CFA Level 1

What is a CFA Level 1?


The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a postgraduate professional designation that certifies the competence and ethics of financial analysts. According to CFA Institute, which offers the charter, it is the most respected and recognized investment management designation in the world.
Level 1 exam is the first of the 3 levels of the CFA exam . The curriculum consists of 10 topics that are grouped into four areas, specifically: ethical and professional standards, investment tools, asset classes, and portfolio management and wealth planning. The exam focuses on basic knowledge and comprehension of tools and concepts of investment valuation and portfolio management. 

The level 1 CFA exam for 2024 will be generally held in May 2024 , August 2024 , November 2024 and Feburary 2025 .


Practice Questions for CFA Level 1


CFA Exam Pattern

  • The Level I exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions.
  • The exam is split into two sessions, each approximately 135 minutes long.
  • There is an optional break between the two sessions.
  • First session (2 hours, 15 minutes): 90 multiple choice questions.
  • Second session (2 hours, 15 minutes): 90 multiple choice questions.

Download CFA LEVEL 1 Schweser Notes


Is CFA Level 1 Difficult ?


Without any finance background or work experience in the related field to prepare for level 1 exams will be difficult. The books are thick but the concepts are in their basic form and can be grasped easily. One can pass Level 1 with some dedication.

Is 6 months enough for CFA Level 1?

Successful Level 1 candidates spend roughly 300 hours prepping for the exam. The best strategy is to leave at least 4 months (approximately 17 weeks) to finish all the reading material. Further, students can increase their chances of passing by utilizing alternative prep materials, answering as many practice questions as possible, and creating a structured study plan. 
Consistency and dedication is the Mantra. 

 

Fee Type (for all Levels)

CFA Exam Cost ​(US$)

One-time Enrolment Fee ​(paid once only during first Level 1 registration)

$450

Registration Fee ​(for each Level or retake):

 

          Early Registration

$700

          Standard Registration

$1,000


So, in India the one-time fee payable to the institute is needed at the time of level 1 registration. along with the program fees of US$ 1150 (approx 85,000 INR)
But, in case you change your mind within two business days, you will get a full refund of all the payable fees. But, as the USD to INR rate varies each day, the exact amount of refund cannot be guaranteed by the Institute.

CFA candidates usually start preparing from 6 to 4 months before their exam. However, this does not mean 3 months are not enough. As already told on average, it takes about 300 study hrs to prepare for the CFA level 1 exam. To get those 300 hrs, you’ll need to devote around 22 study hrs per week.  


PREPARATION OF CFA LEVEL 1 

  • Before going to online preparation, set your mind as this is your last chance to qualify for the CFA Level 1 exam. You will never be getting it after that.
  • Remember, CFA Level 1 demands substantial efforts so don’t leave a single effort from your side.  Use this” prepare, practice and perform” methodology.
  • Here you will get online study material for CFA Level 1 Exam to help you prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam. 
  • Download CFA Level 1 syllabus and divide your time on the priority basis so that you can give more time on your weak topics which have been included in CFA Level 1 syllabus.
  • Find previous years online question papers and practice questions for preparation of CFA Level 1 exam.
  • Participate in the Online Mock Test to have an idea about CFA Level 1 paper pattern and to convert weak points into strong points. 
  • Don’t invite procrastination and lack of motivation while revising CFA Level 1 important study points. Revision is necessary.