You’ve passed Level I of the CFA® 시험. 치하! 지금은 악명 높은 레벨 II에 대한 준비를 할 때입니다. The reputation of Level II can be quite intimidating since many candidates consider this to be the most challenging level of the CFA® 시험. 당신이 할 수있는 큰 실수는 레벨 I에 대한처럼 레벨 II 공부하는 것입니다. 이 다음 단계는 더 많은 재료를 커버하고 이전보다 더 준비해야. 그래서 당신이 전달할 수있는 레벨 II 효율적으로 준비하기 위해 아래에있는 내 도움말을 따라.
Start Studying for the CFA® Exam Earlier
당신이 레벨 II를 준비해야합니다 얼마나 많은 시간을 알아 내기 위해, 당신은 레벨 I에 대한 당신보다 훨씬 이전에 시작해야합니다. 이 개요 일찍 끝내는으로, 당신은 당신이 그것을 달성하기 위해 많은 시간과 앞으로 당신의 무엇을 알. 이 주제는 다른 사람보다 더 많은 무게 될 것이다 주목을하는 것도 중요하다. 당신이 고민하고있는 주제는 가중치가 가장 높은 항목 인 경우, 당신은 훨씬 더 빨리 공부 취득한다.
유학 일정을 확인
This is the most important step in order to pass any level of the CFA® 시험. 모두가 다른 학습 스타일 및 개인 / 작업 일정이. 당신은 공부를 시작하기 전에, 알아낼 것 CFA® test prep materials 당신이 사용하려는 당신이 공부를 따로 설정 얼마나 많은 시간 하루 계획. 예를 들면, 내 목표는 시험 한 달 전에 모든 자료를 읽고 마무리이었다. 내 연구 루틴은 약에 나왔다 5 주중에 시간 16-20 주말에 시간. 그 때까지는 나는 모든 자료를 읽어, 나는 연습 시험을 한 달 것. 얼마나 중요한지 나는 충분히 강조 할 수 없다 연습 시험 아르, 그래서 당신은 당신이 실수를하는 곳이 걸릴 배울 충분한 시간이 있는지 확인.
Don’t Forget the Basics from the Level I CFA® 시험
기본 개념에 대한 레벨 II 빌드 개념의 대부분은 레벨 I에서 테스트. 이 시험에 뱉어 대신 정보를 암기의 개념을 이해하는 것이 중요합니다 이유. 나는 레벨 I 개념을 통해 다시 가서 당신이 레벨 II 준비로 이동하기 전에 이러한 고체 접지되어 있는지 확인하는 것이 좋습니다. Some test prep materials actually include a Level I refresher book specifically for this purpose. 당신의 레벨 I 개념을 공고히함으로써 레벨 II에서 새롭게 개선 된 주제를 해결하기 위해 준비가되어 있습니다.
레벨 II는 레벨 I과 다르게 포맷. 레벨 나는 동안 240 에서 독립적 인 질문 2 시험, 레벨 II는 120 질문 20 에서 아이템 세트 2 시험. 항목-세트 중 하나는 네트를 포함 (또한 case 문으로 알려져) 와 6 경우에 논의되는 사항에 대한 질문. 당신은 생각 될 수있다, 적은 질문이 더 낫다. 슬프게도, 당신은 레벨 I에 비해 질문 당 시간의 두 배를해야합니다 경우에도이 반드시 사실이 아니다.
가 중복 정보로 가득하기 때문에 네트를 통해 읽는 것은 시간이 많이 걸린다. 네트는 신중하고 관련이 없습니다 무엇을 통해 선별 추가 시간을 보내고 당신을 혼란스럽게 제작하고 확인한다. 와 연습, 당신은 반복을 무시하면서 빠르게 중요한 정보를 선택하는 방법을 배울 수 있습니다. 당신이 읽는 동안 무엇을 찾아야할지 알 수 있도록 나는 또한 네트 전에 질문을 읽어 보시기 바랍니다. 나는 이것이 많은 도움이 크게 네트 항목 세트에 시간을 줄인다 발견.
나는 그 레벨 I의 질문 전에 언급 한 독립적. 운수 나쁘게, 그 레벨 II의 경우에는 해당되지 않습니다. 질문은 지금 일부 6 회원 가족, 당신은 불쾌한 상호 의존적 인 질문을 볼 수 의미. 예를 들면, 질문이 질문 하나에 대한 답변에 따라 달라집니다. 뿐만 아니라 그들은 연결, 그들이 네트를 참조 할 수 있기 때문에 그들은 깊이에 더 많은 것.
당신은 레벨 I에서 혼란 개념에 질문을 폐기하는 경우, 당신은 여전히 시험에 합격 할 수. 이 레벨 II에 대해 작동하지 않습니다. 당신은 완전히 개념을 이해하지 않는 경우, 당신은 잘못된 항목 설정된 질문의 전체 그룹을 응답 할 것이다, 개념은 네트 핵심이다 특히. 나는 또한 언급해야 6 네트 질문은 질문의 두 배의 포인트 레벨 I에서 가치가있다. 그래서 완전히 가능한 한 많은 개념을 이해하는 데 시간이 걸릴.
Know the Weight of each CFA® Topic
이 지역은 다른 사람보다 더 많은 공부 시간을 필요로하는 무슨을 안내하는 레벨 II에 대한 주제 가중치를 알고 도움. 여기에 주제에 대한 가중치는:
윤리학: 10-15%
투자 도구 (공사 핀, Econs, FROM, 으로): 30-55%
자산 클래스 (Alt 키 Invs, 파생 상품, 공평, 에프. 수입): 35-70%
포트폴리오 관리 및 자산 계획: 5-10%
백분율은 몇 가지 질문이 하나 개 이상의 주제를 커버 할 수 있기 때문에 다양. 분명히, 투자 도구 및 자산 클래스는 시험의 대부분입니다. 이들은 당신이 당신이 레벨 II를 전달하는 희망이 있으면 완전히 이해하는 데 필요한 영역입니다.
