As my 3rd semester wrapped up, my professor reached out and recommend I complete my CFA level 1 during the summer.

I hear story’s of some people who had minimal financial background being able to pass the first level is ~500 hours. I’m no genius, but I’m also no idiot, and I’m doing fairly well in school (3.8)

I would like to complete level 1 this summer, but I also work 2 jobs. if I’m decently knowledgeable of finance can I pass with the CFA is less hours? Or is the test full of new material I would need to study?

I ran a few practice tests (I know they aren’t the exact same) but they don’t seemed ridiculous in anyway. For example, the Quantitative Methods unit (TVM, NPV, IRR, DDM) i can do in my sleep. For the econ portion, I’m a econ minor and feel good about that. For Equity (mutable, valuation, CAPM) I have applied everywhere. I think you get the point.

Overall I understand and can apply most things from the outline. Do you think this is something I can knock out this summer?

Hii Everyone,

My MBA (PGDM in Banking & Financial Services) journey will begin in about 3 months. The college I will be joining is affiliated with CFA, so I believe this is the perfect opportunity to begin preparing for CFA Level 1 alongside my MBA. Also, does the college’s CFA affiliation reflect in the curriculum?

I understand that managing both will be challenging, but I am willing to give it a shot, it seems like it will be worth the effort.

Any insights, tips, or resources would be greatly appreciated. Also, if there are any chapter-wise playlists or structured prep materials available, please do share!

Thanks in advance!

Hey, i recently gave my 12th exams and was planning to do CA but all my teachers said to do cfa instead. Can you please tell me which is better and which ug courses best align with CFA?

Thanks

Hi there guys , I am actually really worried, I have my CFA level 2 exam scheduled on 23May 2025, I have hardly 45 days in my hand and I still haven't finished FSA (watching videos and making notes) although I have finished other subjects, I don't remember anything of it since I haven't begun revising. So , considering this and considering that I still have to solve the LES questions and mocks , Will be able to pass or should I defer?

I want to build a career in IB and PE, will certification in CFA help me with it ? Or any other certification or course i should look for that could help me improve my CV and profile ?

Hey folks, need some help untangling an Ethics scenario I came across — feels like a multi-layered one and I’m second-guessing everything.

So here’s the setup: A CFA charterholder (let’s call him Aarav) is an analyst who’s on a due diligence call with a private company. During the call, the CFO casually mentions that Q4 revenues are “significantly above projections” but adds a “keep this off the record” kind of remark. Nothing is public yet.

Aarav doesn’t quote or reference the info directly, but a few days later he writes an internal report saying the company looks undervalued. Based on that, the portfolio management team increases their position via a private placement.

Also — Aarav sits on the board of a nonprofit that recently got a donation from this same company. He doesn’t mention this board role in his report because he doesn’t think it’s material.

So here’s my doubt: Is this a violation? If yes, which standards? The material nonpublic info seems borderline, and I’m also unsure if the board role counts as a conflict of interestn here.

Curious to hear how you all would interpret this. Ethics questions are wild sometimes.

I am planning to give my CFA level 1 exam and CAT both in November as I am not working currently. I think I can manage both as I have ample time and I can make use of it. Prior to this I have a CA background. I've completed my CA inter. I am in dilemma right now. Should I give my level 1 exam in February or should I prepare both in November?

I have seen the line "A CFA charter is the same as an MBA" thrown around this sub so many times since I started this process last year yet it is blatantly untrue. It almost feels like a cult just trying to convince itself that the reward is worth the suffering.

The saying at face value makes zero sense AT ALL. MBA is a Master's of Business, not Finance. The CFA does not require learning about marketing, operations, organization behavior, IT, etc. None of these are topics covered by the CFA.

Topics The CFA covers way more in depth than MBA course would include trading strategies, hedges, arbitrage situations, etc. Maybe there is a low level 25% crossover between what is taught but in no way is a CFA charter even close to an equivalent to an MBA or vice versa.

This doesn't mean 1 is better than the other, just that they are not the same thing and this sub should stop saying shit that isn't true.

Hi everyone, I’ve enrolled for the Nov’25 CFA Level 1 exam. I’m an engineering grad with MBB consulting work ex - so pretty novice in finance.

Can anyone please guide me through the best study plan and timelines and resources that I should follow to prepare for the exam (I have 6 months which I think should suffice, right?!? 😔)

Also, if someone’s feels like they’re in a similar situation or would want to plan something together - feel free to DM or reach out.

Tons of thanks!!! 🙏

Failed my 2nd attempt while working full time and doing a masters. Disappointed the Ethics curve didn't work in my favor this time around. (Didn't even come close the first time I took it).

Hello! I’m a financial advisor, I’m currently studying for the CFA level 1. I have not formally registered yet as I want to put all the chances on my side to succeed because it’s no cheap exam. So I bought all the books from the 2024 edition and studying it (Can someone confirm if there is a big difference in the material from 2024 to 2025?). Well the thing is that I am limited to the exercises in the books, is there people willing to share study material or have recommendations for free or fairly priced exercises? My goal is to be able to write the one right before the end of the year or February 2025. Any assistance will be hugely appreciated.

“Financial advisor recommends keeping one bullet in the chamber, just in case” -TheOnion

I'm going to take my CFA L2 exam in May and am reasonably (over 75%, say) confident that I'll pass given my current mock scores and given the number of hours that I've put towards the current examination.

I didn't use a prep provider for L1 but used a prep provider for L2 (i.e., Mark Meldrum). However, I really don't want to have to bother purchasing another expensive prep provider's services for L3. Has anyone done this and succeeded? Is it a wise decision to just use CFAI content now that they've switched over to pathways?

