To become a CFA charterholder, you must: (1) Pass all 3 CFA exams (Level 1, 2, and 3)(2) Accumulate 4,000 hours of qualified work experience over at least 36 months(3) Provide 2-3 professional references(4) Sign the Ethics pledge and apply for CFA Institute membership. Total timeline: 2-4 years minimum. Total cost: $3,500-$9,000 depending on exam …
Quick Summary: In 2026, the CAIA remains worth it for professionals seeking a dedicated, Limited Partner (LP) perspective on alternative investments. While the CFA Institute now offers a standalone Private Markets Certificate and a Level 3 Specialized Pathway, the CAIA provides the deepest curriculum for hedge funds and real assets, requiring 200 study hours per …
The CFA Level 3 essay questions, also known as the constructed response section, is often a significant challenge to Level 3 candidates. Our research has also estimated that more than 93% of Level 3 candidates performed worse in the essay paper compared to the item-set paper, so improving your essay performance can really help your chances …
The CFA Level 3 essay questions (constructed response) tends to be many candidates’ Achilles heel, even when they accurately self-grade the essay practice questions during practice. However, there is a quick way to substantially improve your constructed response section’s performance. Knowing the best strategies on how to answer essay questions is almost as important as …
The Ethical and Professional Standards section is challenging for most CFA candidates given the more subjective nature of the topic and questions (vs. the rest of the curriculum), and the sheer amount of readings to go through. Regardless whether you’re new to CFA exams or a seasoned CFA Level 3 candidate, CFA Ethics section plays …
To access our free mock exams for other levels, check out our Free Guides section. CFA Level 3 candidates: since doing practice questions is one of the best ways to study, here is our updated, free CFA Level 3 mock exam for more practice, thanks to our partner Salt Solutions. It includes specific questions for the …
The CFA charter is a great career enhancer in the right industries, and when utilized to its full potential. Although it is challenging to attain, if you are well prepared with a good study plan, it is perfectly possible and will significantly boost your career. That said, does CFA help you get you a job or guarantee one? …
Finance certifications such as CFA and FRM are a cost effective way (compared to an MBA) to give your finance career a boost. We do receive a lot of questions from our readers trying to understand the core differences between them in deciding whether to pursue CFA or FRM. Hence, for those still on the …
Quick Summary: CFA Level 1 exam is held four times (Feb, May, Aug, Nov), Level 2 three times (May, Aug, Nov), and Level 3 twice (Feb, Aug) a year. The next major registration deadline is 12 February 2026 for the May 2026 sitting. To plan your CFA exam-taking windows, use the 300Hours Journey Planner. Keeping …
There has been a few changes in schedule and frequency to the the CFA exam dates in recent years. For those considering the CFA exams: No worries, we’ve analyzed all available CFA pathways and mapped them out for you in our clearcut CFA Journey Planner – check it out! CFA exam schedule: A quick summary …