1. Structure
Level 1 of the CFA exam consists of 240 equally weighted questions which are mandatory and examined by a paper-and-pencil, multiple choice exam. The questions are split equally among two three-hour sessions taking place on the same day.
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
Below is a syllabus overview detailing each topic and their approximate exam weighting.
| Level 1 topic |
Approximate exam weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards |
15% |
| Quantitative Methods |
10% |
| Economics |
10% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis |
15% |
| Corporate Finance |
10% |
| Equity Investments |
11% |
| Fixed Income |
11% |
| Derivatives |
6% |
| Alternative Investments |
6% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning |
6% |
Ethical and Professional Standards
You’ll be introduced to the role of ethics in the investment profession and be presented with a framework to support ethical decision-making. You’ll explore the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS).
Quantitative Methods
- Basic Concepts: learn about basic quantitative concepts and techniques used in financial analysis and investment decision. These include: the time value of money, discounted cash flow applications, statistical concepts and market returns and probability concepts.
- Application: introduces you to the common probability distributions used to describe the behavior of random variables, such as asset prices and returns. It also explores sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing and technical analysis.
Economics
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics: learn fundamental concepts of demand and supply analysis for individual consumers and firms, the firm and market structures, aggregate output, prices and economic growth and how to understand business cycles.
- Monetary and Fiscal Policy, International Trade, and Currency Exchange Rates: explore monetary and fiscal policy, including how central banks and governments use them, as well as international trade, capital flows, and currency exchange rates.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- An Introduction: learn about the main information sources used to evaluate a company’s financial performance, and financial reporting mechanics and standards.
- Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements: this subject addresses the three major financial statements; the income statement, the balance sheet and cash flow statement and examines financial analysis techniques.
- Inventories, Long-lived Assets, Income Taxes, and Non-current Liabilities: learn about financial reporting for specific categories of assets and liabilities. Inventories, long-lived assets, income taxes and non-current liabilities are reviewed in more detail because of their effect on financial statements and reported measures of profitability, liquidity, and solvency.
- Financial Reporting Quality and Financial Statement Analysis: introduces the concept of financial reporting quality, warning signs of poor or low quality reporting and applications to analyse financial reporting so you can make future forecasts.
Corporate Finance
- Corporate Governance, Capital Budgeting, and Cost of Capital: understand the basics of corporate governance and investing and financing decisions, such as capital budgeting and the cost of capital.
- Leverage and Working Capital Management: examine how companies make use of leverage and manage their working capital to meet short-term operational needs. Multiple types of leverage (operating, financial, total), measures of leverage, and how leverage affects a company’s earnings and financial ratios are discussed.
Equity Investments
- Market Organization, Market Indexes, and Market Efficiency: this session provides a structural overview of financial markets and their operating characteristics, laying the foundations for Levels 2 and 3.
- Equity Analysis and Valuation: building from the previous session, you’ll focus on the characteristics, analysis, and valuation of equity securities. You’ll learn multiple industry classification approaches for global equities and useful frameworks for conducting industry and individual company analysis. Present value, multiplier, and asset based equities are examined in detail.
Fixed Income
- Basic Concepts: introduces the qualities of fixed-income securities, fixed-income markets, and provides introductions to fixed-income valuation and asset-backed securities.
- Analysis of Risk: examine the fundamental elements underlying bond returns and risks with a specific focus on interest rate and credit risk.
Derivatives
This session builds the conceptual framework for understanding the basic derivatives and derivative markets. Essential features and valuation concepts for forward commitments such as forwards, futures, and swaps and contingent claims such as options are also introduced.
Alternative Investments
Gain an overview of the more widely used alternative investments, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, commodities, and infrastructure investment.
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning
This session provides an overview of portfolio management in regards to investments. It also explores risk management and the risks associated with portfolios and returns, and teaches you the basics of portfolio planning and construction.
Buy now
For more information please visit the CFA Institute website launch.
2. Study methods
Do you prefer face-to-face classroom courses with a tutor, or studying using distance learning that fits around your work and home commitments?
Our study methods have been designed to maximise your time and help you pass your exam. Whichever study method you choose, you’ll receive high quality resources and continuous support right up to your exam.
