CFA® Program exam information
Everything you need to know about the CFA exam, from what the differences are between levels, to what happens on exam day.
What is the CFA exam?
The CFA exam is a three-part exam – Level I, Level II, and Level III. Testing the knowledge and skills of financial analysts, each level of the curriculum builds on the prior level, becoming increasingly complex.
These three levels equip you with real-world skills in investment analysis and make up the CFA Program. Once completed, you can become a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) – a prestigious distinction that differentiates you in the competitive finance industry.
Planning on taking the CFA exam?
Find out the latest CFA exam fees, early registration rates, upcoming exam dates and scheduling deadlines.
Already taken your CFA exam?
Access your CFA exam results, and check the latest pass rates and results timeline.
CFA Program exam schedule
Stay on top of your CFA Program journey with the official exam schedule. Use it to organize your study timeline and prepare with confidence.
On the day of your CFA exam
Understanding what you need to do on the day of your CFA exam will help you arrive relaxed and focused.
When to arrive at the CFA exam location
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment time (you might not be allowed in if you’re late). Plan your route to the test center in advance so you can avoid any delays. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with the hardware and software prior to the exam.
What to bring to the CFA exam
There are a number of items you should bring to your CFA exam. These include a valid international travel passport and an approved calculator. You are allowed to bring water, but it should be in a clear bottle with no labels, images or writing.
How long is the CFA exam
The CFA Level I exam lasts 4.5h, and consists of two content sessions that are 135 minutes each.
The CFA Level II and Level III exams also take 4.5h, and the time allotted for the two content sessions is 132 minutes each.
In all CFA exam levels, there will also be time allocated to a tutorial of the exam software, a break, and a survey at the end.