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CFA® Exam Blog & Updates

In this blog for CFA candidates, you'll find all you need to effectively prepare for your CFA exam, levels 1/2/3.

Our CFA exam blog includes 9 categories:

ABOUT CFA EXAM
CFA EXAM DATES IN 2025 & 2026
CFA EXAM REGISTRATION & FEES
CFA EXAM SCHOLARSHIPS
CFA EXAM STUDY PLAN
MOTIVATION TO STUDY
CFA EXAM FORMAT & EXPERIENCE
CFA EXAM TOPICS
CFA EXAM MATERIALS & REVIEW
CFA EXAM RESULTS

CFA Exam Updates

MAY 2025
CFA EXAM

EXAM WINDOW
14-25 May (L1/L2)

AUG 2025
CFA EXAM

registration is closed:

EXAM WINDOWS
20-26 Aug (Lvl 1)
27-31 Aug (Lvl 2)
15-19 Aug (Lvl 3)

NOV 2025
CFA EXAM

registration is open:

REGISTER
from 12 Feb to 5 Aug

FEB 2026
CFA EXAM

registration is open:

REGISTER
from 29 Apr to 29 Oct

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All CFA Exam Blog Categories:

ABOUT CFA EXAM

What Is CFA® Exam? How to Gain CFA Charter?

The CFA exam is a series of 3 exams (levels). To gain the globally recognized CFA Charter, you need to complete the 3 levels of the CFA exam with success.

2025/2026 Level 1 CFA® Exam in Detail

CFA exam, level 1, tests you on 10 topics. The level 1 CFA exam is getting more expensive. Both 2025 and 2026 exam registration windows are now available!

2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Summary

The level 2 CFA exam is held 3 times a year, in the CBT format. Check the 2025 level 2 CFA exam dates and how to register for your level 2 exam.

Level 3 CFA® Exam: 2025-2026 Dates & Differences

The level 3 CFA exam is held in Feb and Aug. There are some changes to the level 3 CFA exam in 2025! Passing your level 3 is a prerequisite for CFA designation.

CFA® Exam Cost Is at Least $3570 in 2025. Expensive?

The total cost of the CFA Program is USD 3570 minimum in 2025. The 2026 CFA exam registration cost basically grows because the registration fees are more expensive!

CFA® Program Scholarships in 2025

3 CFA Program scholarships are available in 2025: Access Scholarship, Student Scholarship, and Professor Scholarship. They reduce the CFA exam cost hugely

CFA/2025 Scholarships

2025 CFA® Exam Books & Curriculum Changes

The 2025 CFA exam curriculum includes 10 level 1 CFA exam books & 10 level 1 topics. You’ll get access to your CFA exam books after you register for the exam.

CFA® Exam Practical Skills Modules (PSMs), FAQ on Completion

CFA Practical Skills Modules: You must complete at least one PSM per CFA exam level before your CFA exam result is released or else it’ll be voided.

HOW to SUCCEED in EXAM?

Successful exam prep is when you can get enough study time to learn efficiently. Exam success comes from successful exam prep, also for the CFA exam.

Everything About CFA®, 9 Short Facts

The CFA exam is a series of 3 exams (levels). Be well prepared for each exam 'cos pass rates are rather low. On the exam day, you'll be tested on 10 topics.

CFA Exam Workshop, Session 1

CFA candidates know damn well that they need to study their CFA exam syllabus. What if we told you that your real problem is not too much to study?

Start Prep Calculator for CFA® Candidates

Check this quick Start Prep Calculator for CFA Candidates and see when to start preparing for your CFA exam. Choose the pace of your CFA exam prep.

Unveiling CFA® Exam Rules for Refund, Deferral & Exam Taking

New CFA exam deferral options, limited fee refund, key exam policies explained, incl. approved calculator, CFA exam day & personal belongings.

CFA® Program Changes Up To 2026, Pricing, PSM, & More...

The recent CFA exam changes include CFA Institute pricing changes for the 2026 CFA exams. The prices will increase from the Feb 2026 registration in Apr 2025.

Quick Study Guide for Level 1 CFA Candidates

Our ultimate level 1 CFA exam study guide binds the CFA exam study plan, study tips, and study materials together into one success-oriented approach.