To see which study method is best for you, please see our infographic.
Study methods available for this qualification
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Study method comparison table
people
people
Classroom Enhanced
Our recommended and most popular package including classroom tuition and classroom revision integrated with Kaplan Schweser study materials. This package gives you a wide range of tools for exam success.
£2,405.00
(£2,045.00
excl. VAT)
laptop
people
Blended Enhanced
Package combining live online tuition and classroom revision study options with Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,959.00
(£1,725.00
excl. VAT)
people
Tuition Plus
Classroom tuition course and Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,655.00
(£1,450.00
excl. VAT)
laptop
laptop
Distance Learning
Study at your own pace with live online tuition and revision classes. This package offers maximum flexibility for independent study and comes with integrated Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,095.00
(VAT not applicable)
Or you can choose an individual tuition or revision classroom course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.
Tuition only
Classroom tuition without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,210.00
(£1,025.00
excl. VAT)
Revision only
Classroom revision without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,290.00
(£1,075.00
excl. VAT)
Timetables - Classroom and Live Online
Classroom tuition courses take place over 6 days (from 9-5pm) or 14 evenings (from 6-9pm). Live online tuition classes take place over 15 sessions of 3 hours each. Classroom revision courses take place over 5 days (from 9-5pm) or 12 evenings (from 6-8:30pm).
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
Don’t forget, if you’re studying towards the June sitting and would like additional study time, you can choose our ’Early Start’ option. You’ll receive 9 months of study time and start 3 months sooner than most candidates. This will give you extra time to prepare for your exams and is ideal for anyone with busy schedules.
location_on Classroom location
We have classes in London and Edinburgh:
For further information on mainland European classes, see our partner website Top Finance.
Optional extras
We offer a number of optional extras that can be beneficial as part of your studies:
Core Elements online: Financial Reporting
This online course is ideal if you need to build or refresh your knowledge of key Financial Reporting concepts before you start Level 1 of the CFA Program.
£50.00
(VAT not applicable)
Core Elements online: Financial Mathematics
This online course is ideal if you need to build or refresh your knowledge of key Financial Mathematics concepts before you start Level 1 of the CFA Program.
£50.00
(VAT not applicable)
Schweser Mock Exam 2
A fully invigilated mock exam that helps you to replicate the exam hall experience. At the end of the exam, you’ll then be given full solutions to take away. You’ll also receive online question and technique debriefs to help you to identify specific areas to work on.
£78.00
(£65.00
excl. VAT)
1-2-1 tutor sessions
A one hour 1-2-1 meeting with your tutor, either at our training location or online, within the last two weeks leading up to your exam. You can get your final questions answered before the exam day.
£66.00
(£55.00
excl. VAT)
MindMap and Q&A Book
Gain extra confidence ahead of the exam with the MindMap and Q&A books. The MindMap book boils down the core points of each study session into a handy revision book - ensuring you’ve covered all of the Learning Outcome Statements.
The Q&A book will help you to work through exam standard questions to help retain your knowledge. Each question has a detailed solution and will take you through step-by-step calculations and supporting concepts.
Please note, these revision materials are already included for students who are attending a revision or distance learning course.
£402.00
(£335.00
excl. VAT)
Secret Sauce
A compact book providing insights and exam tips on how to effectively prepare and apply your knowledge on exam day (downloadable as an eBook as well as in print).
£99.00
(VAT not applicable)
Inhouse training
Our public classroom courses run in central London and Edinburgh. 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
There are two exam sittings per year, in June and December. 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 between 2009 and 2018, the average pass rate as reported by the CFA Institute was 41%.
How can Kaplan help if I fail an exam?
We do all we can to help you to pass the exam. However, if you don't pass first time then don't worry. There are a lots of ways we can support you. What you will be entitled to will depend on the last study package you purchased with us.
What CFA resits are available?
We do all we can to help you to pass the exam. However, if you don't pass first time then there is no need to worry.
There are lots of ways we can support you which will depend on the last study package you purchased with us. Below we have outlined what you could be entitled to.
