CFA® Exam Blog
Updated:Oct. 4, 2023
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100% of the time.
We believe everybody should be able to make online purchases with confidence. And while our website doesn’t feature every test prep company or review course in the universe, we’re proud that the advice we offer and the information we provide is accurate, truthful, objective - and entirely free.
So how do we actually make money? It’s simple, our partners compensate us. While this may influence which products we review and write about, and where they show up on the site, it absolutely does not influence our recommendations or guidance, which are formed by hundreds of hours of research and analysis. Check out our partners here.
What’s the bottom line? We’re on your team and are passionate about helping you achieve your career goals, even if it means we don’t make a dime.
CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of CrushTheFinancialAnalystExam.com. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.
2023 FRM Exam Dates
/in FRM /by Rupert JonesIf your work involves risk management in financial markets, the FRM certification can give your career a boost. Financial Risk Managers are in demand across the world. Banks, financial institutions, and other organizations highly value their skills and knowledge of intricate risk models. What makes a certified FRM so special? To gain the certification, you need to pass two rigorous exams: FRM Exam Part I: This is offered twice a year. The exam dates are in…
Your 2023 CFA® Exam Schedule (and Infographics)
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesThere are a lot of dates to keep track of when you are preparing to take the CFA® Exam. We’ve made infographics below that detail the timeline for registering and paying for your exam. The CFA® Exam includes three levels spread out into three exams. CFA Level I has three different testing dates. CFA Level II has three different testing dates. There are only two testing windows to choose from for CFA Level III. There…
Wiley vs Kaplan Schweser CFA: The Definitive Comparison Guide
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesWith Wiley’s recent merger into UWorld, the future landscape of their CFA® prep material remains ambiguous. As prospective students weigh their options, it’s crucial to be vigilant and stay updated on any curriculum or platform modifications. Given these uncertainties and the potential changes post-acquisition, we advise caution when considering Wiley for CFA® preparation. Instead, we suggest exploring Kaplan as a more stable and reliable alternative. Take Me To Kaplan Schweser CFA CFA test prep courses…
Wiley CFA® Review vs Fitch Learning
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesWith Wiley’s recent acquisition by UWorld, there’s uncertainty about the future direction and offerings of the CFA® prep material. Prospective students may need to exercise caution and stay informed about any changes to the curriculum or platform. Given these potential shifts and the unpredictability post-acquisition, we cannot confidently recommend Wiley for CFA® preparation at this time. Which CFA exam prep course is better, Wiley CFA Review or Fitch Learning CFA Review? In this head-to-head comparison,…
Wiley CFA® Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesCRUSH RATING: Wiley CFA Review is among the most popular CFA® study materials out there— but is it a good resource to help you pass this difficult test? Read my full review below to find out! With Wiley’s recent acquisition by UWorld, there’s uncertainty about the future direction and offerings of the CFA® prep material. Prospective students may need to exercise caution and stay informed about any changes to the curriculum or platform as we can…
Which Jobs are Open to CFA® Candidates?
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesIt’s easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel if we understand exactly from where that illumination comes. In other words, knowing what jobs are open to CFA® charterholders makes studying for the levels of the exam a little easier. I passed each section of the CFA®, but I knew WHY I was taking the test in the first place. I had a role at my company for which I wanted to…
What Are the Differences Between the CFA® Exam Levels?
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesTo become a CFA®, you must pass Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam®. You will be tested on a range of topics that are relevant to the coveted position. But what exactly are the differences in terms of structure and material between the different CFA exam levels? CFA® Level 1 The first CFA® exam you must take is 6 hours long and is broken up into two three hours sessions–…
Top 3 Reasons To Become a CFA®
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesIf you’re interested in a career in finance, you have a lot of options for financial certifications that can boost your career path. However, many of these certifications are expensive and may be specific to the United States. If you’re looking for a cost-effective certification that will give you global recognition and a deep understanding of finance, you may consider becoming a CFA®. We have outlined the top 3 reasons you should consider the certified…
The Princeton Review CFA® Prep Course Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesOverview of The Princeton Review CFA® The Princeton Review CFA® prep course has been a trusted name in education for over 35 years. With a team of qualified instructors and well-designed study materials, they have helped countless students pass their CFA® exams. Any aspiring investors and financial advisors know how important a CFA® credential can be for their career. Passing this 3 part test proves to the world that you have an intimate understanding of…
Series 7 Exam Pass Rate: How Hard is the Series 7?