Is Maths Required to Pass CFA® Exam? 3 Reasons for Failure

The CFA exam requires you to be good at maths. You won't pass your CFA exam unless you're fluent in basic maths. Also, calculator literacy is a must!

CFA® Program Requirements: Your Eligibility for CFA® Charter

CFA EXAM ELIGIBILITY: Meet the CFA Program requirements and see what you must do before you can become a fully-fledged CFA charterholder.

What to Bring to CFA® Exam? 2025 CFA Exam Day Checklist

For your CFA exam, you must bring your valid passport and an approved calculator. You may also bring some water if you take your CFA exam in 2025.

CFA EXAM DATES IN 2025 & 2026

CFA® Exams in 2025/2026, All Dates & Levels

2025 CFA exam dates: FEB 17-23, MAY 14-20, AUG 20-26, NOV 12-18 for level 1, MAY 21-25, AUG 27-31, NOV 19-23 for level 2, and FEB 13-16, AUG 15-19 for level 3. Feb 2026 opens on 29 Apr 2025.

2025 CFA® Exam Dates & Schedule

In 2025, the level 1 CFA exam is scheduled 4 times a year, in Feb, May, Aug, and Nov. Level 2 is scheduled 3 times & level 3 – 2 times a year. CFA exam dates inside.

2025/2026 CFA® Exam Calendar: Windows & Deadlines

This CFA exam calendar includes all the 2025/2026 level 1 CFA exam dates (windows), as well as the registration, scheduling, and rescheduling deadlines.

Feb 2026 Level 1 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The FEB 2026 level 1 CFA exam window is from 2 to 8 Feb. The FEB 2026 CFA exam registration opens on 29 Apr 2025! The early registration deadline is 7 July.

Feb 2026 Level 3 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The FEB 2026 level 3 CFA exam window is from 29 Jan to 1 Feb. The FEB 2026 CFA exam registration opens on 29 Apr 2025! The early registration deadline is 7 July.

May 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam Result Date & More...

The MAY 2025 CFA exam window is from 14 to 20 May. The MAY 2025 level 1 CFA exam result date is 24 June 2025 at the soonest. The MAY 2026 registration window opens soon after.

May 2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Result Date & More...

The MAY 2025 CFA exam window is from 21 to 25 May. The MAY 2025 level 2 CFA exam result date is 1July 2025 at the soonest. The MAY 2026 registration window opens soon after.

August 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The AUG 2025 level 1 CFA exam registration opens on 6 Nov! The early registration for AUG 2025 candidates is 29 Jan 2025. See more CFA exam dates.

August 2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The AUG 2025 level 2 CFA exam registration opens on 6 Nov! The early registration for AUG 2025 candidates is 29 Jan 2025. See more CFA exam dates.

August 2025 Level 3 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The AUG 2025 level 1 CFA exam registration opens on 6 Nov! The early registration for AUG 2025 candidates is 29 Jan 2025. See more CFA exam dates.

November 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The NOV 2025 level 1 CFA exam registration opens on 12 Feb! The early registration for NOV 2025 candidates is 9 Apr 2025. See more CFA exam dates.

November 2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Registration... & Other Dates

The NOV 2025 level 2 CFA exam registration opens on 12 Feb! The early registration for NOV 2025 candidates is 9 Apr 2025. See more CFA exam dates.

CFA EXAM REGISTRATION & FEES

2025 & 2026 CFA® Exam Registration Step by Step

CFA exam registration: See how to enroll in your level 1 CFA exam. Check 2025/2026 registration fees and deadlines. Don't forget to schedule your exam!

CFA® Exam Fees Grow in 2025 & Even More in 2026...

The 2026 level 1 CFA exam fee for early birds is USD 1,140 and the standard registration fee for level 1 in 2026 is USD 1,490. That's higher than in 2025!

2026 CFA® Program Scholarships: How to Reduce CFA Exam Cost

The Access Scholarship application window for the 2026 CFA exams is open now. The CFA exam registration fee is down to USD 400 (or USD 600 for Student Scholarship).

CFA® Exam Cost Is at Least $3570 in 2025. Expensive?

The total cost of the CFA Program is USD 3570 minimum in 2025. The 2026 CFA exam registration cost basically grows because the registration fees are more expensive!

CFA® Institute Stops Offering Women's Scholarship in 2025!

CFA Women's Scholarship is being eliminated in 2025 by CFA Institute. It means women can no longer apply for Women's Scholarship and no deadline is set in 2025.