이동과 크러시!
While Level II is known for being the toughest part of the CFA® 시험, 실제로는 레벨 I보다 더 높은 패스 속도가. 당신은 당신의 연구 일정에 충실하고 계속 경우, 당신은 킥 - 엉덩이를하려고 레벨 II에. 행운을 빌어 요!
CFA® exam includes a series of three exams: Levels I, II, and III. Given that there are various different exams and registration dates, you must make sure to register for the correct exam on time. To help you keep track of all the important information and dates, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the CFA exam.
To become a CFA® Charterholder, you must pass all three levels of the CFA exam in order. Earning the CFA charter demonstrates that you have attained a specialized degree of knowledge and skills in investment analysis and decision making in the field of investment. You must also agree to follow a code of ethics and standards set by the CFA Institute, become a member of the CFA® Institute, hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, and have at least 48 months of professional work experience in investment decision making.
Taking the CFA Exam (Levels I, II, & III)
-The exams are offered annually at test centers around the world on the first Saturday in June. The Level I exam is also offered in December.
-They must be passed sequentially.
-They are only available in English.
-You can take the exams as many times as you need to until you pass.
-The tests increase in complexity according to level. Level I tests basic knowledge of the standards and some analysis, Level II tests how to apply those standards to typical situations and involves more complex analysis along with valuing assets, and Level III tests how to synthesize and apply the standards in a portfolio management and compliance context.
CFA Exam Fees
CFA Program fees include a one-time enrollment fee and a registration fee for each exam. CFA® Institute registration fee also covers some study materials and mock exams for you to use in preparing for each exam. Various scholarships are available.
There are substantial early bird discounts, so depending on when you apply, the enrollment fee can be discounted. To get the best deal you will need to apply 9 months before the exam date. Note that you will also need a valid, international travel passport to confirm your identity. You can also reduce the cost of your preparation for the CFA® exam with great discounts on the best prep courses available.
It essential for you to take a CFA® Review course to prepare yourself for this challenging set of exams. CFA® Institute recommends at least 300 hours of study and about 6 months of preparation for each exam. This is difficult for many busy professionals with full-time jobs. The average time to complete the program is 4 years.
CFA Exam Registration Deadlines
All registration deadlines end at 11:59 pm EST.
June 2017 시험 (Levels I, II, and III)
Early registration
Passed
(ended 21 September 2016)
Standard registration
US$ 930
(ends 15 February 2017)
Late registration
US$ 1,380
(ends 15 March 2017)
The CFA® exam registration fee includes the cost of:
An eBook containing the complete curriculum*
An interactive study planner to keep you on track
Practice tests on various topics
Mock exams
A mobile app for study that can access all of the above
*You may purchase a print version of the curriculum (available for a non-refundable fee of US$150, plus any fees associated with shipping) at the same time you register for an exam, or later.
CFA® Exam Schedule
The upcoming CFA® exam dates are listed below for your convenience:
June 2017 Exam Calendar (Levels I, II, and III)
July 2016
June 2017 exam registration opens after 9 a.m. ET
21 September 2016
First fee schedule deadline for the June 2017 시험
January 2017
Mock exams become available
3 February 2017
Awareness scholarship application deadline
15 February 2017
Second fee schedule deadline for June 2017 시험
15 March 2017
Final fee schedule deadline to register for June 2017 시험
20 March 2017
Final deadline for disability and religious alternate date accommodation requests to be received by CFA® Institute
18 April 2017
Test center change request deadline
Early May 2017
Exam admission tickets become available
3 June 2017
Exam day
June–July 2017
Exams graded
Late July 2017
Level I and II exam results available
Early-Mid August 2017
Level III exam results available
There are many dates to remember and they are spread over the year. Make sure to keep your calendar updated and set reminders a day or two prior to each event (especially the registration dates) to make sure you have all required documents and applications filled out correctly for an on-time submission.
Getting all your ducks in a row can be overwhelming at times, but it should be a top priority. Make sure you are proactive about your study preparation, and choose the right CFA® prep course for you!
Before deciding whether or not to become a licensed CFA®, you must be willing to put in the hundreds of hours of work. Many of the benefits associated with becoming a CFA® charterholder are financial. But, remember: people in the field know that passing the three levels of the CFA® exam is an unparalleled achievement, so your dedicated efforts do not go unnoticed.
But, how long will it take you?
CFA® Exam Structure Affects Timing
There are three levels to the CFA® exam. Level I is given in the late fall and late spring and Levels II and III are given only once a year in the late spring. You must pass each level before moving on to the next, and the passing statistics are daunting. 그래서, if you fail one exam, you’re going to have to wait a significant amount of time before trying again.
It’s about a 50/50 chance of passing for each level of the exam. This means that even with the most optimistic scenarios, less than 30% of those who began at Level I go on to pass Level III. If that isn’t enough to scare some people off, the amount of time and hard work required can be intimidating.
How Long Does It Actually Take?
Studying for the CFA® exam requires sacrifices and hundreds of hours of work. On average, it takes about 300 hours of studying to pass each level, a total of 900 hours for the whole test. That comes down to about 15 hours per week, especially since you’re likely working full time while studying.
CFA® Institute says that it takes the average candidate four years to finally become a licensed CFA®. 하나, some people have said it took them up to seven years to finally pass all three levels. On the other hand, the most accomplished CFA ®candidates have passed all three exams in 18 months. So the amount of time it takes to complete the process varies on how well you stick to your study schedule.
Given the low pass rate, CFA® exam takers have to be prepared for the possibility of failure. This can be discouraging, especially since failing makes the process longer. That is why it is important to stick to the same rigorous study schedule for all three levels—if you power through, you’ll be rewarded!
