CFA^® Program
Chartered Financial Analyst^® Program

1. Structure

All exams for Level 1 will be computer based testing.

The exam will consist of 180 questions over two sessions. There will also be an optional 30 minute break. Testing time will be 4.5 hours and candidates are advised to allow for a total appointment time of 5.5 hours.

For more information on the exam structure, please visit CFA Institute launch.

Entry requirements

To study the CFA Program, you must have a Bachelor's degree, or be completing the final year of your degree. Alternatively, you could have four years of relevant qualified work experience, or have a combination of work and university experience from the last four years.

Additionally, you must meet the CFA Program professional conduct admission criteria, have a valid passport and be able to take your exams in English.

Eligibility must be checked with the CFA Institute launch.

Syllabus

The CFA Program curriculum is focused on ten key topics which increase in complexity at each of the three levels: ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management and wealth planning.

Level 1 focuses on understanding the tools and concepts related to investment valuation and portfolio management.

Below is a syllabus overview detailing each topic and their approximate exam weighting.

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For more information please visit the CFA Institute website launch.

2.  Study packages

Whatever your learning style, we have a study package for you.

Do you prefer structured learning? We offer classroom, live online or a blended approach. Or do you prefer self study? Then we offer a distance learning package where you can study at your own pace.

Our flexible study packages have been designed to maximise your time, keep you on track, and help you pass your exam. Whichever study package you choose, you’ll receive high quality Schweser study materials, recordings, and continuous support right up to your exam. To see which study package is best for you, please see our infographic launch.

Study methods available for this qualification

expand_more Study method comparison table

Or you can choose an individual revision course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.

Timetables - Classroom and Live Online

Classroom tuition courses take place over six days (from 9-5pm) or 14 evenings (from 6-9pm). Classroom revision courses take place over five days (from 9-5pm) or 10 evenings (from 6-9pm).

We offer a wide variety of classroom tuition and revision dates covering weekday, evening, and weekend options. You can also “mix and match” course dates between classroom groups, if required, in order to avoid missing a classroom date due to an unexpected commitment.

date_rangeView timetables

Optional extras

We offer a number of optional extras that can be beneficial as part of your studies:

Inhouse training

Our public classroom courses run in central London. Like many of our courses, we can also offer these courses inhouse for your team or organisation. Please contact us on 020 7920 3060 or email us at citybookings@kaplan.co.uk to find out more about how we can help train your team.

3. Exams, sittings and resits

Exams

The exams are computer based testing and run four times a year. For more information on the frequency of sittings please refer to CFA Institute launch.

You’ll need to register with the CFA Institute® launch for exam entry with the cost of the exam depending on the date of registration. There is also a one-time program enrolment fee when you register for Level 1 of the CFA Program for the first time.

Exam results are available within 60 days of the exam date. All candidates receive a “pass” or “did not pass” result as well as details as to performance per topic.

You’ll need to pass Level 1 of the CFA Program before registering for the next level. There is no limit to the number of times you can take each exam, and you can take as much time as you need to complete the program.

How long does it take to pass?

The examining body recommends around 300 hours of study for each level in the CFA charter, although some candidates will need more or less time, depending on their individual backgrounds and experience.

It is possible to complete the CFA Program in two years but with a recommended study time of 300 hours per level, it takes most people three to four years to complete all of the levels.

What are the pass rates like?

Passing Level 1 takes dedication and commitment. Of those who took the exam in December 2019 the CFA Institute reported that the global pass rate was 42%. As a prep provider, we are not able to report our own pass rates in accordance with CFA Institute guidelines.

What CFA resits are available?

We do everything we can to help you pass your CFA exam first time. However, should you need a second chance, then don’t worry. With Pass Protection, there are lots of ways we can support you as you prepare for your exam resit. For further information, please refer to our pass protection policy launch.

picture_as_pdf CFA Resit Enrolment Form 2022

Can Kaplan help if I fail an exam but studied with another provider?

If you have failed elsewhere with an approved prep provider, we'd like to help save you some money. We're pleased to be able to offer you 50% off our study packages. You'll just need to send us an invoice from your previous prep provider.

Register now for 50% off

4. Study Materials and Delivery Costs

We offer a comprehensive range of study materials to enhance your learning experience. They’ve been designed to keep you on track and stay motivated on your learning journey. These include hard copy books as well as online resources on Schweser’s study portal.

Classroom, Blended, Live Online and Distance Learning packages all come with core materials, including:

• Getting Started Guide

  Explains how to use the resources effectively to maximise your chance of passing the exam.

• Schweser Online Study Portal

  Includes dashboard with activity feed and performance metrics

• Schweser Online Mock Exam 1 – 4

  Practice taking the computer-based test before exam day with the online Schweser mock exam. This realistic exam simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam.