/in FINRA Exam /by Rupert JonesThe Series 7 is a tough exam, and the pass rate reflects that. At present, the overall pass rate is 65%. That means that nearly four out of every ten people who take the exam fail. The good news is that the pass rate has been trending upward in recent years. In 2015, the Series 7 pass rate was just 57%. So there’s been an eight percentage point increase over the last seven years. Still,…
Salt Solutions CFA® Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesWhen it comes to earning your Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) certification, you need the best CFA® study materials available. Unfortunately, many common CFA® exam prep courses and platforms are overwhelming, difficult to navigate through, or don’t give you the materials you need to succeed. Salt Solutions CFA® is different. This one-of-a-kind comprehensive platform is the only tool you’ll need to pass the CFA® exam with flying colors. And best of all–their CFA Level I is…
Most Commonly Asked CFA® Exam Questions with Mike Carmody
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesWe 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…
Let’s Examine the CFA® Scoring System
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesYou finished taking your first level of the CFA® exam, now what? You’re probably have tons of questions about how the exam is scored and when you’ll know your results. These are all valid questions and frustratingly complicated to find direct answers. Your CFA® exam result will either be a pass or did not pass. Seems simple enough, but what determines a not passing score and who’s calling the shots? Let’s check out what goes…
Kaplan CFA® Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesCRUSH RATING: Kaplan CFA® offers a comprehensive suite of prep courses for the CFA® exam. You can choose from various online or in-person options, or combine an online review course with a 3-day or 5-day live classroom review session (where available). Kaplan’s longstanding success and reputation in test preparation will not disappoint those attempting to pass this challenging series of exams. A full complement of study guides, workbooks, online materials, practice questions, explanations, study plans, a…
How to Recover From CFA® Exam Failure
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert Jones“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%, and 53% for levels I,…
How to Pass the CFA® Level 2 Exam
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesYou’ve passed Level I of the CFA® exam. Congratulations! Now it’s time to get ready for the notorious Level II. The reputation of Level II can be quite intimidating since many candidates consider this to be the most challenging level of the CFA® exam. A big mistake you can make is to study for Level II like you did for Level I. This next level covers much more material and you need to be more…
How to Pass The CFA Level 1 Exam In 2023
/in CFA Exam Tips, CFA Information /by Rupert JonesYou’ve decided you are ready to take on the challenge of the CFA® exam and become a Chartered Financial Analyst. Make sure you have thought this through because it’s going to be a tough couple years. Even though only 20% of the people who take Level I make it all the way to the end and earn their CFA charter, there is no secret to passing the exam. You will need an organized and disciplined…
How to Pass CFA® Level 3 Exam
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesYou’re more than halfway there! And you’ve just beat the the beastly Level II. It should be easy from here…right? While Level II has the most amount of material, Level III still presents its own challenges. I’m here to help you get past these so you can finally complete your CFA® exam process. Don’t Lose Focus Now After years of self-motivated studying, your mental strength to keep going is not as strong as it used…
How to Get a CFA Exam Passing Score In 2023
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesThe CFA exam is one of the most difficult exams out there. And if you’re not prepared, you’ll not pass or receive a CFA charter. With CFA historical pass rates averaging around 40 percent for years, it’s safe to say that it takes more than basic knowledge of CFA concepts to become a charterholder. Even those who study for the test for months fail. So, where do most people go wrong? In a Reddit thread…
How Much Does it Cost to Get a CFA®
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesSure, you know the many benefits that come from being a CFA®, but do you know the exact cost associated with getting to that point? Well, we may not be able to pin down an exact cost, but we can come pretty close. There are a lot of intangibles that could affect the overall price of the CFA journey, but we can outline the basics for you. Before we dive into the rudimentary numbers, you…
How Long Does It Take to Pass All Three Levels of CFA® Exam?
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesBefore 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…
How Hard is the CFA Exam Levels I, II, and III?
