Why Is the CFA Pass Rate So Low? (2026 Analysis)
Quick summary: Average CFA pass rates sit between 41% and 51% per level. According to CFA Institute and 300Hours data, consistently low pass rates are likely driven by a combination…
CFA vs CPA: Which Is Best For You?
There is understandably a lot of comparison and confusion between different financial qualifications. CFA vs CPA is no exception – they even sound similar! We have had chartered accountants share…
CFA Scholarships: How to Successfully Get Them
Aside from the time commitment, there is a considerable cost to pursuing the CFA charter, especially for students. Level 1 enrollment and registration fees alone can be as high as $1,600,…
Which Is The Most Difficult CFA Level?
Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the most difficult CFA level of them all? While opinions differ among us, I think quite a lot of CFA charterholders agree that…
How To Pass CFA Level 1 In 2 Weeks: My Crazy Story
Editor’s note: This is a personal story shared as an anecdote. You should definitely NOT look to this example for your own CFA preparation approach (unless desperate)! Hi, I’m Scott,…
7 Benefits of CFA Charter You Should Know
Should you take the CFA exams? What are the benefits of CFA program? Each year, hundreds of thousands of professionals ponder about this. Here’s a straight-to-the-point, frank list of reasons…
CFA Charterholders: Why Top Firms Prefer Hiring Them
Interviewing for a new job, targeting a promotion, or looking to progress your career? Top tier firms know that the CFA Program produces results. ​For your next career move, here’s…
3 Proven Methods On How To Study Effectively For Exams
How to study for the CFA exams (or any other finance exams for that matter)? Have you ever wondered if your current study methods are effective for passing your exams? A…
CFA Exemptions: A Big Perk You Should Know
We’ve gone through the direct advantages of pursuing the CFA charter. Although there are currently no exemptions on the CFA exams itself, are you aware that the CFA Program could…
How to Convince Your Firm To Pay For Your CFA Exam
I was feeling really poor back when I was attempting CFA Level 2. I had just been let go in my finance role and I wanted to switch careers into…
CFA vs MBA: Which Is Better for Your Career?
If you currently or aspire to work in finance, and have evaluated if MBA is worth it to you, a natural follow up comparison question could be: CFA vs MBA which…
Why Pursuing CFA After MBA Is A Better Idea
I recently graduated with my Masters in Business Administration. Finance classes were by and far my favorite, and after gaining work experience as an intern in investor relations, I flirted…
Best CFA Level 1 Study Order: Optimized Topic Sequence 2026
The optimal CFA Level 1 study order differs from the CFA curriculum sequence. Start with Quantitative Methods (first part) to build foundation skills, then tackle high-weight topics like FSA and…
Best CFA Level 2 Study Order: Strategic Topic Sequence 2026
The optimal CFA Level 2 study order prioritizes high-weight topics first: Financial Statement Analysis (10-15%), Fixed Income (10-15%), then Quantitative Methods and Equity. This differs from curriculum order because Level…
Best CFA Level 3 Study Order: Pathways Strategy Guide 2026
The optimal CFA Level 3 study order uses the “sandwich method”: alternate challenging topics (Asset Allocation, Derivatives) with easier ones (Performance Measurement) to maintain momentum. Study Core readings (65-70% weight)…
How to Finish All CFA Practice Tests by Exam Day
So you bought a whole bunch of CFA practice tests. Are you on track to finish all of them by exam day? Our research, based on 900+ candidate experiences and…
CFA Question Bank: CFA Institute vs Prep Providers
There are 3 main sources of CFA exam practice questions: ​Which source of practice questions deserves most of your time? Here’s our advice on which sources to focus on when you’re…
CFA Salary: How Much Does the Charter Increase Your Pay?
Will your salary increase as you go through the CFA Program?​Yes, it does. In fact, you don’t even have to wait until you become a CFA charterholder. Proper, reliable CFA…
2026 CFA Exam Cost Breakdown: A Detailed Estimate
The CFA charter costs between $3,570 and $8,970 to complete—assuming you pass all three levels on your first attempt. That range is wide because two decisions drive your total cost:…
CFA Last Minute Preparation: How to Cram Efficiently
Feeling like you’re running out of time? OK, calm down and take a few deep breaths. For whatever reason, perhaps you’ve now find yourself way behind schedule with a few more…
CFA Practice Pack: A Comprehensive Review
In the recent years CFA Institute has revised many long-standing aspects of the CFA exam – the shift to computer-based testing, multiple testing sessions in a year, and changes to…