• SchweserNotes ^™

  Clear, concise study notes and examples that cover every learning outcome statement (downloadable as eBooks as well as in print). These notes also include module quizzes and topic assessments which can demonstrate your level of mastery of a topic and where you need to focus additional attention.

• Quicksheet

  A compact study tool summarising key formulae, definitions and concepts (available online, downloadable as an eBook as well as in print).

• SchweserNotes videos

  Reference videos to supplement the Schweser Study Notes. For every learning outcome statement there is a short video where a tutor guides a student through the content and explains how to solve the examples.

• SchweserPro^™ QBank

  Thousands of online practice questions designed to assess and adapt to your understanding of the curriculum.

• Schweser Checkpoint Exams

  Three key tests that you will be prompted to work through online during your studies. These mimic the difficulty and format of the actual exam. Performance reports then highlight your understanding and weak areas where more review is needed.

• Schweser's Secret Sauce^®

  Take this compact book anywhere you go, printed or eBook, for a concise review of the CFA Program curriculum. Secret Sauce provides insights and exam tips on how to effectively prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day.

Additional materials come with the following packages:

• Classroom, Blended and Live Online keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down
  • Tuition classroom recordings
  • Revision classroom recordings
  • Tuition course slides
  • Mindmaps and Q&A book
• Distance Learning keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down
  • OnDemand Tuition with Workbooks
  • Online Revision with Workbooks

Delivery costs

Materials are delivered to the address you provide us (and must be signed for on delivery). For detailed information on delivery prices please refer to our delivery page.

5. Kaplan Schweser online study portal

Kaplan Schweser’s online portal provides access to a wide variety of resources to help you prepare for your exams. It also hosts all our online tuition and revision classes.

Online features

Depending on the study package you choose, features can include the following:

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  View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
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  Take the guesswork out of your study plan with strategically placed weekly tasks
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  Track your performance against that of other candidates
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  Complete tests and get instant feedback
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  Access on mobile, tablet and computer

For more information on technical support available and minimum system requirements for Kaplan Schweser’s online portal, visit the Schweser portal technical support launch.

Access duration

You can access your content from 48 working hours of purchase (subject to availability) until your examination date.

6. Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need within 48 working hours.

• Email: citybookings@kaplan.co.uk
• Phone: 020 7920 3060

We are open weekdays (excluding bank holidays) 9:00am to 5:30pm. In addition, our classroom tutors will provide you with their personal contact details.

7. Testing and mocks

Vital to passing your exam will be attempting as many questions and mocks as possible. Depending on your chosen package, you will gain:

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  SchweserPro™ QBank

  Access to thousands of questions in the SchweserPro™ QBank. Adaptive and personalised technology has taken our world-renowned QBank study tool to the next level. Question difficulty adapts to a student's ability on a given topic, measuring their knowledge and keeping them motivated as they move through the content.

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  Checkpoint exams

  Three key tests that you will be prompted to work through online during your studies. These mimic the difficulty and format of the actual exam. Performance reports then highlight your understanding and weak areas where more review is needed.

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  Schweser Online Mock Exam (1 – 4)

  Four practice taking the computer-based test before exam day with the online Schweser mock exam. This realistic exam simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the actual CFA exam.

As well as the material included in your study package we also have another two additional Schweser mocks. These can be purchased with your study package or when you get closer to your revision stage.

Additional Schweser Online Mocks

You can now practice the computer-based test before your exam by using the Online Schweser Mock Exam. It’s a realistic exam that simulates the interface, format, difficulty, and length of the exam. It’ll help you develop your test-taking skills, identify your weak areas, and show you just how much you’ve learnt. After taking the mock exam, you can see how well you scored and compare your score to other candidates. You can review answer explanations and drill deeper into each question with the addition of our mock exam tutorial videos.

After the mock, many candidates also take the opportunity of a final 1-2-1 meeting with their tutor. You can find information about our mocks and 1-2-1s in our comparison table.

picture_as_pdf 2022 Study package comparison

8. Course pricing and funding options

Pricing structure

Below are our study package prices. The only additional costs will be delivery and if you decide to purchase any optional extras.

picture_as_pdf 2022 Study package comparison

Save 10% on August and November 2022 Classroom and Blended study packages if you book online by 18th May 2022. Your saving will be applied automatically upon checkout.

Funding options

Employer sponsored ›

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you’re already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You’ll need to speak to them to see if you’re eligible and confirm that they’re happy to pay for your studies.

Payment plans ›

Our CFA packages are covered with our interest-free payment plan, providing the total cost is £500 minimum (including VAT). The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over a period of up to 12 months, with no extra costs.

How to enrol

The quickest way to enrol is to select your course online. You can also call us on 020 7920 3060 or enrol with a form which you can download, fill out your details and email to citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.

picture_as_pdf Download 2022 enrolment form