1. Structure
The Level 3 exam consists of item set and constructed response (essay) questions.
The morning session features constructed response (essay) questions (between 8 and 12 questions, each with several subparts) with a maximum of 180 points. (The point value for each question is provided in the exam book.) The afternoon session covers 10 item sets with 6 multiple-choice questions in each.
Entry requirements
To register for your Level 3 exam, you need to have passed Level 2.
Syllabus
Below is a syllabus overview detailing each topic and their approximate exam weighting:
| Level 3 topic |
Approximate exam weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards |
10% - 15% |
| Economics |
5% - 10% |
| Equity Investments |
10% - 15% |
| Fixed Income |
15% - 20% |
| Derivatives |
5% - 10% |
| Alternative Investments |
5% - 10% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning |
35% - 40% |
At this final level, the ten key topics are combined, depending on their level of interrelationship, to form advanced knowledge areas, or study sessions. That’s why they differ from the form and structure of topic areas at Level 1 and 2. These knowledge areas are highlighted below:
Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
Study the framework for ethical conduct in the investment profession so you understand and can apply it. You’ll also learn the recommended procedures designed to prevent violations of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Ethical and Professional Standards in Practice
You’ll examine case studies to reflect on the practical application of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct (Code and Standards) in real-life scenarios.
Behavioral Finance
Behavioral finance provides insight into how emotional biases and cognitive errors could influence individuals’ perceptions and investment decisions. Being aware of behavioral biases may help in understanding client goals, in constructing investment portfolios, and in identifying inconsistencies in investment decision making and market anomalies.
Private Wealth Management (1)
Identify the process of private wealth management and how to construct an investment policy statement (IPS) for the individual investor. This area also focuses on investment strategies applicable across a wide range of localities.
Private Wealth Management (2)
This session examines the considerations and risks associated with concentrated single asset positions. You’ll be presented with strategies for managing concentrated positions in publicly traded common shares, privately held businesses, and real estate.
Portfolio Management for Institutional Investors
You’ll be given a framework for understanding institutional portfolio management. Concepts and practices important in determining the investment policy statement (IPS) are presented for different types of institutional investors.
Applications of Economic Analysis to Portfolio Management
Study the process of setting capital market expectations and explore major tools of economic analysis. You’ll be introduced to the application of neoclassical growth theory to develop economic forecasts and think about how economic forecasts can be integrated with equity valuation techniques to value an equity market.
Asset Allocation and Related Decisions in Portfolio Management (1)
This session introduces you to asset allocation and provides a conceptual framework for understanding asset allocation considerations and key implementation approaches.
Asset Allocation and Related Decisions in Portfolio Management (2)
The asset allocation decision is affected by multiple constraints that present practical challenges to asset allocation. This session examines the effects of these constraints and presents adaptations to address them by institutional investor type. It also looks at how to assess performance using market indexes.
Fixed-Income Portfolio Management (1)
This session explains the role played by fixed-income securities in portfolios and focuses on the two primary types of fixed-income mandates (liability-based and total return). It covers approaches, risks, and challenges associated with both immunization of single and multiple liabilities and the indexation and laddering of a fixed-income portfolio.
Fixed-Income Portfolio Management (2)
Building on the what you’ve learned on the previous level, you’ll examine yield curve and credit strategies for fixed-income portfolios. Portfolio management strategies, which are based on the investor’s expectations regarding the level, slope, and curvature of the yield curve, are demonstrated.
Equity Portfolio Management
You’ll focus on the role of equities in an investment portfolio, three major approaches (passive, active, and semi-active) used to manage equity portfolios, and the evaluation of equity managers.
Alternative Investments for Portfolio Management
You’ll learn the characteristics of alternative investments and discuss concerns related to specific types of alternative investments.
Risk Management
You’ll examine framework for risk management, focusing on the concepts and tools for measuring and managing market risk and credit risk.
Risk Management Applications of Derivatives
Supporting your outcomes of the previous session, you’ll learn risk management strategies using forwards and futures, option strategies, floors and caps, and swaps.
