About Exams
The information provided below outlines the format and content of the mandatory exams required to earn the CFA® credential. As the exams are conducted exclusively in English, vital exam-related information will not be translated on this website. It is crucial for candidates to acquaint themselves with the standards set by the CFA Institute pertaining to the exam.
The CFA® Program consists of a series of three examinations (Levels I, II, and III) that must be taken in succession. The exams are offered only once annually in June, with the exception of Level I candidates, who also have the option of sitting for the exam in December.
A minimum of 300 hours of preparation per CFA® Program exam level is recommended, although some candidates will need more or less time, depending on their individual backgrounds and experience. There is no limit to the number of times you can take each exam, and you can take as much time as you need to complete the program.
The program curriculum is dynamic and changes annually to meet the nature and complexity of the global investment profession.
Level I
Format: multiple-choice
Questions:
180 equally weighted questions
Morning Session: 90 questions; Afternoon Session: 90 questions
Each question has 3 answer choices
Our Level I study packages are built to replicate the exam, leaving no surprises on exam day. Begin your preparation today.
Level II
Format: item set or “mini cases” – Each item set contains a vignette (with an average length of 1.5 pages)
Questions:
21 item sets or “mini cases”
Morning Session: 10 item sets; Afternoon Session: 11 item sets
18 item sets will have 6 multiple-choice questions and 3 item sets will have 4 multiple-choice questions
Exam is graded for 360 points, corresponding to the number of minutes on the exam
Our Level II study packages are built to replicate the exam, leaving no surprises on exam day.
Level III
Format: Essay, item sets, and multiple choice
Questions:
Morning Session: 8-12 essay questions;
Afternoon Session: 8 item sets with 6 multiple-choice questions in each and 3 item sets with 4 multiple-choice questions in each.
Exam is graded for 360 points, corresponding to the number of minutes on the exam
Our Level III study packages are built to replicate the exam, leaving no surprises on exam day.
Level I
Ethical and Professional Standards: 15%
Quantitative Methods: 10%
Economics: 10%
Financial Reporting Analysis: 15%
Corporate FInance: 10%
Equity Investments: 11%
Fixed Income: 11%
Derivatives: 6%
Alternative Investments: 6%
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 6%
These topic weights were used to develop a Level I study plan you can follow to ensure complete coverage of the material. The study plan is included in all of our packages. December Level I »
Level II
Ethical and Professional Standards: 10-15%
Quantitative Methods: 5-10%
Economics: 5-10%
Financial Reporting Analysis: 10-15%
Corporate FInance: 5-10%
Equity Investments: 10-15%
Fixed Income: 10-15%
Derivatives: 5-10%
Alternative Investments: 5-10%
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 10-15%
These topic weights were used to develop a Level II study plan you can follow to ensure complete coverage of the material. The study plan is included in all of our packages.
Level III
Ethical and Professional Standards: 10-15%
Quantitative Methods: 0%
Economics: 5-10%
Financial Reporting Analysis: 0%
Corporate FInance: 0%
Equity Investments: 10-15%
Early registration deadline for new CFA® Program enrollments and exam registrations:
June 2020 Exam: October 2, 2019
December 2020 Level I Exam: March 25, 2020
Standard registration deadline for new CFA® Program enrollments and exam registrations:
June 2020 Exam: February 20, 2020
December 2020 Level I Exam: August 19, 2020
Final deadline for new CFA® Program enrollments and exam registrations:
June 2020 Exam: March 11, 2020
December 2020 Level I Exam: September 9, 2020
Examination admission tickets available:
June 2020: May 2020
December 2020 Level I Exam: To be announced
June 2020 Examination Dates:
June 6, 2020: Americas (All Levels); EMEA (All Levels); APAC (Level II & Level III)
June 7, 2020: APAC (Level I)
June 2020 Exam:
To be announced
December 2019 Exam:
Level I: Late January 2020
Yes, these files are fully layered.