CFA® Exam Study Schedule
Making a study plan and sticking to it is the most important part of studying for the CFA® 시험. This also will help keep the whole process shorter. Experiment with different studying styles and schedules (과 music!) until you find one that works best with your lifestyle and needs.
예를 들면, if you’re working full time, do the majority of your studying on the weekends with shorter study periods during the week. It’s also a good idea to finish all the reading material a good month before the exam so you have plenty of time for the practice exams. Many people who have passed the CFA® exam say that the practice exams were a crucial part to their success since they were able to see the places on which they need to improve.
Tips to Get Your CFA® Faster
There are a couple things you can do to shorten the amount of time it takes earn that CFA® charter. It can be difficult to stay on the same weekly study schedule for 4+ months for each exam, but you will not be able pass unless you put in the study time. Discipline is an obvious requirement, but a lot of people try and skimp on their studying schedules and end up failing (see CFA® pass rates).
There is a lot of reading material that each CFA® exam covers, so make sure you do not skim. You might think some sections are unimportant or won’t be heavily weighted on the exams. You will realize that skimming was a mistake once you get your practice tests back. Again, make sure you begin studying at an earlier start date in order to have more time to complete your practice exams. Practice exams are the most beneficial part of the study process, in my opinion, so it is a good idea to ensure you have plenty of time to spend on these.
One of the biggest challenges to the whole process is the fact that you are doing it alone. There is no classroom or professor for you to ask questions to directly, which can make it difficult to stay motivated. That is why it is helpful to reach out to others who know what it’s like to study for the CFA® exam for support and help on certain topics. Heck, just shoot me a message and I’ll send along some words of inspiration!
If you can stay on track with your study schedule and give it your all, you’ll be able to pass all three levels of the CFA® and improve your career path. Your commitment and willingness to achieve something as difficult as the CFA exam will be greatly rewarded. If you’re ready to take that first step to success, take a look at the best CFA review courses today and find the perfect test prep for you!
You’ve decided you are ready to take on the challenge of the CFA® exam and become a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®). 당신은 힘든 몇 년이 될 것 때문 통해이 있는지 생각했는지 확인. 심지어 만하지만 20% of the people who take Level I make it all the way to the end and earn their CFA® license, 시험에 합격에 더 이상 비밀은 없다.
You will need an organized and disciplined approach to conquer this beast. I’m here to help you through it, starting with Level I. Trust me, you don’t want to just dive in, as you want to have an idea of your overall studying strategy.
Start Studying Earl
You have about 300 hours of studying ahead of your for Level I, so I suggest starting 5 to 6 months before your exam date. There is a lot of material—an understatement if there ever was one—so it is important to pace yourself. This will help prevent you from burning out before exam day arrives. I also strongly recommend you use a CFA® test prep course to aid your self-studies, in addition to the CFA® Institute syllabus.
유학 일정을 확인
The material for Level I is generally not difficult to understand for any business-savvy person, but the amount is substantial—you’re going to see a lot of your basic econ 101 material, but also a ton of higher level concepts weaved into this mix. Some test prep guides will suggest 250, but the average amount of time spent studying for passing candidates is around 313 hours. Don’t underestimate the time and effort it takes to pass this exam. If you’ve already put in 280 hours of work, what’s another 20 or 30 in the grand scheme of things?!
A crucial step in passing the CFA® is setting a strict study schedule for yourself to tackle the mountains of material ahead of you. If you can stick to your schedule and really avoid skipping any planned sessions, then you have the self discipline to pass Level I and ultimately the entire CFA® exam. I thought about it like I was the kid who had to watch the other children play while I was inside doing homework—it wasn’t fun, but I knew there was a reason behind it all.
Don’t Forget About Ethics
After reading the curriculum, a big mistake you could make is to ignore the Ethics portion. This is a bad call since the Ethics material will extended to all three levels of the CFA® exam. You should be able to understand Ethics for Level I so when you move forward to the other levels you will have a strong base set in place.
It’s rumored that you cannot pass the exam without passing Ethics. This is technically not true because you can skip Ethics if you crush everything else, although that’s extremely rare. BUT, your score in Ethics will decide whether you pass or fail if you are close to the minimum passing score. The “ethics adjustment” will determine whether you crash or burn. It’s always a good idea to seek out additional CFA® test prep materials if the CFA® Institute curriculum is too dry for you.
Practice, Practice, Practice Exams
The most important part of your study schedule is the practice exams. Many will plan to study the material up to right before the exam day, but largely ignore the practice tests. This is a huge mistake and leads to a below-passing score. You should give yourself plenty of time (some say around a month) before the exam to take as many practice exams you can. A good rule of thumb is to shoot for 6 practice exams before test day.
The purpose of practice tests is to let you know if your hours of studying have paid off. Practice tests pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, telling you which areas need more work and what topics you have mastered. They will also help you gauge the time it takes you to complete the exam, which is a concern for Level I. Utilize the practice exams in your test prep course, and you will significantly improve your chances of success.
Keep an Eye on the Time
There are 240 questions in Level I and a limited amount of time. Level I is the most time restricted in terms of the volume of questions that need to be answered, so the risk of not finishing is always there. If this happens to you on test day, it is better to guess blindly for the rest of test than nothing at all. There is no penalty for guessing.
Shoot for 70%, But Don’t Worry if You’re Lower
The Minimum Passing Score (MPS) set by the CFA® Institute will never be higher than 70%. This means that the highest score bracket for passing a specific topic is 70%-100%, but you do not need to reach that in every topic to pass, as long as you can make up for losses in another topic.
You should aim for 70% or higher in your practice exams so on test day you will be confident that you are at least close to passing on the topics with which you are struggling and exceed that level in your stronger areas. Remember, 70% in the actual exam equals success, but below 70% does not always mean failure.