CFA® Exam Fee Changes in 2026 - How CFA® Program Cost Increases

CFA exam cost is increasing in 2026 even to $1,590, e.g., the level 1 early registration fee is up to $1,140 in 2026 compared to $990 in 2025.

CFA/2026 PRICING

CFA® Program Requirements: Your Eligibility for CFA® Charter

CFA EXAM ELIGIBILITY: Meet the CFA Program requirements and see what you must do before you can become a fully-fledged CFA charterholder.

Work Experience Requirements Before & After CFA® Exam

The strict work experience requirement for CFA charterholders is 4,000 hrs of qualified investment-related work experience gathered in at least 36 months.

CFA EXAM SCHOLARSHIPS

2026 CFA® Program Scholarships: How to Reduce CFA Exam Cost

The Access Scholarship application window for the 2026 CFA exams is open now. The CFA exam registration fee is down to USD 400 (or USD 600 for Student Scholarship).

CFA® Institute Stops Offering Women's Scholarship in 2025!

CFA Women's Scholarship is being eliminated in 2025 by CFA Institute. It means women can no longer apply for Women's Scholarship and no deadline is set in 2025.

CFA® Program Scholarships in 2025

3 CFA Program scholarships are available in 2025: Access Scholarship, Student Scholarship, and Professor Scholarship. They reduce the CFA exam cost hugely

CFA/2025 Scholarships

CFA® Exam Access Scholarship, Benefits & Deadline

When CFA Institute awards you an Access Scholarship, you benefit by paying a discounted fee of USD 400 during your CFA exam registration.

CFA/Access Scholarship

How to Apply for CFA® Exam Access Scholarship?

The Access Scholarship application process is simple. You create an account on the CFA Institute website, fill out the online application, and submit it.

CFA/Access How to Apply

CFA® Exam Access Scholarship Dates... & 4 Deadlines!

The four Access Scholarship dates (deadlines) align with 4 CFA exam windows a year. The next scholarship dates are 3 March 2025 (NOV exam) and 19 May 2025 (FEB exam).

CFA/Access 2025 Deadlines

CFA® Exam Access Scholarship Eligibility: Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for the CFA exam Access Scholarship, you must meet the CFA Program enrollment requirements and show financial need. But more criteria apply.

CFA/Access Eligibility

CFA® Institute Access Scholarship Rules Summarized

CFA Institute has come up with Access Scholarship Rules that define both the scholarship eligibility criteria and conditions like scholarship validity.

CFA/Access Rules

CFA® Exam Access Scholarship Essay: How to Write It?

The CFA exam Access Scholarship essay is essential to your scholarship application. It helps CFA Institute understand your financial need and motivation.

CFA/Access Essay

What's CFA® Exam Student Scholarship?

The CFA exam Student Scholarship reduces CFA exam registration costs to USD 600 if you're a student at a university affiliated with CFA Program.

CFA/Student Scholarship

How to Apply for CFA® Exam Student Scholarship?

The CFA exam Student Scholarship application is an easy process. You apply via the CFA Institute website, where you fill in an online application form.

CFA/Student How to Apply

When’s the 2025 CFA® Exam Student Scholarship Deadline?

The CFA exam Student Scholarship deadline is 31 July 2025. This last date marks the final opportunity for students at affiliated universities to apply.

CFA/Student 2025 Deadline

CFA® Exam Student Scholarship Eligibility: Are You Eligible?

You are eligible for a CFA exam Student Scholarship if: (1) you are a student at a university affiliated with CFA Institute, and (2) you have NOT registered for any upcoming CFA exam.

CFA/Student Eligibility

CFA® Exam Student Scholarship Essay: How to Write It?

If you apply for a CFA exam Student Scholarship, you may be required to write an essay. To help you do it, here's a sample scholarship essay for college students:

CFA/Student Essay

CFA® Exam Student Scholarship Documents: What Do You Need?

CFA exam Student Scholarship documents may include: (1) a resume or CV, (2) an academic transcript, (3) an essay, personal statement, or motivation letter.

CFA/Student Documents

CFA EXAM STUDY PLAN

How to Create CFA® Exam Study Plan in 8 Steps

How to create a CFA exam study plan? Choose 1 of 7 monthly variants of a 300-hour study plan & follow the 8 planning steps or use our CFA Exam Study Planner.