Not sure what package you studied? Here’s a reminder:
Classroom Enhanced and Blended Enhanced - Attended classroom/online tuition and classroom revision with Schweser study materials supplied from Kaplan
Tuition Plus - Attended classroom tuition and used Schweser study materials supplied from Kaplan
Distance Learning - Attended online tuition and online revision with Schweser study materials supplied from Kaplan
Tuition only and Revision only - Attended a classroom course but didn’t receive Schweser study materials supplied from Kaplan.
Simply select the package you studied to find out more.
Course resit
Lifetime Pass Guarantee
What you’re entitled to: A free weekday daytime revision course until you have passed your exam.
Terms and Conditions:
- Have an attendance record of at least 90% for both tuition and revision. This will be based on your signature on our class registers and/or the time you logged into online classes when using the online study portal
- You’ll need to take your resit in the next available sitting
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
If you fail your resit then to qualify for the Lifetime Pass Guarantee again:
- You’ll need an attendance record of 100% of the free resit revision course
- An exam sitting can’t be missed. To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
Please note, if you don’t meet our ‘Lifetime Pass Guarantee’ terms and conditions or you want to attend a weekend or evening revision course then you can receive the following under our Pass Assurance resit offer:
- 50% off a revision course
- 50% off a tuition course
Terms and conditions of the Pass Assurance offer:
- Offer can only be used once
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
Material resit
The Schweser Commitment
What you’re entitled to: The same online material package for the next exam sitting for free.Alternatively hard copy material is available however there is an additional charge for delivery.
Terms and Conditions:
- You’ll need to answer at least 50% of the available online questions from your QBank, Practice Exams, Topic Assessments and Checkpoint Exams. Your performance tracker dashboard will turn from red to green when your ‘Questions Used’
shows at least 50%
- It’s only valid for the next available exam sitting
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
If you haven’t answered 50% of the available questions online then you can order the same material again at a 50% discount (prices are fixed to a sterling rate with the discount applied) for the next available exam sitting. Please refer to the resit enrolment form for prices.
Resit enrolment form
Course resit
Pass Assurance
What you’re entitled to: 50% off a tuition and/or revision course.
Terms and Conditions:
- The offer can only be used once
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
Material resit offerings
The Schweser Commitment
What you’re entitled to: The same online material package for the next exam sitting for free. Alternatively hard copy material is available however there is an additional charge for delivery.
Terms and Conditions:
- You’ll need to answer at least 50% of the available online questions from your QBank, Practice Exams, Topic Assessments and Checkpoint Exams. Your performance tracker dashboard will turn from red to green when your ‘Questions Used’
shows at least 50%
- It’s only valid for the next available exam sitting
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
If you haven’t answered 50% of the available questions online then you can order the same material again at a 50% discount (prices are fixed to a sterling rate with the discount applied) for the next available exam sitting. Please refer to the resit enrolment form for prices.
Resit enrolment form
The Schweser Commitment
What you’re entitled to: The same online material package for the next exam sitting for free. Alternatively hard copy material is available however there is an additional charge for delivery.
Terms and Conditions:
- You’ll need to answer at least 50% of the available online questions from your QBank, Practice Exams, Topic Assessments and Checkpoint Exams. Your performance tracker dashboard will turn from red to green when your ‘Questions Used’
shows at least 50%
- It’s only valid for the next available exam sitting
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
If you haven’t answered 50% of the available questions online then you can order the same material again at a 50% discount (prices are fixed to a sterling rate with the discount applied) for the next available exam sitting. Please refer to the resit enrolment form for prices.
Resit enrolment form
Pass Assurance
What you’re entitled to: 50% off a tuition and/or revision course.
Terms and Conditions:
- The offer can only be used once
- To be eligible, you’ll need to provide a copy of your failed result
Please refer to the resit enrolment form for prices.
Resit enrolment form
Can Kaplan help if I fail an exam but studied with another provider?
If you have failed your exam and studied with a different 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 Enhanced, Blended Enhanced, Tuition Plus and Distance Learning packages 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
-
Early Online Diagnostic Assessment
This early assessment will provide you with a detailed report that estimates your baseline knowledge for each topic area. This will help you to customize your learning plan based on your prior knowledge, exam weighting, and recommended study time
-
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).
-
Schweser 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.