Get Ready for Exam Day
After months and months of studying, you might forget to give yourself time to prepare for the exam. You will need to sort out the logistics of exam day to avoid running into any surprises that can fluster you on test day. Read up on what to bring on exam day and you may want to check out where the test center will be beforehand. Don’t put your efforts in vain by forgetting your passport or some other logistical error. These details should be the least of your worries before taking the CFA® Level I exam. 행운을 빌어 요!
당신은 CFA을 준비 할 때 추적 할 날짜 많이 있습니다® 시험. 그 아래 인포 그래픽이 등록하고 시험을 지불에 대한 타임 라인을 자세히 설명했습니다.
CFA® 시험은 세 가지 시험에 퍼져 세 가지 수준을 포함. 이 시험 일 12 월에서 올해 한 6 월의 다른에만있다. 12 월 시험 날짜는 레벨 I를 포함하는 동안 유월 시험 날짜는 3 단계의 모든 포함.
세 가지 다른 시간은 당신이 당신의 CFA에 등록 할 수 있습니다® 시험 - 초기, 표준, 최종 (늦은). 유월을 위해 등록 7 월에 열립니다 반면, 12 월 시험 등록 월에 열립니다. 등록 이전, 싼 등록비가 될 것입니다. 예를 들면, 유월 조기 등록 2017 시험이었다 $650 늦게 등록하는 동안 $1,380. 또한, 당신은받을 것이다 주제 테스트 등록 번. 그래서 주제 테스트를 별도의 공부 시간을 활용하기 위해 가능한 빨리 등록.
CFA가있다® Program Awareness Scholarships available, 한 마감일 전에 적용되는 (9 월 2 일 또는 2 월 3 중). 이 장학금은 미디어에 자격을 갖춘 개인에게 제공 역할 기반의 기회입니다, 학생, 금융 커뮤니티. There are even scholarships for women who are interested in earning their CFA® charter.
그래서, 당신은 인포 그래픽을 읽고 지금 중요한 CFA 알고® 시험 날짜. 그래서, 준비 되었나요? 당신은 공부를 시작했습니다? 모든 CFA에서보세요® 아래 버튼을 클릭하여 과정 옵션을 검토 – 우리는 CFA 비교® 당신이 당신의 요구에 가장 적합한 하나를 찾을 수 있도록 코스를 검토!
당신은 절반이보다 더있어! 그리고 당신은 단지 짐승 같은 수준을 이길했습니다 II. 그것은 바로 ... 여기에서 쉬워야한다? 레벨 II는 재료의 대부분의 금액을 가지고 있지만, 레벨 III는 여전히 자신의 과제를 제시. 난 당신이 마지막으로 당신의 CFA을 완료 할 수 있도록 지난 얻을 수 있도록 여기있어® 시험 과정.
이제 초점을 잃게하지 마십시오
의 년 후에 공부하고 자기 동기 부여, 계속하기 당신의 정신 강도는 예전만큼 강하지 않다. 이것은 거의 이상 당신이 당신의 초점을 유지하는 경우라고 자신을 상기 할 때입니다. 그것을 이런 식으로-경우 봐 당신이 강세를 오른쪽 연구, 이것은 당신이이 일을해야 할 것 마지막 시간입니다. 경쟁도 따기, 그래서 게임 얼굴에 넣고을 활용 가장 모의 시험 정말 마지막 섹션을 위해 자신을 준비합니다.
다른 형식 및 에세이 질문
상황이 레벨 III에 조금 다르다, 당신이 공부를 시작하기 전에 그래서 나는 형식에 익숙해 권장. 이 아침 세션에서 다른 형식으로 시험 일에 휘말리고에서 당신을 저장합니다, 이는 에세이 기반 질문에 포함. 레벨 III의 오후 세션은 네트와 세트 아이템 질문 레벨 II와 유사하다.
에세이 형식은 독특한 방법으로 도전 할 것이다. 에세이 부분을 구성하는 두 가지 종류가있다: 계산을 기반으로 답변 단어 기반의 답변. 계산을 기반으로 답변을, 당신은 당신이 할 수있는 많은 점수를 얻기 위해 모든 작업을 표시해야합니다. 단어 기반의 대답은 특정 질문에 대한 응답을 작성 필요. 시험관은 주요 개념을 찾고있다, 신규하지. 이 "에세이"질문은 매우 간단하기 때문에, 그것은 단지 당신의 응답을 적어 몇 분 정도 걸립니다. Feel free to use bullet points and informal essay organization, 하지만 확실히 당신은 간결하고 요점하고 있는지 확인. 하나, 당신은 답을 알고하지 않는 경우, 당신은 당신이 잘 알고있는 다른 개념에 대해 작성하여 응답 공상을 얻으려고 노력 점수를받지 않습니다.
난 강력하게 당신이이 에세이 질문을 연습 제안, 쓰기는 당신의 강점 중 하나가 아닌, 특히. 당신은 확실히를 이용하려면 학습 가이드 이 부분에 대한. 이것은 당신이 에세이 형식과 더 편안하게 도움을 실제 시험에서 시간을 절약 할 수.
당신은 난처한 상황에 빠진다면 걱정하지 마세요
시험 문제는 CFA 말 그대로 어떤 부분에 대해 요청할 수 있습니다® 학원 강의. 당신이 어떤 도움이 추측 전략에 그릴 수 있기 때문에 이것은 객관식 질문을 그렇게 문제가되지 않을 수도 있습니다. 그러나 에세이 질문, 당신이 답을 모른다면 이것은 큰 문제가 될 수있다.
걱정하지 마세요, 이것은 일어날 것으로 예상된다. 당신은 다른 사람보다 더 많은 공부를하더라도, 항상 시험에 팝업이 적용되지 않은 작은 부분이있을 것. 침착 유지하고 단지 더 이상 시간을 낭비의 다음 도전 대신에 이동.
