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Exam Date: August 17, 2025
A deep dive into the globally respected CFA designation—its structure, significance, and impact on financial careers.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and globally recognized qualifications in the investment and finance industry. Earning the CFA designation signifies a high level of expertise, professionalism, and ethical standards, setting charter-holders apart as trusted professionals in areas such as investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. The CFA credential is awarded by the CFA Institute, an international association of investment professionals dedicated to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence within the industry. Because of its global recognition and rigorous requirements, the CFA charter is highly respected by employers, clients, and peers alike, often opening doors to advanced career opportunities and leadership roles in finance worldwide.
The CFA Program itself is a comprehensive and demanding series of examinations divided into three levels, each designed to build on the knowledge and skills acquired at the previous stage. These exams cover a broad spectrum of essential subjects, including financial analysis, portfolio management, economics, ethics, quantitative methods, corporate finance, and equity and fixed income investments. Beyond technical proficiency, the program places strong emphasis on ethical practices and professional conduct, reflecting the CFA Institute’s commitment to integrity in the financial profession. Preparing for and successfully passing these exams requires significant dedication, study, and a deep understanding of complex financial concepts. As a result, CFA charterholders are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the dynamic investment landscape and make informed decisions that benefit their clients and organizations.
Whether you're a finance professional or a student preparing for a career in investment management, this complete CFA exam guide for 2025 and early 2026 outlines the key exam windows, registration deadlines, fee structure, and eligibility requirements.
CFA Exam Syllabus
CFA Syllabus 2025: Level I
Ethical and Professional Standards
Quantitative Methods
Economics
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Corporate Issuers
Portfolio Management
Equity Investments
Fixed Income
Derivatives
Alternative Investments
CFA Syllabus 2025: Level II
Ethical and Professional Standards
Quantitative Methods
Economics
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Corporate Finance
Portfolio Management
Equity Investments
Fixed Income
Derivatives
Alternative Investments
CFA Syllabus 2025: Level III
Behavioral Finance
Asset Allocation & Related Decisions in Portfolio Management
Fixed-Income Portfolio Management
Alternative Investments for PM
PM- Institutional Trading, Performance Evaluation, and Manager Selection
Ethics and Related Topics
Capital Market Expectations
Derivatives & Currency Management
Equity Portfolio Management
Private Wealth Management
Cases in Portfolio Management and Risk Management
Final Tips for CFA Exam Success
Register Early: Avoid late fees and secure your preferred exam window.
Use CFA Institute Resources: Stick to official study materials and mock exams.
Track Deadlines: Mark all registration and scheduling deadlines on your calendar.
Plan for Retakes: You cannot retake the same level within 6 months, so prepare accordingly.
Stay Committed: Each level demands 300+ hours of focused study—plan wisely.
Disclaimer: The information shared here by Just My IQ (https://www.justmyiq.com/ ) is collected from various accessible sources online. While we aim to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not make any guarantees about its completeness, reliability, or accuracy. Readers are encouraged to independently verify the details before making any decisions based on this information.
CFA Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines (2025–2026)
Stay on top of your prep schedule with the official CFA exam windows and deadlines for each level:
Exam Cycle: Nov. 2025
Levels 1&2
Registration open: Feb.12, 2025
Early Deadline: April 9, 2025
Final Deadline: Aug. 5, 2025
Scheduling Deadline: Aug.12, 2025
Exam Window
Level 1: Nov. 12-18
Level 2: Nov. 19-23
Exam Cycle: Feb. 2026
Levels 1 & 3
Registration Open: April 29, 2025
Early Deadline: July 7, 2025
Final Deadline: Oct. 29, 2025
Scheduling Deadline: Nov. 5, 2025
Exam Window
Level 1: Feb. 2-8
Level 3: Jan. 29 – Feb 1
Exam Cycle: May 2026
Levels 1&2
Registration Open: August 12, 2025
Early Deadline: Oct. 2025 (TBC)
Final Deadline: Feb.12, 2026
Scheduling Deadline: Feb. 2026 (TBC)
Exam Window
Level 1: May 12-18
Level 2: Starts May 19 (TBC)
Note: "TBC" indicates deadlines yet to be confirmed by CFA Institute.
💰 CFA Exam Fees (2025–2026)
Understanding the fee structure is key to planning your registration and budgeting:
One-Time Enrollment Fee:
USD 350 (for first-time candidates in 2025)
Waived starting 2026
Registration Fees (Per Exam, Per Level):
Exam Year Early Registration Final Registration
2025 USD 990–1,090 USD 1,290–1,390
2026 USD 1,140–1,240 USD 1,490–1,590
Rescheduling Fee: A flat USD 250 applies if you change your exam date within the same window.
How to Register for the CFA Exam
Here’s a step-by-step process to register for the CFA Exam:
1.Create a CFA Institute Account
Visit www.cfainstitute.org and sign up for a candidate profile.
2.Choose Exam Level & Test Window
Select your appropriate exam level and preferred testing window based on eligibility and availability.
3.Complete the Application
Submit academic or professional background details and agree to the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics.
4.Pay Required Fees
Pay the applicable registration and enrollment fees using a credit card or other accepted methods.
5.Schedule Your Exam
After registering, schedule your test appointment via Prometric, CFA Institute’s official test delivery partner.
CFA Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CFA Level 1, you must meet any one of the following:
✔ Option A: Bachelor’s Degree
You’ve completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) from an accredited institution.
✔ Option B: Final-Year Student
Your scheduled Level 1 exam date falls within 2 years of your expected graduation month.
✔ Option C: Professional Experience
You have 4,000 hours of qualified work and/or higher education experience acquired over a minimum of 3 consecutive years.
Investment-related work is not required for Level 1 eligibility.
The CFA Exam is a globally recognized professional credential offered by the CFA Institute. It tests knowledge in investment management, financial analysis, ethics, and portfolio management. It has three levels (Level I, II, and III), which must be passed in sequence.
It's ideal for professionals in:
Investment banking
Portfolio management
Equity research
Financial advising
Corporate finance
You must have one of the following:
A bachelor’s degree (or be in your final year)
4,000 hours of professional work experience (or a combination of work and education over at least 3 years)
There are three levels:
Level I: Investment tools & basic concepts
Level II: Asset valuation & complex analysis
Level III: Portfolio management & wealth planning
Key topics include:
Ethical and Professional Standards
Quantitative Methods
Economics
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Corporate Finance
Equity and Fixed Income Investments
Derivatives
Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management
All levels are computer-based:
Level I & II: Two sessions of 2 hours 12 minutes each
Level III: Same format, with more emphasis on essay-style (constructed response) questions at Level III
Level I: 4 times/year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
Level II: 3 times/year (May, Aug, Nov)
Level III: 2 times/year (Feb, Aug)