-
Kaplan Schweser Practice Exams
Four full-length practice exams to help you perform on exam day.
Additional materials come with the following packages:
-
- Texas BA II+ Professional calculator and calculator guide
- Classroom Tuition - Slide Pack
- Classroom Materials - Mindmap and Q&A Book inc.full mock exam
- Schweser Mock Exam 1 (Printable/Online) plus online mock debrief
- Live Online pre exam masterclasses
-
-
- Texas BA II+ Professional calculator and calculator guide
- Live Online Tuition Slide Pack
- Online Revision Workbooks
- Classroom Materials - MindMap and Q&A Book inc. full mock exam
- Schweser Mock Exam 1 (Printable/Online) plus online mock debrief
- Live Online pre exam masterclasses
-
- Texas BA II+ Professional calculator and calculator guide
- Classroom Tuition Slide Pack
-
-
- Live Online Tuition Slide Pack
- Online Revision Workshops
- Schweser Mock Exam 1 (Printable/Online) plus online mock debrief
Delivery costs
Materials are delivered to the address you provide us (and must be signed for on delivery). Please note, our packages include European delivery in the price.
Outside of Europe, delivery costs start at £41.67 (excluding VAT) with £16.67 (excluding VAT) payable for each additional item added to your order.
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 Live Online tuition and revision classes.
Online features
Depending on the study package you choose, features can include the following:
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Dashboard (Activity Feed and Performance Metrics) - This provides an easy way to view task completion and performance metrics along with recommended activities to try next.
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Early Online Diagnostic Assessment - This early assessment will provide you with a detailed report that estimates your baseline knowledge for each topic area. This will help you to customize your learning plan based on your prior knowledge, exam weighting, and recommended study time.
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Live Online Weekly Classes - 15 sessions of 3 hours each. Watch at your own convenience either live or recorded.
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SchweserNotes (including module quizzes and topic assessments) - 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.
-
check
Quicksheet - A compact study tool summarising key formulae, definitions and concepts (available online, downloadable as an eBook as well as in print).
-
check
SchweserPro™ QBank - Over 3,800 online practice questions designed to assess and adapt to your understanding of the curriculum.
-
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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.
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Three Schweser Checkpoint Exams - You will be prompted to undertake these during your revision. Questions will mimic the difficulty and format of the actual exam and your performance report will identify how well you understand the topics that have been covered and highlight weak areas where more revision is needed.
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Kaplan Schweser Practice Exams - Four full-length practice exams to help you perform on exam day.
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Three Day Online Revision Workshop - This workshop includes a final review of topics and the Secret Sauce® eBook.
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Schweser Mock Exam 1 and 2 - These are as close to the actual exam in format, difficulty, and length as possible and will help develop your test-taking skills, identify your weak areas, and demonstrate your mastery of the curriculum.
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.
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 access to over 3000 questions in the SchweserPro™ Qbank, three checkpoint exams, four full exam standard practice exams, Schweser Mock exam 1, as well as an extensive Q&A Bank during revision.
In addition, we offer a separate invigilated Schweser Mock Exam 2, that helps you replicate the exam hall experience, sitting with your peers. This mock will:
- Provide additional question practice using exam standard questions that are not replicated in any other products.
- Highlight any weak points in your knowledge so you can focus on these areas pre exam day.
- Provide final practise for your timings and techniques.
You will also be provided with fully worked solutions at the end of the mock session.
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.
CFA package comparison
8. Course pricing and funding options
Pricing structure
To keep decisions simple, we price per package including delivery fees (within Europe). The only additional decision is whether to purchase any optional extras.
You can find information about our packages and optional extras in our comparison table.
2020 package comparison
| Package | Price (excl. VAT) | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|
| Classroom Enhanced | £2,045 | £2,405 |
| Blended Enhanced | £1,725 | £1,959 |
| Tuition Plus | £1,450 | £1,655 |
| Distance Learning | £1,095 (VAT not applicable) |
| Tuition only | £1,025 | £1,210 |
| Revision only | £1,075 | £1,290 |
Funding options
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.
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.
You may eligible for an Apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. Speak to your employer to find out more.
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.
Download enrolment form ›