질문을 읽고
이것은 분명 보일 수 있습니다, 하지만 에세이 문제는 부적 절한 있습니다. 질문은 고객의 이름에 대한 관련없는 정보로 채워집니다, 생일, 수치 지불 당신은 당신이 정말로 대답해야 할 질문을 찾아 가려 할 것이다. 이것은 개념의 이해에 자신감을 테스트하도록 당신은 시험 당일에 그것을 증명하는 방법입니다. 당신은 질문을 읽고 나면, 반드시 당신이 어디에서 답을 작성하는 방법을 정확하게 알고 있어야합니다. 적절한 위치에 기록되지 아니 답변은 채점하지 않습니다. 당신이 돌아가 두 번 답을 확인하는 시간이 경우에 따라서, 그들이 올바른 위치에 있는지 확인하고 있는지 확인도.
오후 시험에 시간이 걸릴
마무리 라인은 눈에있다, 그래서 자유가 더 빨리 온다 있도록 속도를 자연스러운. 그렇게함으로써, 제대로 질문에 대답하는 시간을 복용하지하여 승리를 포기 끝낼 수 있습니다. 그것은 기본적으로 레벨 II와 같은 형식이기 때문에 오후 시험은 제약이 상대적으로 적은 시간이 될 것입니다. 만큼 당신은 CFA의 마지막 비트를 서두를 유혹에 저항 수® 시험, 당신은 당신이 불필요한 오류를 방지 있는지 확인하고 궁극적으로 허가 CFA되기 위해 시간이됩니다®.
For some people, music is a hindrance to studying. For the rest of us, 하나, it’s the only thing that can make slogging through study guides bearable. The science on whether you should be listening to active noise while studying is far from settled, but if you want to make your sessions a little more enjoyable, here are some song ideas. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good playlist makes in your study productivity and your study consistency while you dig through all your study materials.
Note that you can create a playlist in this order—I’ve outlined these tunes in a particular arrangement, as this is how I approach studying.
“Hallelujah”—Jeff Buckley
You probably know this song. In fact, if you’ve seen a movie with a sappy part or a commercial with a family scene in the past 10 years, you’ve likely been exposed to this tune. While it’s been overplayed in certain instances, “Hallelujah” is a somber, constant (there’s not too much variation), and poignant song. This tone makes it great for studying, especially to start out. Sit down, open your book, and get in a mental state that will allow you to relax and focus.
Often, people struggle to just sit down and unwind, so this song is perfect in that regard. Just push play and let the soft sound of Buckley’s famous voice get you in the mood for some deep mental awakening and learning.
“Someone Great”—LCD Soundsystem
After such a somber first song, it’s nice to speed things up a bit, but not too much. This great jam crescendos into quite an interesting blend of electronic beats and natural noises. Like many of the songs on this list, it’s got a constant beat, and it’s easy to focus on your materials while still enjoying the music.
The vocals are perfect for me when studying—nothing is overpowering, but it’s got enough lyrical value to make this a perfect studying song. 이 재생되는 동안 당신은 당신의 자료를 통해 주춤 거리고있을거야, 재생 목록에서 두 번째 노래로, 그것은가는 어떤 추진력을 얻을 것이다.
-Snow 순찰대 "당신의 눈을 엽니 다"
처음 두 곡과 같은 맥락에서, 이 천천히 극적인에 일정한 비트에서 빌드 하나입니다, 결정적인, 강력한 크레센도. 공부하는 동안 그것은을들을 수있는 완벽한 일이, 그것은 압도 보컬 수가 아니다으로, 하지만 당신은 여전히 동기를 밴드에 의해 생성 된 아름다운 소리에 감동받을.
It’s got the perfect balance of a constant beat and enough vocal presence to keep you focused and awake. You’re going to be bobbing your head while reading and writing, but you’ll be able to retain everything. In fact, I used to use this song as one of my running tunes, so you know it’s got enough life to keep you alert and on topic!
“Hide and Seek”—Imogen Heap
There’s not a more relaxing song than this one—it’s got a great balance of evocative tones and a soothing, melodic vocal presence and bassline. It’s the perfect song for when you hit your studying stride and don’t want to be disturbed. If you listen to this one, it’s so smooth that you may not even notice how much time has passed until it’s over.
To me, this is an ideal study tune. You’re bobbing your head slightly to this song, but you’re not really even consciously listening to it. It’s just enough to keep you going, but not to the point where you are singing along instead of focusing on the task at hand.
“To Build a Home”—The Cinematic Orchestra and Patrick Watson
This song is… magical. It’s hard to say anything more than that about it. Hollywood and Madison Avenue have discovered the beauty of this tune, but no matter how many times I hear it, I still love it just as much as I did the first time. This is usually the song that makes me stop and smile while studying, then I hop right back in with a renewed sense of vigor and perspective.
The build-up in this song is one of the best of any, as it’s so gradual, and coupled with the great vocals, it leaves a powerful imprint on the listener. It picks up, slows down, and just reels you in for a truly amazing listening experience. Patrick Watson’s voice is indescribably beautiful. Okay, just listen to this one already!
“Canon in D Major”—Johann Pachelbel
There’s not much to say about this one… it’s just a beautiful song from one of history’s classical music giants. I actually heard this song being played outside of a bar in Paris, and the crowd that gathered for this simplistic rendition featured many people who were drying their eyes.
It’s calm, but will fill you with an effervescence that will make you get through that middle portion of your studying session. It’s the perfect song for when you’ve already started, but still have a bit to go.
“Gortoz a Ran”—Denez Prigent
It’s not often that you’re going to hear a song that’s sung in… Breton. Though that’s an “Insular Celtic language,” it is beautiful and deeply moving in this masterpiece. I find that songs in foreign languages are great for studying, as you can hear the words yet don’t have to pay attention to the content.