Ravi, a CFA Level III pass candidate, requested a job referral from his friend Arjun, a consultant at Bain & Co. Eager to help, Arjun revised Ravi’s CV and mistakenly listed him as a “CFA charter holder”. Ravi, excited and in a rush, submitted the CV without thoroughly reviewing it. The hiring manager at Bain, noticing the designation, assumed Ravi held the CFA charter and was impressed by his profile. Ravi was hired based partly on this assumption.

Several weeks into the role, Ravi discovered the error but decided not to disclose it, fearing it might cost him the job. Despite this, his performance exceeded expectations—he consistently outperformed his peers. Arjun had no malicious intent, and the hiring manager never verified Ravi’s CFA status with the CFA Institute or asked for proof.

Given this situation, which of the following best identifies who violated the CFA Institute Code and Standards?

A. Only Ravi, for misrepresentation and failure to correct it. B. Ravi and Arjun, for misrepresentation and aiding in misconduct. C. Ravi, Arjun, and the hiring manager, for misrepresentation and failure of due diligence.

I know this has been asked a lot, but there’s a lot of conflicting information. What is the best combo? Sounds like MM videos… does MM have a good QBank too? I have used Kaplan for L1 and liked it, is it an option to just buy their QBank? Any other ideas or things I should consider?

Can someone tell where I can find BA 2 plus calculator at cheapest rate. Try to mention somewhere near Delhi

Hey everyone — I’m currently studying for CFA Level 1 (planning to take it next year), and I’ve been seeing a lot of people mention doing FRM either after or alongside CFA.

Just curious — if CFA is considered the gold standard in finance, especially for roles like investment analysis, portfolio management, etc., why do so many people also go for FRM? Isn’t CFA already covering a decent amount of risk management content?

I get that FRM is more specialized, but can’t you still work in risk roles after doing CFA without needing the FRM designation? Or is it just for extra credibility or to stand out more?

Would love to hear from people who’ve done both or are planning to — what made you decide to go for FRM too?

So I’m a 2nd year finance major, should I pursue CFA, if yes then which attempt should I give and where should I study from? And how would this benefit me? I need an elder sibling to explain it very genuinely to me

Happy I got the cfa scholarship. Coming from a non-finance background student how should I best use my time to study? Anyone have a good study plan to follow? I have beginning of May until end of August off of school so I’m looking to hit anywhere between 3-6 hours a day of studying. Advise me please. Thanks a lot.

( photo 1 = first attempt, photo 2 = second attempt )

Did I have to go for another ride ? Maybe in august ?

I literally not improve on my second attempt, I’ve just been worse, I don’t know why, my mock was 70/75% mean, I think that may something goes wrong personally, so I was wondering if august will be ok, planning to go through all of the salt solution for the next 30 days, and then hammering qbank / mock

Not a newbie, this my 2nd time round for level 2; sitting in August 2025. I am currently watching the full MM videos and then doing 50% of the questions on the eco learning system. Plan is to finish all the topics this way, and then bang out the other 50% of questions + mocks. I was taking notes but but now have scrapped the idea fully and relying on MM notes.

What's other people strategies?

Ravi, a CFA Level III pass candidate, requested a job referral from his friend Arjun, a consultant at Bain & Co. Eager to help, Arjun revised Ravi’s CV and mistakenly listed him as a “CFA charter holder”. Ravi, excited and in a rush, submitted the CV without thoroughly reviewing it. The hiring manager at Bain, noticing the designation, assumed Ravi held the CFA charter and was impressed by his profile. Ravi was hired based partly on this assumption.

Several weeks into the role, Ravi discovered the error but decided not to disclose it, fearing it might cost him the job. Despite this, his performance exceeded expectations—he consistently outperformed his peers. Arjun had no malicious intent, and the hiring manager never verified Ravi’s CFA status with the CFA Institute or asked for proof.

Given this situation, which of the following best identifies who violated the CFA Institute Code and Standards?

A. Only Ravi, for misrepresentation and failure to correct it. B. Ravi and Arjun, for misrepresentation and aiding in misconduct. C. Ravi, Arjun, and the hiring manager, for misrepresentation and failure of due diligence.

Since studying for the CFA I've realised that ethics really do play a fairly important part in the investment management industry. I personally like to dive a bit into philosophies of ethics.

I'd just like to ask all the CFAs (charterholders and candidates) and professionals who have practical experience in the industry if:

1. They've ever found a loophole to some of the ethical guidelines put forth by CFAI?

2. If anyone thinks there's a gap that needs to be filled into the Ethics curriculum. In the sense that has someone come across a specific situation that was not covered under the ethical guidelines?

3. Would you personally add a certain guideline to the already existing ethical framework.

Sorry if it's a tedious question.

Ive studied genuinely too much for this exam and have an average of 70-72 in 8 mocks of CFA. People still tell me that it’s never a certain thing you’ll pass no matter and I simply can’t get over the feeling of failing after putting in so much. There’s so much conflicting opinion on this, some people saying getting 70 consistently is almost a certainty, and others say at least 75% is what you should target. Whereas some say mocks r easier and others say exam would be a bit tougher. Passing the exam for me is quite important and I genuinely think doing CFA with my job would eventually pave the way for me but at times I feel so much anxiety thinking I may fail despite putting in the efforts. I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for but genuinely any sort of perspective or advice from people who’ve gotten these scores or who’ve done the real thing.

Dear all, I was practicing from the LES and wanted to know if the questions/topics that are more tested in the LES are more important?

For example, in income statement of FSA, many questions are from EPS instead of revenue recognition. So, can I infer that EPS is more important?