When to Start Preparing for Level 1 CFA® Exam? & How?

The best time to start preparing for your CFA exam is 6 to 8 months in advance. So, you best start preparing in March for your NOV 2025 CFA exam :)

NOV 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam Study Plan & Tips

Get a reliable NOV 2025 level 1 CFA study plan and some wise tips to use your study schedule to your advantage. Best start CFA exam prep in March 2025.

How Long to Study for CFA® Exam? Is 6 Months Enough?

Preparing for the NOV 2025 CFA exam? Even 7 months may not be enough if you ignore two dangerous threats. This CFA exam Study Planner can help.

6-Month Level 1 CFA® Exam Study Plan: Safe and Sufficient

6 months are sufficient to prepare for your level 1 CFA exam. Here’s a NOV 2025 6-month level 1 study plan and the Safety-First Rule for CFA Exam Prep.

5-Month CFA® Exam Study Plan for AUG 2025 Level 1 Candidates

How to prepare for level 1 CFA exam & how long to study? With a 5-month CFA exam study plan, it is calculated that you should study approx. 15 hrs/week.

2025 CFA® Exam Study Planner: Study + Review Sessions

CFA EXAM STUDY PLANNER: To be successful, every CFA candidate needs a good study plan. Setting deadlines for the exam topics is the first step. What’s next?

Level 1 CFA® Exam Study Plan for AUG 2025 Candidates

Find inside a sample 4-month level 1 CFA exam study plan for your AUG 2025 CFA exam. We start in April 2025 and you can take your exam from 20-26 Aug 2025.

How to Prepare for AUG 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam in 3 Months?

*UPDATED* CFA level 1 study plan: 3 months, AUG 2025 level 1 candidates. Find also 4 topic categorizations and some CFA exam preparation hints.

MAY 2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam in 2 Months: Is It for Me?

You can pass your CFA exam in 2 months with this UPDATED MAY 2025 Level 1 CFA exam study plan. One condition. You have to have some previous knowledge of the topics.

AUG 2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Study Schedule in 5 Months

Want to know how to prepare for your level 2 CFA exam? Here’s a 5-month level 2 CFA exam study schedule with suggested AUG 2025 level 2 topic deadlines.

Level 2 CFA® Exam Study Plan for AUG 2025 Candidates

Start your level 2 CFA exam prep in April 2025 >> here’s a 4-month Level 2 CFA Exam Study Plan for the AUG 2025 exam. Optimal schedule – includes review.

Start Prep Calculator for CFA® Candidates

Check this quick Start Prep Calculator for CFA Candidates and see when to start preparing for your CFA exam. Choose the pace of your CFA exam prep.

MOTIVATION TO STUDY

How to Study for CFA® Exam with Success

If you study for the CFA exam and dream about success, first you need to have a successful CFA exam prep. A key to CFA exam success is accountability.

How to Be Motivated to Study for CFA® Exam

No motivation to study for your CFA exam? Find some tips on how to be motivated and some useful tools for developing a satisfactory study routine.

How & Why to Review When Studying for CFA® Exam

When you review for your CFA exam, your learning curve grows. To learn effectively while studying for your CFA exam, factor in regular review.

CFA® Exam: No Motivation to Study?

If you have no motivation to study for your CFA exam, you need some external motivation. External motivation will increase your internal motivation.

Find Motivation to Study for Your Exam

Need more motivation to study? Find some tips, as well as motivational quotes & mottos, to print out and look at whenever you feel you won't make it!

Meet 4 Horsemen of CFA® Exam Apocalypse

Organize your study time and stop procrastinating when you prepare for your CFA exam! Overconfidence & ignorance can also be dangerous for CFA exam prep…

HOW to SUCCEED in EXAM?

Successful exam prep is when you can get enough study time to learn efficiently. Exam success comes from successful exam prep, also for the CFA exam.

CFA® Exam Study Planning: Quit Wrong Attitude, Adopt 2 Approaches

Two approaches to CFA exam study planning should be adopted: the top-down approach and the bottom-up approach. They have the best results if applied together.

CFA® Exam: How Knowledge Just Gets Better

Learn active ways to help you structure your CFA exam prep and improve your knowledge retention. Learn how to study efficiently for your CFA exam.

