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CFA Level 2 ASAP, or focus on start of job?

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    • Avatar of luisfsscluisfssc
      Participant
        • CFA Level 2
        13 Apr 2021 at 5:41 pm
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        I just passed my CFA Level I February 2021 exam. I’m 22 years old and currently in 4th and final year at university and will start working at JPM as a WM Analyst this 1st of June. Now I’d love to take the CFA Level II exam in February 2022, but know it’s extremely hard. My plan would be to start in September (and study for 5 months), but I’ve heard of people who have planned that exam with 8 months of preparation and failed twice. Also I don’t know if I’ll have enough time after/before work. Do you think I should take the CFA Level II on another date (and if yes, which) or that I should go for it next February?
        Thanks again,
        Luis

        Zee Tan voted upbritb voted up
      • Avatar of Sophie MaconSophie Macon
        Keymaster
          13 Apr 2021 at 6:35 pm
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          Congrats dude! Not just on the CFA exam result, but graduation and starting at JPM, some people really do get it all huh 😁

          • 5 months is not impossible but for me personally, a little risky. I would ideally shoot for a Aug start at least.
          • “People failed twice after 8 months study” etc is anecdotal data so not particular useful for reference. We’ve had experiences where candidates have tried for 6 years to pass CFA Level 2, to people who passed it by studying for two weeks.
          • Starting work can be a tough experience and you would be working hard to leave a good impression. You’re right to be concerned about work and if you had to choose you should prioritize work.
          • The downside of postponing though, is that many people end up not bothering with it again and just stopping at L1.

          My opinion is that there is no harm in trying and see how it goes. I postponed my plans for CFA L1 because I had just started work then, and regretted it to be honest, because my first year was when I had the most time and my work hours were the least!

          Zee Tan voted up
          • Avatar of luisfsscluisfssc
            Participant
              • CFA Level 2
              13 Apr 2021 at 9:45 pm
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              Hey Sophie,

              Thank you so much for your response. Yes indeed, I am very happy  for how things are turning out for me, I feel blessed and very grateful!

              I understand what you are saying. Right now I have three options:

              1. Go for it and take CFA Lvl II exam in February 2022.
              2. Take the exam in August 2022 instead.
              3. Wait much more and take it in February 2023

              I would dismiss option three from the start.

              Regarding the other two, I could start studying in August instead of September and study for 6 months for Feb 2021. However, I am worried about number 1 as I  think I should make a good impression at work from the start.  Studying for CFA Lvl 2 might compromise this.

              If I took the August 2022  exam, I would have more time to prepare for it and will be more used to work. Probably the chances of passing will be higher. However, I will have to wait a bit longer and it might be better to do it earlier as I might remember the concepts from CFA Lvl I better.

              What do you think about this?

               

              Zee Tan voted up
          • Avatar of hollystormhollystorm
            Participant
              13 Apr 2021 at 9:21 pm
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              Just go for it, you’re at your least stressed and have the most time at the start of your career. If you fail just try again, so it’s free option.

              Zee Tan voted up
            • Avatar of Sophie MaconSophie Macon
              Keymaster
                13 Apr 2021 at 10:18 pm
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                If I had to recommend one approach, just from what you’re telling me about your situation, I would recommend going for Feb-22.

                Reasons:

                • Yes, you want to start with a good impression at your job, but a good point raised that you’re also likely to have more time at the start of your job.
                • If you fail Feb-22 you can still make Aug-22. I personally think the cost of registration and materials is worth the gamble but again, your choice.
                • Also likely underestimating how hard it is to get back into the CFA exams after a year or so out of it. Aug-22 is 1.5 years from now. The inertia is real.

                Let us know what you’ve decided when you do!

                Zee Tan voted up
              • Avatar of Sophie MaconSophie Macon
                Keymaster
                  14 Apr 2021 at 12:48 pm
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                  No problem!

                  I’m not on LinkedIn but some of the others are – you can search for them.

                  If you have any questions including career ones, feel free to start a new topic!

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