/in CFA Exam Tips /by James EdgeRemember the days when a mere bachelor’s degree in finance would set you apart? In today’s competitive world, the CFA® charter is what differentiates novices from experts. So, for anyone thinking of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA® ), the question that inevitably pops up is, “How hard is the CFA® exam, really?” While each person’s experience varies, there’s a consensus that the CFA®, with its three exams, is among the most challenging in the…
FRM vs CFA®
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesThere are many opportunities if you are interested in building a career in the world of finance. The FRM® and and the CFA® are two top certifications in the financial industry that are internationally recognized. Attaining these rigorous certifications can improve your chances of rising to the top of your field, but which qualification is best for you? To help you decide, we have summarized the differences between these two certifications and the main reasons for…
Fitch Learning CFA® Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesCRUSH RATING: Fitch Learning CFA Exam Review offers a comprehensive prep course for all 3 levels of the CFA® exam. Choose from multiple learning packages to customize your learning experience and study more effectively. Various options include classroom learning, e-learning, and video courses, in addition to stellar user support and 24-7 help desk access. Fitch Learning’s most attractive feature is the promise of up to 400 hours of student support. You can contact customer support by…
CFA® vs MBA
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesCFA® or MBA, which is better? This is a question many business professionals ask themselves when they are mapping out their career paths. The answer to this question depends on many factors, including your professional goals, background, and resources. It’s important to know the difference between a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) because both require a significant investment of your time and money. Differences between the CFA® and MBA CFA®…
CFA® vs CPA
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesCFA® vs CPA, which one is better? The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designations are two of the most sought-after credentials in the financial field. Many investment management and financial professionals choose to pursue these qualifications because they want to improve their career options, get promoted, or make more money. Each career path has distinct differences in educational requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities. The best way to choose which certification to pursue…
CFA® Salary Breakdown
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesIn considering whether to pursue a professional degree or qualification, two key factors often influence the decision: bettering your career prospects and earning a greater income. There is some consensus that, after a certain point in your life, the position and the job profile matter more than the salary. This is true to a certain extent, but salary remains an important consideration in any career field. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) program is one of…
CFA® Requirements
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesThose looking for an edge in the competitive world of finance should consider the benefits of obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) credential. Earning the globally-recognized CFA® charter demonstrates a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills used in investment analysis and decision making. The CFA® credential is considered the gold standard in the field of investment management. Many CFA® charter holders go on to have successful careers as portfolio managers or research analysts at hedge…
CFA® Mock Exams and Practice Tests (Top 3 of 2023)
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesLooking for the best CFA® mock exam options? You’ll need them! The CFA® exam is extremely difficult— over the past 2 years, less than half of all takers have passed each level of this 3-part exam, according to data gathered by the CFA® Institute. This doesn’t mean that passing is impossible; all it means is that you should take your CFA® exam preparation seriously. A good CFA® mock exam will help you become familiar with…
CFA® Exam FAQs
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesThe 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…
CFA Pass Rates and Historical Scores (Updated 2023)
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesThe CFA® is a notoriously tough test, and when it comes to average pass rates, historical numbers aren’t encouraging. For years, CFA® exam pass rates have hovered around 40 percent, with the CFA® Institute revealing that, on average, only 4 out of 10 students who sit down for the test walk away with passing CFA® exam results. Those who do pass have to put in a lot of time and study effort. But it’s so…
Bloomberg CFA® Exam Prep Review
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesCRUSH RATING: Bloomberg CFA Exam Prep has delved deep into its bank of financial and technical resources to produce one of the top CFA® review courses on the market. Their coursecomes with one-on-one tutoring and targeted micro-lessons. This course is so optimized for potential CFA exam passage that Bloomberg offers an unmatched pass insurance. This is a decent course for you if you want to save time, guarantee success, and use the best available test-prep technology and tools…
Bionic Turtle FRM Review
/in FRM /by Rupert JonesRATING: ★★★★★ Bionic Turtle was one of the first FRM preparation providers to instruct with videos and e-learning tools. Founded by David Harper in 2004, the owner continues to write practice exam questions and tests them out on the world’s most active FRM forum that Bionic Turtle has developed. The company’s goal is to provide high quality materials at a reasonable price. The study planner, study notes, instructional videos, practice questions and student forum deliver a well-rounded package…
Best Songs on Spotify for Studying
/in CFA Exam Tips /by Rupert JonesFor some people, music is a hindrance to studying. For the rest of us, however, 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…
Best Series 7 Study Materials