CFA Exam Workshop, Session 1

CFA candidates know damn well that they need to study their CFA exam syllabus. What if we told you that your real problem is not too much to study?

The Challenges of Difficult CFA® Exam Prep

The CFA exam is a real challenge. The difficulty of the CFA exam is so great that CFA candidates spend around 300 hrs to prepare for the exam.

Quick Study Guide for Level 1 CFA Candidates

Our ultimate level 1 CFA exam study guide binds the CFA exam study plan, study tips, and study materials together into one success-oriented approach.

Is Maths Required to Pass CFA® Exam? 3 Reasons for Failure

The CFA exam requires you to be good at maths. You won't pass your CFA exam unless you're fluent in basic maths. Also, calculator literacy is a must!

CFA EXAM FORMAT & EXPERIENCE

CFA® Exam Format under Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

CFA EXAM FORMAT: Computer-based testing (CBT) with a new CFA exam structure for all exam levels. CFA exam testing time gets reduced to ca. 4.5 hours.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Full Form: Structure & Experience

What does CFA mean? What’s its full form? Surely, the CFA exam in CBT format means fewer questions during an exam session and a new CFA exam day experience.

Experience for free what your level 1 exam is going to be like by doing our full-time mock. Available to all CFA candidates upon registration.

CFA® Exam: Level 2 Sample Questions

Solve our free CFA level 2 sample questions and get ready for the CFA exam. Need more practice? Get our CFA level 2 mock exam (88 questions, new format).

What to Bring to CFA® Exam? 2025 CFA Exam Day Checklist

For your CFA exam, you must bring your valid passport and an approved calculator. You may also bring some water if you take your CFA exam in 2025.

Unveiling CFA® Exam Rules for Refund, Deferral & Exam Taking

New CFA exam deferral options, limited fee refund, key exam policies explained, incl. approved calculator, CFA exam day & personal belongings.

Online Proctored CFA® Exam From Home

Online CFA exam from home available to CFA candidates! This proctored level 1 CFA exam will take place from 13 to 15 April.

CFA EXAM TOPICS

Introducing Level 1 CFA® Exam Topics

Level 1 CFA exam topics, topic weights, predicted number of questions, and all you must know before you go through your CFA exam books.

Level 2 CFA® Exam Topics - Key Things to Know

Level 2 CFA exam topics described. Check level 2 topic weights, the number of questions in your CFA exam, or the number of curriculum readings to study.

2025 Level 1 CFA® Exam Topic Weights

In 2025, level 1 CFA exam topic weights stay the same. Get the up-to-date info about the topic weightage before you prep for your 2025 level 1 CFA exam.

2025 Level 2 CFA® Exam Topic Weights

In 2025, level 2 CFA exam weights do not change. View the predicted number of questions per topic for your 2025 level 2 CFA exam (no ranges, exact values!).

3 Most Important Level 1 CFA® Exam Topics: FSA, Ethics, QM

The 3 most important level 1 CFA exam topics are Ethics, FSA (or FRA), and Quantitative Methods. See what you must know about these CFA exam topics.

3 Hardest Level 1 CFA® Exam Topics: What Are They & Why?

CFA candidates usually indicate Fixed Income, Derivatives, and Financial Statement Analysis (FSA) to be the hardest level 1 CFA exam topics. See why.

Are There Any Easy Topics In Level 1 CFA® Exam?

3 level 1 CFA exam topics can be nominated in the ‘easy topic’ category. Especially if special conditions apply! Learn about the topics and the conditions.

2025 CFA® Exam Books & Curriculum Changes

The 2025 CFA exam curriculum includes 10 level 1 CFA exam books & 10 level 1 topics. You’ll get access to your CFA exam books after you register for the exam.

CFA® Exam Practical Skills Modules (PSMs), FAQ on Completion

CFA Practical Skills Modules: You must complete at least one PSM per CFA exam level before your CFA exam result is released or else it’ll be voided.

New 2024 Level 1 CFA® Exam Topic Weights Compared To Past Years

In 2024, level 1 CFA exam weights change for almost all of the topics. Only the weightage for Ethics and Derivatives stays the same. See the new weights.

Level 2 CFA® Exam Topic Weights Compared To Past Years

In 2019-2021, level 2 CFA exam topic weights differ from the weights applied in previous years. Get the most up-to-date info before you start your exam prep.

