What is CFA, Course Details, Exam, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

What is CFA, Course Details, Exam, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

CFA Full Form – Chartered Financial Analyst
CFA Institute – It is a global association of investment professionals. It is a Not-for-Profit
organisation and offers a gold standard program called CFA. It is a highly respected and
recognized designation in the investment management profession.

Why should you do Study CFA Certification?
CFA is an internationally recognized course. Mentioned below are its benefits:
You will get to learn money management You can be a self-employed person and set up own business in financial advisory services. As the certification is internationally recognised, you can get jobs across internationally in big MNCs.

Who should study CFA Course?
o CFA is open for any stream third year graduates onwards, however, they should be good with 10th
level maths atleast. Largely Engineers, Commerce and Finance students opt for CFA Certification.

When to study CFA Course?
CFA Institute offers 4 windows for the exam-February, May, August and November. It takes on an average 6
months to prepare for the exam. And students registering for the exam before 6 months, will also get Early Bird
Discount offers. 
If I fail at the first attempt, can I re-appear in the next three months, in the next window?
You need to have minimum 6 months gap between two exams as per the CFA rules irrespective of whether you pass
and move to the next level or you get failed and re-attempt.

CFA: Admission Process?
You need to be atleast at the third year of graduation with a valid international passport. Should enrolling
and register before 6 months of exam for availing early bird discount offer.

CFA Eligibility?
Candidates from any background are eligible for doing CFA. They need to be minimum at the third year
graduation, with a valid international passport.

CFA Level 1 Syllabus/Subjects:
o It has 10 subjects: 
 Equity
 Fixed Income
 Derivatives
 Alternative Investments
 Portfolio Management
 Corporate Issuers
 Economics
 Quantitative Methods
 Financial Statements and Analysis, 
 Ethics

What is the exam structure?
It has two sessions, both happens on the same day with 30 minutes break;
First session happens for 2 hours and 15 minutes for 90 MCQs covering Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics
and Financial Statements and Analysis subjects.
Second session happens for 2 hours and 15 minutes for 90 MCQs covering Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives,
Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management and Corporate Issuers.

Will the Level 1 questions be of subjective or objective?
Level 1 questions will be of Objectives Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Three options will be given and one option has to be selected.

Is there any negative marks in the exam?
No negative marks in the exam. So, please attempt all questions.
11 On an average, how much time should be given to handle each questions?
On an average, one should give 90 seconds for each question. 

CFA Level 1 subject wise weightage:
 Ethics – 15-20%
 Quantitative Methods – 8-12%
 Economics – 8-12%
 Financial Statements and Analysis – 13-17%
 Corporate Issuers – 8-12%
 Portfolio Management – 5-8%
 Equity Investments – 10-12%
 Fixed Income – 10-12%
 Derivatives – 5-8%
 Alternative Investments – 5-8%

How many attempts can be given for each Level?
Each level can be attempted for max 6 times.

Is there is an age limit to do CFA?
There is no maximum age limit to do CFA. You need to be minimum at the 2nd year graduation. 

Where to get CFA Books?
Generally, candidates refer to Schwesar books.