This is a motivational song, yet I have no idea what it’s about! That’s quite a gem, as usually you need to have some semblance of an understand of what the singer is speaking to in order to feel a deep connection. This song transcends language and will get you deep into a studying groove.
“Wasted Time [Reprise]”—The Eagles
Sandwiched in the middle of one of the top-selling albums of all time, this instrumental gem is short but sweet. It’s a great up-and-down song, with a full orchestra bringing you to the peak of clarity. If you’re studying and listening to this lovely tune, you’ll be pleasantly focused for the duration of your learning session.
It’s one of the better, yet less know, “dad-rock” songs that you’re going to want to listen to while studying.
“Fire on High”—ELO
This is another instrumental jam, but it’s got way more energy than “Wasted Time.” With this gradually building hit—you may recognize it from sporting events—you’re going to be catapulted back into studying high gear. That’s what a good study song should do; there should be a constant progression of music so that you’re never too bored nor too excited.
This song really reaches a rapid point of climax, but it’s going to coincide with a dip in energy coming from the last song.
“Many Rivers to Cross”—Jimmy Cliff
This is one of the classics, a powerful and poignant ballad from one of music’s greats. It’s a great studying song because it’s got a steady beat, a robust yet not intrusive vocal performance, and a solid progression.
You’ll probably notice some of the lyrics, but it’s not going to distract you. You’ll be gently bobbing your head to this one, but will be able to remain focused and motivated. The beautiful background singing will make you smile, too.
“Feel It All Around”—Washed Out
This is one of the more interesting songs on this list, as it’s tough to describe exactly what genre into which it would fit. I don’t know a lot about the song or the band, but I understand one thing: it keeps me going. It doesn’t overpower the senses, but it certainly gets the heart racing.
The beat is constant and full of life, and the sound will permeate your headphones or your sound system. This will give you the last final kick to get through the studying session.
“The World’s Greatest”—R. Kelly
This is a reward song for you as you get to the end of your study session. It’s letting you know that you are, in fact, the GREATEST. The chorus at the end of the song is the epitome of the word glorious; your spirit will be lifted to the clouds while you’re listening to this gem.
It’s really all about what you want to listen to while studying, but it’s tough for some people to find that great playlist. I prefer a mellower brand of music, with some exceptions, but you should be able to find, at the very least, some starting off points among these 12 songs! So get your playlist set up, and get after your CFA® exam preparation!
“Get back on the horse” is an oft-used expression, usually expressed by those who don’t experience the failure themselves. While it’s nice that other people express their condolences and support when we fail, overcoming this failure and getting back on the proverbial horse is a process that must start within.
Failing the Certified Financial Analyst exam is common—in 2016, the CFA® Institute said that the passing rates were 43%, 46%, 과 53% for levels I, II, and III, respectively. 그래서, odds are, you’re going to fail at least one of the levels in your quest to conquer the entire exam. The question is: how will you recover from your CFA® exam failure?
Put the Exam in Perspective
The first thing I would do is to remember that it’s not the end of the world. You’ve likely got a great job, or at least one that pays well, so take some time and think about your future and don’t take things for granted. It’s important to advance your career, but things could be a lot worse!
If you’re happy with your standing in life, but know that passing the CFA® exam will catapult you to the top of the corporate ladder, then saddle up for round two. 하나, if you really don’t need to take the CFA® test again, and it killed you emotionally, maybe it’s not for you.
Take a look at your life and appreciate the things that you have—if you’ve got a great family, a solid relationship with a significant other, or even just a hobby that keeps you happy and healthy, that’s a great start. Realize that failing wasn’t the end of the world. You can definitely pass the second time around, but think about how you can use your support system (whatever it may be) to help you do so.
Think about the exam and how it fits into your life. Do you need a little more space from friends and family to pass and become a CFA? Are you studying a lot, but maybe your hobby or your social life is taking up more of your time? Try to think about how you can balance all of the moving pieces in your life. If you think you can study effectively without losing any friends, damaging your relationship with your significant other, or killing yourself—literally, be wary of your health—then it’s time to hop back in!
Back to Studying Basics
You’ve decided that you can balance everything, but the test is still SO DAUNTING. With people spending more than 300 hours studying for each level of the test—I may have spent way more time—it makes sense that failing the exam is a devastating outcome. That’s why it’s important to keep your mind on the BASICS. I cannot emphasize this enough; on your studying journey for the CFA® exam, you’ll have one “North Star” in the process: a consistent study schedule.
After you get the news of failure, you should map out your months, weeks, and days down to the hour before you even start studying for the CFA® test again. Think about what you need to do differently the second time around. Did you spend too much time taking practice tests and not enough time learning the material? Or, did you just choose the wrong CFA® review course to begin with?
There’s a lot of things that you can do differently the second time around. This is one of those rare—and it’s not ideal to learn the lesson this way, but still—second chances to do something in life. Use your prior experience to understand what you missed the first time around. Choosing an ineffective review course is a common reason for not passing the first time, so make sure you choose from the top CFA courses before you begin preparation again. Having CFA® study material that aligns with your learning style is critical to your success.
Another solution is to hire a private tutor to help you really understand the topics that you may find challenging. Understanding the key concepts is really important to ensure you will pass your exam and a private tutor is one way to ensure you understand the key concepts on top of giving you the support you need.
And finally, RELAX! It’s a long road to begin with, so what’s another try going to cost you? In 10 years, you’ll look back, count your money and see your current standing, and laugh about this moment in your life. Things will get better, you’ll pass the CFA® exam, and you’ll move on with your life!
We get a lot of great CFA® exam questions and want to provide you all with the best possible answers. To do so, we spoke to a true CFA® expert, one of the brilliant minds from AdaptPrep, a leader in the CFA® exam review space. Mike Carmody is a CFA® charterholder and Fellow in the Society of Actuaries. Over the past two decades, Mike has helped prepare thousands of candidates for actuarial and CFA® exams through study guides and live and online seminars.