Trading, Monitoring, and Rebalancing
You’ll learn how managers and traders interact with markets, choose appropriate trading strategies and tactics, and measure success, and also discuss the ongoing monitoring and rebalancing of the investment portfolio.
Performance Evaluation
You’ll learn how to evaluate the portfolio management process through performance measurement, performance attribution, and performance appraisal.
Global Investment Performance Standards
The final session provides a grounding in the requirements and recommendations of Global Investment Performance Standards.
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
grid_on 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.
£2,698.20
(£2,294.10
excl. VAT)
laptop
people
Blended Enhanced
Package combining live online tuition and classroom revision study options with Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£2,175.30
(£1,916.10
excl. VAT)
people
Tuition Plus
Classroom tuition course and Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,902.60
(£1,686.60
excl. VAT)
laptop
laptop
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 ›
£927.00
(VAT not applicable)
Or you can choose an individual revision classroom course without the supporting Kaplan Schweser study materials.
people
Revision only
Classroom revision without the Kaplan Schweser study materials.
£1,560.00
(£1,300.00
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
Although we have designed our packages to include key items to assist you in preparing for your exam, there are a number of additional items that you may choose to purchase.
Schweser Mock Exam 1
The Online Schweser Mock Exam is as close as you can get to the actual CFA Program exam in format, difficulty, and length. The Mock Exam helps develop your test-taking skills and identify your weak areas. Afterward, you can view answer explanations and check your score compared to those of other candidates.
£65.00
VAT not applicable)
Schweser Mock Exam 2
We offer a fully remote or in person invigilated mock exam that helps you to replicate the exam hall experience, sitting with your peers. At the end of the process we provide full solutions to take away as well as online question and technique debriefs which then allow you to identify any last minute areas to focus 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.
£90.00
(£75.00
excl. VAT)
MindMap and Q&A Book
Revision tools including summaries of the whole curriculum plus an extensive question bank. (Already included for students who are attending a live revision course.)
£402.00
(£335.00
excl. VAT)
Inhouse training
Looking to invest in your organisation? We can design and deliver inhouse training for you and your team.
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
Exams are offered annually in May and November. Please be aware, it's your responsibility 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 enrollment fee when you register for the CFA Level I exam for the first time.
Exam results are available within 90 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 2 of the CFA Program before registering for Level 3. 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 the three three levels.
What are pass rates like?
Passing Level 3 takes dedication and commitment. Of those who took the exam in June 2019 the CFA Institute reported that the global pass rate was 56%. 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 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.
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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 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 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.
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Schweser Online Study Portal
Includes dashboard with activity feed and performance metrics
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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
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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.
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Quicksheet
A compact study tool summarising key formulae, definitions and concepts (available online, downloadable as an eBook as well as in print).
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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.
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SchweserPro™ QBank
Thousands of online practice questions designed to assess and adapt to your understanding of the curriculum.
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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.
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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
-
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- Live Online Tuition Slide Pack
- Online Revision Workbooks
- Classroom Materials - MindMap and Q&A Book
- Secret Sauce
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- Classroom Tuition Slide Pack
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-
- Live Online Tuition Slide Pack
- OnDemand Review Workshop
- Secret Sauce
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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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.
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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 and topic quizzes) - 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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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.
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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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OnDemand Review workshop - After reviewing each topic of the curriculum, tutors use problems and exam-like questions to help reinforce your knowledge, practice your exam techniques, and improve your exam-taking skill and speed.
For more information on technical support available and minimum system requirements for Kaplan Schweser’s online portal, visit the Schweser portal technical support.
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.
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.
| Package |
Price (excl. VAT) |
Price (incl. VAT) |
| Classroom Enhanced |
£2,549 |
£2,998 |
| Blended Enhanced |
£2,129 |
£2,417 |
| Tuition Plus |
£1,874 |
£2,114 |
| Distance Learning |
£1,030 (VAT not applicable) |
| Revision only |
£1,300 |
£1,560 |
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 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 form which
you can download, fill out your details and email to citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.
Download enrolment form ›