. The cost of the books is part of the registration fee paid to CFA Institute. The CFA course books are also available from CFA Institute website for others who wish to purchase them.
Q. What are Study Notes?
Many third party vendors sell brief study notes. The quality and depth of coverage among study notes providers varies. Study notes, should only be used to complement the core materials not replace them.