CFA EXAM MATERIALS & REVIEW

Level 1 CFA® Exam Study Materials

Our CFA level 1 study materials and tools include CFA Exam Study Planner with videos, exam-type questions, Formulas App, Test Generator, e-books and mocks inside.

Free CFA® Exam Study Materials for Level 1 and Level 2

Check our list of free CFA exam study materials, including level 1 and level 2 videos, level 1 and level 2 questions, and level 1 written content.

Experience for free what your level 1 exam is going to be like by doing our full-time mock. Available to all CFA candidates upon registration.

CFA® Exam: Level 2 Sample Questions

Solve our free CFA level 2 sample questions and get ready for the CFA exam. Need more practice? Get our CFA level 2 mock exam (88 questions, new format).

Level 1 CFA® Exam: IRR vs Cost of Capital

In level 1 CFA exam questions related to the IRR, when only the IRR needs to be computed, often the cost of capital is given to mislead the candidate.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Ethics Summary

As a level 1 CFA exam candidate, you must know Ethics well. Each ethical standard talks about a separate area of the investment profession. See summary.

CFA® Exam Ethics Summary: Standard I

CFA EXAM, LEVEL 1/2/3: See the summary of Standard I of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

CFA® Exam Ethics Summary: Standard II

CFA EXAM, LEVEL 1/2/3: See the summary of Standard II of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

CFA® Exam Ethics Summary: Standard III

CFA EXAM, LEVEL 1/2/3: See the summary of Standard III of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet on GIPS, Ethics

CFA EXAM, LEVEL 1: Find all 9 sections of the Global Investment Performance Standards (part of lvl 1 Ethics) and do our CFA GIPS questions (2 examples included).

Time Value of Money (TVM) CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

Intro to level 1 CFA exam time value of money (TVM): USD 100 is worth more today than in a year + formulas for present value (PV) and future value (FV).

CFA® Exam: Time Value of Money, Annuity

TVM problems in the level 1 CFA exam: ordinary annuity, annuity due, perpetuity? Annuity = a series of cash flows of the same value at equal intervals.

CFA® Exam: Time Value of Money Applied

Time value of money (TVM) applied: how to use the approved CFA exam calculator and its CF and NPV worksheets to do TVM questions in your level 1 CFA exam.

Best CFA® Exam Calculator: TI vs HP Battle

Approved CFA exam calculators: TI BA II Plus Professional vs HP 12C Platinum. Which of the calculators is the best choice for your CFA exam?

Level 1 CFA® Exam Quantitative Methods Summary

CFA Exam Quantitative Methods Summary: Watch our presentation on Quantitative Methods (TVM and stats) if you study or review for your level 1 CFA exam.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Portfolio Management Summary

CFA Exam Portfolio Management Summary: Watch our presentation on the level 1 Portfolio Management topic if you study or review for your level 1 CFA exam.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: What Is Skewed Distribution?

Level 1 CFA Exam Revision: Skewness is a measure of the asymmetry of a distribution. It tells us how observations are distributed around the mean.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: NPV vs IRR. Which is Better?

In the case of mutually exclusive projects, if the NPV and the IRR suggest two different investment projects, we should choose the project with a higher positive NPV.

Corporate Governance & ESG for Level 1 CFA® Exam Candidates

Corporate governance is growing in importance as the governance factor is being joined by both environmental and social concerns (ESG) now tested in your level 1 CFA exam.

Cash Conversion Cycle CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

CFA EXAM: The cash conversion cycle measures the time from paying suppliers for materials to collecting cash from the sale of goods produced from these materials.

Profitability Index Level 1 CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

CFA EXAM: Profitability index (PI) is the ratio of the present value of future cash inflows to the initial investment. If a project has a PI greater than 1, you should invest in the project.

Asset Beta vs Equity Beta: Pure-Play Method in CFA® Exam

The asset beta is the beta of a company on the assumption that the company uses only equity financing. The equity beta takes into account different levels of the company's debt.

Discounted Payback Period vs Payback Period: Pros & Cons

Both payback period (PP) and discounted payback period (DPP) measure the number of years necessary to recover funds invested in a project. In your level 1 CFA® exam, remember that DPP takes time value of money into account.