Given how daunting the CFA® exam is, how can one plan ahead before they start studying?
With most major goals in life, you need to start with the end in mind. For candidates studying for a CFA® exam, the “end” is passing the exam. You need to make a detailed plan, starting with that end goal. To do so, I would:
Build a plan that incorporates all the activities you need to pass, such as reading the material, watching video lessons, and working practice problems. It’s important you make a daily schedule, beginning with the first day you will start studying and ending on the exam date. Adjust it for known activities, like vacations or busy work weeks. [See our CFA® 시험 일정 to remember all the important dates]
Be realistic in your plan. If you have a full time job, don’t assume you can study 8 hours every day. That just won’t happen. 또한, leave some cushion in the schedule for unexpected events. You don’t know when they will occur or what will be the cause, but you know something will come up that impedes your study process. You need the cushion in the schedule so you won’t fall too far behind.
Then you need to stick to the schedule. You can’t allow yourself to skip days here and there. Eventually the days will turn into weeks, and you won’t be ready on the exam day.
Is it worth it to become a CFA®?
Before you start the process of taking the CFA® examinations, you need to do a thorough assessment of your career goals and whether or not passing the exam is essential to your future success. You will spend many hours studying, and there is a real chance of failure. You need to know the CFA® Charter is worth the effort.
In the past, a college degree helped differentiate you in the job market. Now those degrees are a dime a dozen. It’s difficult for employers to know how much you learned in college, because academic standards across colleges varies tremendously.
So you need something that is objective and recognized to set you apart. A CFA® designation meets that criteria. The exams have rigorous passing standards that are recognized around the world. The designation proves you have the ability to digest a massive amount of material on varied topics, which is critical in many financial roles.
The Charterholder designation won’t guarantee your dream job, but it will help separate you from other applicants. You need something to give you an edge in competitive job markets.
What is the ideal study schedule for someone who is working while preparing to take the CFA® exam?
The ideal study schedule is unique for each person. It depends on your familiarity with the topics tested and your ability to perform well on exams. You certainly don’t want to study too little, but you also don’t want to study too much.
It’s probably best to study over a three to six month period. If you study more than six months, then it’s hard to retain what you learned at the beginning. If you study less than three, then it’s really like cramming for a huge exam, which seldom turns out well. You should also spend more hours in the last month compared to the first month. That is when you are bringing everything together for the exam day.
Here are some other study tips:
If you are not familiar with some of the topics, then you may want to pre-study those before the six month schedule begins. That will allow you to keep the pace when you read through the curriculum.
You have more going on in your life than just studying for the exam. Many hours will be dedicated to work and family time. So you must somehow fit quality study time into the schedule.
For most people, the best times to study are early in the morning, late in the evening, and on the weekends. That means you will likely have to give up some fun activities during those times, but at least it is for only a season.
What accounts for the low pass rates for Level 1 (when compared to Level 2 과 3)? Is there any trend upward or is it going to hover around the 43% rate?
Many people take the Level I exam just to try it out. 운수 나쁘게, that’s not an effective way to pass the Level I exam. There’s no real commitment to put in the time and effort necessary to prepare for the actual exam. Some candidates probably assume it will be as easy as their college exams—that’s just not the case.
The pass rate for Level II is not much different than Level I. Level II is a more difficult exam than Level I, and many of the candidates just aren’t prepared. Level III pass rates are higher, but still pretty close to 50%. But the competition for Level III is stiffer, so that more than offsets the higher pass rate.
The CFA® Institute wants to maintain the value in the designation. One way to do this is keeping the pass rates low. They’ve been pretty stable for the past decade, and I expect they will continue to stay in this range. [There are minor adjustments you may want to make when preparing for Level 1, Level 2 과 Level 3]
What is the typical career path for a CFA®?
I don’t think there is a “typical” career path for a Charterholder. The portion of the career spent studying for the exams is very small relative to the entire career. But, you don’t stop learning after you obtain the designation. The financial industry is constantly evolving, and you must keep pace to stay relevant.
As you progress through your career, you will likely migrate into various areas. That’s a big benefit of the CFA® Charterholder designation. It is valued in many financial functions, so it provides credibility for you as you move into different areas. [Learn how much CFA’s can make with our CFA® Salary Breakdown.
What are some unique study tips for CFA® exam candidates?
Many candidates spend too much time studying the material, and too little time studying the exam. You have to do both. Make sure you understand how they ask the questions on the exam. That will dictate how you need to learn the material.
Most of the exam questions test very specific concepts. They are not too involved, because you have time constraints (90 seconds per question on Level I). Don’t overcomplicate the questions.
Don’t try to master all the material. You will run out of time. You don’t have to know everything to pass the exam.
75% of CFA® Exam candidates use mock exams as their primary way to prepare for the CFA exam, and for good reason.
A good CFA® mock exam will help you become familiar with the structure and content of the exam, allow you to figure out what you still need to study, and give you an idea of how much time you will have for each question.
The more CFA® practice exams you take under similar conditions to those of the actual exam, the more comfortable and prepared you will feel on your official test day.
To skip ahead and see the complete CFA® mock exam provider rankings, click here.
Mock exams are often based on actual exams from previous years, so you will get a feel for the structure and types of questions that typically appear on the CFA® Exam. Being familiar with the content and structure of the exam will help you answer questions more quickly and accurately.
2. Learn Which Topics to Study
Certain topics are emphasized more than others and tend to appear more often on the exam. By taking mock exams, you will get a feel for which topics are tested more frequently and be able to concentrate your studies more on those areas.
3. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Practice exams will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you frequently tend to get a certain type of question wrong on your practice exam, you will know what to go back and study. You’ll also know which areas you’ve mastered, so you can save time by not spending any more time on those topics.
4. Retain and Apply Knowledge
Practice exams give you a chance to apply what you’ve studied. Many of us learn by repetition and use. You are more likely to remember what you’ve studied and be able to answer questions correctly if you practice them repeatedly.
