About the Exam
The CFA Level I exam is the first of three levels of the CFA exam, a renowned financial credential offered by the CFA Institute and held globally. The exam is expensive and difficult, but it is worthwhile.
Eligibility
- Have a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree or be in the 2nd year of a bachelor’s degree program
- Have a valid international passport
- Be prepared to take the exams in English
CFA Level I Curriculum
The exam focuses on fundamental knowledge and understanding of investment valuation and portfolio management tools and concepts. The course covers 10 subjects and weights of these subjects and broad categories for the Level I test are listed in the table below:
| Topic | Exam Weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15-20% |
| Quantitative Methods | 6-9% |
| Economics | 6-9% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 11-14% |
| Corporate Issuers / Finance | 6-9% |
| Equity Investments | 11-14% |
| Fixed Income | 11-14% |
| Derivatives | 5-8% |
| Alternative Investments | 7-10% |
| Portfolio Management | 8-12% |
Moreover, CFA Institute has introduced practical skills modules in the CFA Program. These new modules will ensure that candidates get practical learnings of topics they learn in CFA Program.
- Level I candidates will be able to choose Financial Modeling or Python Programming Fundamentals.
- Level II candidates can choose modules on analysts skill or Python, Data Science & AI.
Beginning with February 2025 Level III exam will have a specialized pathway. Candidates will be able to choose the traditional Portfolio Management Path, or one of two new pathways:
- Private Wealth Management
- Private Markets
Level I Computer Based Exam (CBT) Exam Structure
Level I Computer Based Exam (CBT) Exam Structure
CFA Level I Exam | Fee Structure – Applicable For 2024 Exams
CFA Level I Exam | Fee Structure
One Time Registration |
Exam Fee | |
Early Registration Exam Fee (First Time) | $350 + GST | $940 + GST |
Standard Registration Exam Fee (First Time) | $350 + GST | $1250 + GST |
Early Registration Exam Fee (Retakers) | – | $940 + GST |
Standard Registration Exam Fee (Retakers) | – | $1250 + GST |
What career does CFA® prepare you for
Career Options after CFA Program
Preparation for CFA Level I : Time Management
On average, 90 seconds should be set aside for each multiple-choice question. It’s possible that you’ll need more or less depending on the questions and your level of familiarity with the subject.
Best Way to Prepare for CFA Level I Exam? Exam for CFA Level I
- CFA Program Curriculum
- CFA Program Mock Exams
- CFA Program Topic Tests
- CFA Prep Video Series Offered by CFI Education
- CFA Prep Classroom / Live Sessions Offered by CFI Education
Exam Preparation Strategy for the CFA Level I
CFA Level I Tentative Study Plan
- Initial 3-4 Months: In the first 3 months, do chapter wise reading and make notes which you can refer later for revision. Also, mark important concepts in the book so when you revisit, you can recall what you studied initially. Finally, do chapter wise questions as well to master the concepts.
- 5th Month: Start with topic test / mock papers and time your test. First the first 1-2 mocks it is okay if you take little extra time but you need to eventually time the test with 3rd mock and later.
- Analyze Mocks / Topic Tests: This single part is extremely important for effective preparation. It may take a whole day to analyze a single mock paper and check where you went wrong. See the answers explanations and go back to notes if required.
Helpful Tips for the CFA Level I
- Solve topic questions / tests to have a good grasp over concepts
- Master the use of CFA approved calculator
- Do at least 5-6 mocks before you sit for actual exam. Morning + Evening exam are counted as one exam
- Timing tests is not mandatory initially; Firstly focus on mastering the concepts then start doing in a stipulated time
- Have a good study mate and learn from them as well
- Do not ignore or take “Ethics & Professional Standards” lightly
At the end of it all though, no amount of preparation will suffice if you’re not fully committed to the cause. To know more about how CFI Education can help you prepare for your CFA Level 1 exam, visit our website, www.cfieducation.in.