Money-Weighted vs Time-Weighted Return CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

Learn how to compute rates of return on an investment in your level 1 CFA exam. There are 2 basic measures: the money-weighted rate of return and the time-weighted rate of return.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: Bayes' Formula Explained

Level 1 CFA Exam: Having trouble with Bayes' formula? Here's an alternative way of solving this kind of problems in your CFA exam. No formulas! Just logical thinking!

CFA® Exam: Standard Deviation (Use DATA & STAT Worksheets!)

Level 1 CFA Exam: Learn how to compute standard deviation using the DATA and STAT worksheets in your approved CFA exam calculator, TI BA Plus Pro.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: Geometric Mean Return

If a company pays no dividends and you have to compute the geometric mean return over multiple periods, just divide the last price by the first price.

Money Market Yields CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

Level 1 CFA exam: Learn about various money market yields: bank discount yield, holding period yield, effective annual yield, money market yield.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: Measures of Location (Computing Percentile)

Level 1 CFA Exam Revision: Get a useful piece of advice related to measures of location, recall an important formula, and take a practical tip.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Financial Statements Cheat Sheet

Level 1 CFA exam cheat sheets on the basics of the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and statement of changes in equity.

Level 1 CFA Exam: Statement of Cash Flows, Classification

Level 1 CFA Exam Revision: U.S. GAAP are more strict than IFRS with respect to classifying transactions into different cash flows. More details >>

Level 1 CFA® Exam Fixed Income Relations

Level 1 CFA Exam: Learn about the Fixed Income topic and its many relations. Key terms: bond, price, interest rate, coupon rate, YTM, duration, etc.

How to Use Matrix Pricing in Your Level 1 CFA® Exam?

Learn how to apply matrix pricing in your level 1 CFA exam to compute the price of an illiquid bond or the required yield spread for a bond to be issued.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: 4 Methods of Bond Valuation

[CFA exam] 4 bond valuation methods. To value a bond, use: market discount rate, spot rates & forward rates, binomial interest rate tree, matrix pricing.

Using Spot Rates & Forward Rates In Your CFA® Exam

In your level 1 CFA exam, you have to know different bond valuation methods. Learn how to use spot rates and forward rates to value bonds.

Bond Types Level 1 CFA® Exam Cheat Sheet

LEVEL 1 CFA EXAM REVIEW: Learn about different bond classifications to know in your level 1 CFA exam. The bond classifications are based on 5 criteria.

Level 1 CFA® Exam: Amortizing Bond Discount or Premium

Level 1 CFA® Exam Revision: Companies use 2 methods to amortize bond discount or premium: (1) effective interest rate method or (2) straight-line method.

CFA® Exam: Computing Horizon Yield Using IRR & MOD

CFA EXAM, LEVEL 1: How to calculate the horizon yield in the most efficient and fastest way using TIBA II Plus Professional?

CFA EXAM RESULTS

When Will I Get My MAY 2025 CFA® Exam Results?

CFA exam results are released 5-8 weeks after the exam window closes. The MPS for the level 1 is 1600 and for level 2 and level 3 the MPS is 2600 and 3600, respectively.

Level 1 CFA® Exam Pass Rate. Is CFA Exam Hard?

The average level 1 CFA exam pass rate is now 40%. The FEB 2025 level 1 CFA exam pass score is higher than that! See past CFA exam passing rates for level 1, level 2, and level 3.

What Happens If You Fail Your CFA® Exam

After you fail your CFA exam, you need to retake the exam (unless you want to drop out of the CFA Program). If you fail your CFA exam, you have to pay again for the retake.

CFA® Exam: Why Your Ethics Score Matters

Your Ethics score may affect your CFA exam result, positively or negatively. It’s called ethics adjustment. Learn about the MPS and level 2 vs level 1 ethics.

Damn Low 2021 Level 1 CFA Exam Pass Rates!

NOV 2021 level 1 CFA exam pass rate of 27% is exceptionally low! Can you believe that the average pass rate for the level 1 CFA exam used to be 43%?

CFA® Exam Practical Skills Modules (PSMs), FAQ on Completion

CFA Practical Skills Modules: You must complete at least one PSM per CFA exam level before your CFA exam result is released or else it’ll be voided.

Work Experience Requirements Before & After CFA® Exam

The strict work experience requirement for CFA charterholders is 4,000 hrs of qualified investment-related work experience gathered in at least 36 months.

CFA Exam Blog & Updates | SOLEADEA

Updated: May 18, 2023

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