5. Spread out Your Study Sessions
Research shows that “chunking” information while you are studying makes it easier to retain. By spacing out your studies and taking practice exams at regular intervals, you can study, take a practice test, see your progress, and go back to studying some more. This will help you avoid cramming at the last minute, which is much less effective.
6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Practice exams will make you feel more prepared on the day of the exam and reduce test-related anxiety. You won’t waste time reading instructions you already know or trying to figure out the structure and content of the test if you are already familiar with it from taking practice exams. Studying with many practice tests will also give you the experience to know if you need to move more quickly through questions, or if you are on track with your current pace.
How Many Mock CFA® Exams Should I Take?
As the saying goes: practice makes perfect. The more exams you take, the better, but we recommend you try your hand at least 5 or 6 시험, if not more! That may seem like a lot, but research shows that the more practice you get, the faster and better you will become at answering CFA® questions correctly, which is the key to passing the exam.
Most commercial review courses do not offer that many practice exams in their bundled course, but fortunately, you can buy mock exams individually or in sets from many test prep companies. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of companies that will let you purchase mock exams below.
CFA® Mock Exam Providers
There are several companies who offer CFA® practice exams along with the software to score and analyze your answers, simulate the actual test’s computer screen and the timing for each question, and help you identify areas of weakness that will require further study. Here are some of the best CFA® practice exams:
#1 – Analyst Prep Test Bank
Price: $129 – $149
CFA® Levels Covered: Level I, Level II
Number of Practice Questions: 1,500+ (premium version)
Format: 12 mini-mock exams in printable PDF format
Can you create custom practice exams? Quizzes can be customized.
Design & Content Evaluation of Online Test Bank: Analyst Prep offers a free trial as well as a premium version. For just over $100 you get access to over 3,000 practice questions, 4 full-length printable Level I mock exams (or 2 Level II mock exams), performance stats, video lessons, Q&A forum, curriculum summaries, formula sheets, and unlimited custom quizzes. Furthermore, you can keep it until you pass. The goal from the company’s founders was to create extremely affordable yet quality exam prep materials.
The user interface is extremely easy to use and the questions are organized by topic and were written by the company (you won’t find that they’ve appeared on previous CFA® exams). Additionally, users can compare their score with other users in their dashboard where they can also adjust their study schedule.
Bottom Line: Analyst Prep provides more than enough practice questions and exam simulations to ensure students are prepared to pass Level I or Level II of the CFA exam. And while they don’t offer Level III mock exams, they have plenty of supplementary study aids for this test as well.
Price: $49-$199 depending on access time. Choose from three days to unlimited access with various options in between, depending on how long you it.
CFA® Levels Offered: Level I, Level II, Level III
Number of Practice Questions: 3,000+ (Level I), 600+ (Level II), 11 Essay Questions (Level 3)
Format: Generate unlimited, custom practice exams and quizzes with the Exam Engine.
Can you create custom practice exams? Yes
Design & Content of Online Test Bank: AdaptPrep recommends you take at least 7 practice exams on which you score 70% or higher, which will get you an Earned Level of 7 (levels are based on your skill level and the difficulty of the exam). AdaptPrep states that this will give you the experience confidence to sit the exam and pass. You can customize the difficulty of the quizzes, and exams get more difficult as your scores improve.
Bottom Line: AdaptPrep earns its name by offering impressive adaptive learning technology implemented into their CFA mock exams. This allows for a nearly unlimited amount of practice quizzes and exams.
You’ve passed Level I of the CFA® 시험. 치하! 지금은 악명 높은 레벨 II에 대한 준비를 할 때입니다. The reputation of Level II can be quite intimidating since many candidates consider this to be the most challenging level of the CFA® 시험. 당신이 할 수있는 큰 실수는 레벨 I에 대한처럼 레벨 II 공부하는 것입니다. 이 다음 단계는 더 많은 재료를 커버하고 이전보다 더 준비해야. 그래서 당신이 전달할 수있는 레벨 II 효율적으로 준비하기 위해 아래에있는 내 도움말을 따라.
This is the most important step in order to pass any level of the CFA® 시험. 모두가 다른 학습 스타일 및 개인 / 작업 일정이. 당신은 공부를 시작하기 전에, 알아낼 것 CFA® test prep materials 당신이 사용하려는 당신이 공부를 따로 설정 얼마나 많은 시간 하루 계획. 예를 들면, 내 목표는 시험 한 달 전에 모든 자료를 읽고 마무리이었다. 내 연구 루틴은 약에 나왔다 5 주중에 시간 16-20 주말에 시간. 그 때까지는 나는 모든 자료를 읽어, 나는 연습 시험을 한 달 것. 얼마나 중요한지 나는 충분히 강조 할 수 없다 연습 시험 아르, 그래서 당신은 당신이 실수를하는 곳이 걸릴 배울 충분한 시간이 있는지 확인.
당신은 절반이보다 더있어! 그리고 당신은 단지 짐승 같은 수준을 이길했습니다 II. 그것은 바로 ... 여기에서 쉬워야한다? 레벨 II는 재료의 대부분의 금액을 가지고 있지만, 레벨 III는 여전히 자신의 과제를 제시. 난 당신이 마지막으로 당신의 CFA을 완료 할 수 있도록 지난 얻을 수 있도록 여기있어® 시험 과정.
After you get the news of failure, you should map out your months, weeks, and days down to the hour before you even start studying for the CFA® test again. Think about what you need to do differently the second time around. Did you spend too much time taking practice tests and not enough time learning the material? Or, did you just choose the wrong CFA® review course to begin with?
The ideal study schedule is unique for each person. It depends on your familiarity with the topics tested and your ability to perform well on exams. You certainly don’t want to study too little, but you also don’t want to study too much.
