CFA exam registration is not only about entering the list of candidates and paying for the exam. It is also strongly linked with the CFA Program entrance requirements, scholarships available to many or the responsibility you accept as a candidate when you register for your exam.

Additionally, for Feb 2021 candidates, it is associated with the necessity to self-schedule the exam.

To register for your level 1 CFA exam, you first need to create an account at the CFA Institute website. Usually, it’s done just before actual registration for the exam. However, if you’re eligible and plan to apply for Access Scholarship or Women’s Scholarship, you will need to register at the CFA Institute website much earlier to be able to submit your scholarship application.

The next step of your registration involves fee payment. If you are awarded a scholarship, the payment will be substantially reduced.

If you are ineligible for a scholarship, you’ll have to pay relevant fees to register for the exam you want to sit. Your CFA exam cost will depend on when exactly you decide to register. There are 3 registration fee deadlines. The first one is for early birds. The second is called standard and is most probably optimal when considered price-wise and time-wise. The last deadline is the most expensive and it seems it won't apply to new computer-based level 1 exams:

Additionally, when you register for your first level 1 CFA exam ever, you have to pay a one-time enrollment fee of USD 450 at registration. The amount is the same regardless of the registration deadline or the exam you choose.

The moment you pay for your first Level 1 CFA exam, you enter the CFA Program. It means you accept responsibilities that go hand in hand with your candidacy. During your registration, you are asked to agree to the provisions of Candidate Agreement. It specifies for example possible exam violations and relevant testing policies but it also tells you when your exam can be deferred. You must also submit your Professional Conduct Statement (disclosing relevant reprimands, investigations, litigations, etc.) upon your first CFA exam registration and then annually and before every next exam registration.

If you're a Feb 2021 candidate, don't forget to self-schedule your exam within the Feb exam window. The window ranges from 23 February to 1 March and you can choose when exactly you want to take your level 1 exam. Mind, however, that for some regions and test centers the exam window may be shorter. So, be sure to get familiar with the test center info when choosing your exam day.

The scheduling period is longer than the registration period. You can register for your level 1 Feb 2021 exam until 3 November 2020 and you can schedule your exam until 22 November 2020. Also, a rescheduling option paid USD 250 is available to Feb 2021 candidates. It means that you can reschedule your exam within your exam window depending on seating availability. The rescheduling deadline is 25 January 2021.

The decision about entering the CFA Program can be a long-lasting process. You may know you’d like to take your CFA exam one day but you may need some time before you actually register for an exam. Besides, life often verifies our hopes and postpones our plans.

But even if you do not register for the nearest CFA exam, it’s worth registering at a learning portal like Soleadea the moment you set the CFA exam as your future goal. Why? Because a decision about CFA Program enrollment is a serious one and you could surely use some help while getting there (and even more if you actually register for the December 2020 or February 2021 exam).

At Soleadea, registration is free and you get your personalized study plan right away. Inside, you’ll find lots of study tools and materials (some are free and some are premium). You’ll get to know how much you should study per week and get some idea of how your study routine should look like. Outside the exam study planner, you’ll also find many valuable contents concerning the CFA designation and CFA exam and you’ll be guided towards the best way to prepare for your exam.

If you're a level 2 candidate, you can take your exam only in June. Currently, no level 2 registration is open. We'll have all the dates and fees here for you as soon as they are out.

Basically, enrolling in your level 2 CFA exam does not differ much from your level 1 registration. If – however – you have your doubts, the list below shows how to register for the level 2 exam (or another level 1 exam if you need to retake it):

1. You already have your CFA Institute account.
2. If you’re eligible for a scholarship – just apply for it before the deadline and then wait for the official decision before you register and pay for your exam [LEARN MORE].
3. If you’re ineligible for a scholarship – relevant registration fees and deadlines apply (there is no enrollment fee for you, though).
4. Candidate Agreement needs to be accepted and Professional Conduct Statement submitted – no change here.
5. Also, no changes as far as well-planned prep goes: create a study plan that adapts to your needs but stays demanding!