Learn more about the Level I exam:
Level I FAQs»
Exam Details»
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How long should I study for Level I of the CFA® exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
CFA Institute recommends 300 hours of study, and our experience is that 300 hours is the minimum that most people need to be successful. The average Level I candidate spends 303 hours preparing.
Prepare an Effective Study Plan»
Some candidates also consider a Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) as a way to prepare for the CFA® exam. Certain curriculums, like the MSFA offered by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, are aligned to\n the learning outcomes of the CFA® Institute’s CFA® Program, enabling students to earn an MSFA while concurrently preparing for the CFA® exam.
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the exam fees for Level I of the CFA® exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
For 2024 CFA exams, registration fees range from $940 to $1,250, depending on your exam level and when you register.
To enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time $350 enrollment fee in addition to the required registration fees for each Level. CFA Institute reference material and a partial mock exam are both included with candidate registration and enrollment.
Read More»
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the weights of the topics on the CFA® Level I exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
Topic Weights by Level
CFA Level I
For the 2024 Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows:
- Quantitative Methods: 6-9%
- Economics: 6-9%
- Financial Statement Analysis: 11-14%
- Corporate Issuers: 6-9%
- Equity Investments: 11-14%
- Fixed Income: 11-14%
- Derivatives: 5-8%
- Alternative Investments: 7-10%
- Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 8-12%
- Ethical and Professional Standards: 15-20%
These topic weights were used to develop a Level I study plan you can follow to ensure complete coverage of the material. The study plan is included in all of our packages.
Shop CFA Level I Study Packages >
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the passing score for Level I of the CFA® exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
The Minimum Passing Score (MPS) is the benchmark used to determine whether a candidate has passed or failed the exam, and it is different each year. The MPS for Level I is set about six weeks after the exam. CFA Institute does not release the MPS, although\n research indicates that it hovers between 60 and 70 percent.
Exam Grading Details »
\n
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "When is Level I of the CFA® exam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
CFA Institute administers Level I of the CFA Exam four times per year, with exam windows in February, May, August, and November.
View More Details»
" } }] }
The CFA exam as a whole is difficult by design. It’s an exclusive designation that truly demonstrates mastery. According to CFA Institute, Level I has the lowest pass rate of all the exams, at just 41%, and the average candidate spends 303 hourspreparing.
Learn more about the Level I exam:
Level I FAQs»
Exam Details»
CFA Institute recommends 300 hours of study, and our experience is that 300 hours is the minimum that most people need to be successful. The average Level I candidate spends 303 hours preparing.
Prepare an Effective Study Plan»
Some candidates also consider a Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) as a way to prepare for the CFA® exam. Certain curriculums, like the MSFA offered by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, are aligned to the learning outcomes of the CFA® Institute’s CFA® Program, enabling students to earn an MSFA while concurrently preparing for the CFA® exam.
For 2024 CFA exams, registration fees range from $940 to $1,250, depending on your exam level and when you register.
To enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time $350 enrollment fee in addition to the required registration fees for each Level. CFA Institute reference material and a partial mock exam are both included with candidate registration and enrollment.
Read More»
Topic Weights by Level
CFA Level I
For the 2024 Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows:
- Quantitative Methods: 6-9%
- Economics: 6-9%
- Financial Statement Analysis: 11-14%
- Corporate Issuers: 6-9%
- Equity Investments: 11-14%
- Fixed Income: 11-14%
- Derivatives: 5-8%
- Alternative Investments: 7-10%
- Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: 8-12%
- Ethical and Professional Standards: 15-20%
These topic weights were used to develop a Level I study plan you can follow to ensure complete coverage of the material. The study plan is included in all of our packages.
Shop CFA Level I Study Packages >
The Minimum Passing Score (MPS) is the benchmark used to determine whether a candidate has passed or failed the exam, and it is different each year. The MPS for Level I is set about six weeks after the exam. CFA Institute does not release the MPS, although research indicates that it hovers between 60 and 70 percent.
Exam Grading Details »
CFA Institute administers Level I of the CFA Exam four times per year, with exam windows in February, May, August, and November.
View More Details»