/in FINRA Exam /by Rupert JonesIf you’re preparing for the Series 7 Exam, you probably feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of study materials, prep courses, and practice exams. You’ll want to make sure that your hard-earned money is being used wisely to properly prepare you for your future in the financial sector. But finding the best Series 7 study materials isn’t the most stress-free process. Are you feeling the pressure yet? Well, don’t!We have researched the best Series 7 Exam…
Best Series 65 Exam Prep & Study Guides
/in FINRA Exam /by Rupert JonesEver heard the joke about the future investment advisor who walked into an exam room? Neither did we, because they were too busy acing the Series 65 with the right prep course! If you’re busy preparing to pass the FINRA Series 65 licensing exam, you may be wondering which exam prep to purchase. This is one of the first steps in your journey to becoming an investment advisor. Designed by the North American Securities Administrators…
Best Series 63 Study Guides and Exam Prep
/in FINRA Exam /by Rupert JonesStudying and passing the Series 63 exam is no easy task. Luckily these prep courses are designed to help prepare you for the actual test. You can do this by using tools like practice tests, self-study package options, and other course materials tailored to your learning style–and of course, study guides. Reviews of the Best Series 63 Study Materials Compare the best FINRA Series 63 Guides of below. #1: Securities Institute of America: Best Series…
Best FRM Exam Prep Courses
/in FRM /by Rupert JonesThe first step to becoming a Financial Risk Manager is finding a high-quality FRM course. You will be spending dozens of hours studying with it, so it’s critical to find one that matches your personal learning style. We have reviewed all the major FRM exam prep courses on the market so you don’t have to! The comparison chart below will help you find the FRM study materials that best fit your needs. 5 Best FRM Prep Courses of…
Best CIMA Study Materials
/in CIMA /by Rupert JonesThe Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation is a great way to prove to employers that you’re a qualified investment consultant or financial advisor. It can have tremendous benefits to your career as well— one study found that over 80% of CIMA own their practices. However, earning that certification is a lot of work. You’ll need to study hard and pass the CIMA exam before you can start applying your designation to your work. Luckily…
Best CFA® Prep Courses & Study Materials In 2023
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesOur pick for the Best CFA Study Materials is Analyst Prep CFA® Go to Analyst Prep now or see the full list below. Choosing the right CFA® exam prep course is an important first step towards earning a Chartered Financial Analyst certification. That’s because you need to choose a course that suits your learning style and reinforces your weaknesses. When you consider that typical CFA® pass rates are between 40% and 50%, you can see that…
Best CFA® Level 3 Study Materials: 2023 Exam Prep
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesAre you ready to ace your final exam day and become a Chartered Financial Analyst? Well, if you don’t have the best CFA® Level 3 study materials, you’re not. For most candidates, Level 3 is the final and most difficult step in earning your CFA® certification. By passing the CFA® Level III exam, you’ll prove that you have what it takes to be highly regarded and distinguished in the finance industry. Unfortunately, most CFA® candidates…
Best CFA® Level 2 Study Materials – 2023 Exam Prep
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesThe CFA® exam consists of three sequential exams. Each one covers different concepts and asks you to display different skills. However, it’s commonly accepted that Level 2 is the most difficult of all the tests— only 55% of takers pass it on their first try. Because of that, you’ll want to make sure that you take a good prep course to prepare for it. There are many CFA® exam prep courses to choose from, but…
Apptuto CFA® Reviews
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesAnalystPrep FRM & CFA Review
/in CFA Courses, FRM /by Rupert JonesAnalystPrep: It seems that there’s always some additional task or certification for Financial professionals. Whether you have to pass a certification exam or pursue courses to continue your professional education, finding a place to prepare you for these career milestones can be just as much work as the job you’re trying to pursue. But where do you start your search? How do you know that you’ve found the best options available to you? Don’t worry,…
Analyst Prep Promo Codes (CFA & FRM Discounts)
/in CFA Courses /by Rupert JonesAre you preparing for CFA I, CFA II, or CFA III exams? Analyst Prep’s highly-ranked CFA test prep platform may be just what you need to ensure that you pass with flying colors. The same is true for those studying for an FRM exam. FRM part I and FRM part II study programs are offered through Analyst Prep as well. If you’re looking for an Analyst Prep discount code to make investing in an exam…
About Me
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesWho is Rupert Jones? Hi! I’m Rupert, a finance advisor and fierce advocate of the FIRE movement. I studied finance in university and formerly held a CFA charter before switching gears to write, advise clients, and manage my investments. I was only able to achieve financial independence at such a young age because I was an avid reader. I sought advice from books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Freakonomics by Steven Levitt…
6 Best FMVA Certification Courses of 2023
/in FMI Exam /by Rupert JonesAnyone interested in finance should seriously consider a career in financial planning and analysis (FP&A). It’s an incredibly lucrative accounting profession that can net you a six figure income in a few years, and can even lead to a C-suite position with enough time. Of course, a career path as appealing as this one will have a lot of competition, so earning a related certification is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates.…
6 Best Financial Certifications That Have the Best ROI
/in CFA Information /by Rupert JonesChoosing the right financial certification can be tough if you don’t know what you’re getting into. Many financial certifications claim to improve your career prospects, but they cost exorbitant amounts of time and money to earn. That’s why you need to understand the best certifications for your finance that will give you a good return on your investment. I’ve gone ahead and calculated the costs and benefits of the 6 most popular financial certifications. This…