0. 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.
| Level 1 topic |
Approximate exam weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards |
15-20% |
| Quantitative Methods |
8-12% |
| Economics |
8-12% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis |
13-17% |
| Corporate Finance |
8-12% |
| Equity Investments |
10-12% |
| Fixed Income |
10-12% |
| Derivatives |
5-8% |
| Alternative Investments |
5-8% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning |
5-8% |
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.
1. Study methods for 2021 sittings
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
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Classroom Sessions: Due to the impact of Covid-19, Classroom sessions will run as Live Online until we feel it’s safe to run them again in a study centre. We are monitoring government guidelines and will transition over to Classroom as soon as we can.
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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)
Buy now
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Blended Enhanced
Package combining OnDemand tuition and classroom revision study options with Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,959.00
(£1,725.00
excl. VAT)
Buy now
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Tuition Plus
Classroom tuition course and Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,655.00
(£1,450.00
excl. VAT)
Buy now
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Distance Learning with Live Online Classes
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.
View Distance Learning 5 day trial ›
£1,095.00
(VAT not applicable)
Buy now
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Distance Learning with OnDemand Classes
Study at your own pace with OnDemand tuition and revision classes. This package offers maximum flexibility for independent study and comes with integrated Kaplan Schweser study materials.
View Distance Learning 5 day trial ›
£820.00
(VAT not applicable)
Buy now
Or you can choose an individual revision classroom course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.
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). Live online tuition classes take place over 15 sessions of 3 hours each. Classroom revision courses take place over 5 days (from 9-5pm).
date_rangeView timetables
location_on Classroom location
We have classes in London:
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.
Save 30% when you buy both Core Elements courses.
£55.00
(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.
Save 30% when you buy both Core Elements courses.
£55.00
(VAT not applicable)
Schweser Mock Exam 1 and 2
The Online Schweser Mock Exam is as close as you can get to the actual exam in format, difficulty, and length. With our new simulation, it will help to develop your test-taking, identify your weak areas as well as giving you a real exam experience. After the simulation, you can view answer explanations and check your score compared to those of other candidates.
£65.00 per exam
(VAT not applicable)
Texas BAII+ Professional Calculator
One of the recommended CFA Calculators, as well as the calcualtor that will be referenced in classes.
£60.00 Including UK delivery
(£50.00
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.
£90.00
(£75.00
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)
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.
2. Study methods for 2022 sittings
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
picture_as_pdf Study method comparison chart
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Classroom
Structured teaching keeps you on track and motivated with scheduled classes.
- Classroom tuition
- Classroom revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
- Recommended Package
£2,164.50
(£1,840.50
excl. VAT)
Buy now
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Blended
Structured teaching keeps you on track and motivated with scheduled classes.
- Live online tuition
- Classroom revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
£1,822.50
(£1,552.50
excl. VAT)
Buy now
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Live Online
Structured teaching keeps you on track and motivated with scheduled classes.
- Live online tuition
- Live online revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
£1,630.00
(£1,400.00
excl. VAT)
Buy now
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Distance Learning
Self study at your own pace and when it's convenient with OnDemand videos.
- OnDemand tuition
- OnDemand revision
- Schweser study material
- Pass Protection
View Distance Learning 5 day trial ›
£820.00
(VAT not applicable)
Buy now
Or you can choose an individual revision course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.
Classroom Revision only
Classroom revision without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,230.00
(£1,025.00
excl. VAT)
Live Online Revision only
Live Online revision without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£810.00
(£675.00
excl. VAT)
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
location_on Classroom location
We have classes in London:
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.
Save 30% when you buy both Core Elements courses.
£55.00
(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.
Save 30% when you buy both Core Elements courses.
£55.00
(VAT not applicable)
Schweser Mock Exam 5 and 6
The Online Schweser Mock Exam is as close as you can get to the actual exam in format, difficulty, and length. With our new simulation, it will help to develop your test-taking, identify your weak areas as well as giving you a real exam experience. After the simulation, you can view answer explanations and check your score compared to those of other candidates.
£65.00
(VAT not applicable)
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.
£90.00
(£75.00
excl. VAT)
Texas BAII+ Professional Calculator
One of the recommended CFA Calculators, as well as the calculator that will be referenced in classes.
£60.00 Including UK delivery
(£50.00
excl. VAT)
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 Pathway 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
picture_as_pdf CFA Resit Enrolment form 2021
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 2021 sittings
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/Diagnostic Exam
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).
-
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.
-
Kaplan Schweser Practice Exams
Four full-length practice exams to help you perform on exam day.
Additional materials come with the following packages:
-
- Classroom Tuition - Slide Pack
- Classroom Materials - Mindmap and Q&A Book
- Secret Sauce Book
- OnDemand Tuition and Revision Classes
-
- Online Tuition & Revision Workbooks
- Classroom Materials - MindMap and Q&A Book
- Secret Sauce Book
- OnDemand Tuition and Revision Classes
-
- OnDemand Tuition Classes
- Classroom Tuition Slide Pack
-
- Live Online Tuition Slide Pack
- Online Revision Workshops
- Secret Sauce Book
- Online Tuition & Revision Workbooks
-
- OnDemand Tuition & Revision
- Online Tuition & Revision Workbooks
- Secret Sauce Book
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. Study Materials and Delivery Costs 2022 sittings
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:
-
- Tuition classroom recordings
- Revision classroom recordings
- Tuition course slides
- Mindmaps and Q&A book
-
- 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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) for 2022 students only
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.
-
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Full exam standard practice exams for 2021 students only
Four full-length practice exams to help you perform on exam day.
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
picture_as_pdf 2021 Study package comparison
9. 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
| Package |
Full Price (excl. VAT) |
Full Price (incl. VAT) |
| Classroom |
£1,840.50
£2,045 |
£2,164.50
£2,405 |
| Blended |
£1,552.50
£1,725 |
£1,822.50
£2,025 |
| Live Online |
£1,400 |
£1,630 |
| Distance Learning |
£820 (VAT not applicable) |
| Classroom Revision Only |
£1,025 |
£1,230 |
| Live Online Revision only |
£675 |
£810 |
The 10% early booking discount will be applied automatically upon checkout. Valid on Classroom and Blended 2022 packages. Ends 2nd November 2021.
For 2021 prices please refer to our 2021 Study Method comparison launch.
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.
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
picture_as_pdf Download 2021 enrolment form