If you are looking for a CFA course to help you prepare for the certification process and aid your desire to become a Chartered Financial Analyst, look no further than Varsity Tutors. The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is a credential held by many professionals around the world. The credential helps you obtain a strong understanding of advanced investment analysis and real-world portfolio management skills. If you've ever spent time online looking for "CFA help near me", then you may already understand how impactful working with an expert CFA course instructor can be. CFA courses can help connect you with tutoring services, focused on helping you develop the skills and strategies that may prove beneficial on the exam.
Why Take the CFA?
The CFA, or Chartered Financial Analyst Certification, is highly respected in the financial industry. Individuals who earn their CFA have demonstrated their expertise in the field. To that end, if you earn this certification you may make yourself a more attractive candidate for employment. You can also use your CFA to show the clients you work with that you're extremely qualified to help them with their investments. There are a variety of reasons you may choose to take the CFA but no matter what they are, you can get help preparing to take your exam with CFA classes from Varsity Tutors.
CFA Exam Eligibility Requirements
Before you become eligible to take the CFA, you must first satisfy an educational requirement that is associated with the certification process. You can satisfy this requirement in a few ways. Before beginning your CFA classes, it's a good idea to check and make sure that you meet all of the necessary requirements to take the exam.
One option you have to satisfy this requirement is work experience. Candidates who have at least four years of qualifying work experience are eligible to take the CFA. If you meet this standard, then you don't have to worry about meeting any of the other educational requirement options. Another way to become eligible to take the CFA is having a bachelor's degree, or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. You can also satisfy the requirement through a combination of four years of education and work experience. However, you must complete your bachelor's degree program before you can register to take the second level of the CFA exam. You can learn more about these requirements by contacting Varsity Tutors or signing up for CFA courses.
Breaking Down the CFA Exam
The CFA exam will consist of three separate tests, with Level 1 being split into two three-hour sessions that contains many different topics and content. Having the ability to describe and differentiate a variety of topics like portfolio management or financial reporting and analysis, among other skills, can be very beneficial to your overall success. Each test will increase in the level of content knowledge and skills needed to be able to adequately answer the questions asked. A CFA prep class can provide the necessary in-depth study and learning tools for all three exams. Continue reading to get a more thorough overview of each of the CFA's three exam levels.
Here is a list of the exams and some details for each one:
Exam Details
Exam |
Session |
Detail |
Value |
Level 1 |
Morning/Afternoon |
Duration |
3 hours |
Level 1 |
Morning/Afternoon |
Questions |
120 Multiple Choice |
Level 2 |
Morning |
Item Set Questions |
10 |
Level 2 |
Afternoon |
Item Set Questions |
11 |
Level 3 |
Morning |
Constructed Response (essay) Items |
8-12 |
Level 3 |
Afternoon |
Item Set Questions |
11 |
Level one is the first of three different CFA exams. Each different level features different content that you'll need to prepare for. CFA courses from Varsity Tutors are a great way to prepare for these exams. On the first CFA test, you'll be asked to show a basic understanding of content that is core to the role of a financial analyst. Some of the topics you'll be asked questions on are financial analysis and reporting, ethics and professional standards, economics, and quantitative methods. You'll also need to demonstrate an overall understanding of investment analytical skills. According to pass rates, level one is the hardest of the three CFA exams to pass. Only 43% of test takers in 2016 passed this level of the CFA examination.
The second level of the CFA focuses on the skills of asset valuation and properly applying investment tools. This test is split into a morning and afternoon session. On the exam, you'll be asked to read a case study and then answer a series of multiple-choice questions based on the information you read about. Varsity Tutors can also help you prepare for this exam with in-depth CFA courses from experienced CFA prep course instructors. Around 46% of those who took this exam passed it in 2016.
Once you pass the first two CFA examinations, you become eligible to take the third and final test in the series. On this level exam, you'll be asked to show your mastery of all of the content areas that are core to the role of a financial investment analyst. You should be able to utilize those skills and apply them to the planning and management of portfolios, as well. To pass the test, you'll need to answer 8 to 12 essay questions during a morning test session. Then, in the afternoon session, you'll be asked to answer a series of multiple-choice questions. Around 54% of test takers passed the level three CFA examination in 2016.
Varsity Tutors Can Help You Study
You can choose between several CFA prep course options when you contact Varsity Tutors. The CFA prep courses that you ultimately sign up for should be based on your existing academic skill set, scheduling requirements, and learning style. If you need help selecting the CFA prep courses that are the best match for your needs, you can speak with an educational director today.
The first option you can sign up for is a private CFA prep class. Taking a private CFA prep course can help prepare you for the exam in a multitude of ways. You'll get the chance to work with an expert CFA prep class instructor in a one-on-one learning environment. Signing up for CFA prep classes with a private CFA course tutor may be right for you if you've previously placed a premium on getting direct feedback throughout your test preparation process.
A tutor will provide you with one-on-one attention that can help you develop a greater understanding of content found on the exam. CFA prep courses can help you develop time management strategies, provide you with timed practices tests, as well as help you to create study plans built around the areas or topics you may need to focus on more. A CFA class can be set up to build off of the knowledge you already have, and it will provide you with the support and content needed to get more out of your study plan.
CFA prep classes are also a flexible learning option. Varsity Tutors makes every effort to connect you with a CFA course instructor who is able to work around your existing obligations. That means you can get the test preparation help you've been looking for without the hassle of having to rearrange your work or class schedule to do so. If you already have a busy schedule, then taking a private CFA course may be the right fit for your needs. CFA prep classes provide you with the ability to review and grow your skills at a time most convenient for you. We provide an Online Learning Platform, which makes it easy to connect with your tutor during sessions.
Another CFA course option you can consider is signing up for a small group CFA class. This style of test preparation may be right for you if you've previously found success in the traditional classroom learning environment. That's because each group CFA class gives you the chance to learn from an expert educator with a small group of peers, simulating what a traditional CFA class would look like but in a convenient online setting. When you sign up for this type of CFA class, you also have the option of working with your educator in a one-on-one session when you need to.
Your test preparation instructor can even help you develop a better set of general test-taking skills. For example, when taking important exams like one of the CFA exams, test anxiety is an unfortunate reality that many test-takers deal with. Experiencing test anxiety while taking your exam can make it hard to focus on the material that's in front of you. It may also make it difficult to remember what you studied in the lead up to your test. Varsity Tutors can connect you with an educator who can show you techniques you can use to deal with any test anxiety that you experience while taking the CFA exam. Your instructor can also help you with things like showing you how to manage your time more effectively when taking an important test. These are skills that you'll be able to utilize on your upcoming test as well as on any future exams that you decide to take. Thus, you can easily get a well-rounded learning experience that is uniquely targeted to suit your needs when you sign up to for a test preparation plan with Varsity Tutors.
No matter what CFA course you sign up for, it can help you prepare for the exam by allowing you to work with questions that mimic the structure of the exam. Here are some of the question formats you will see on the exam and can be provided through the course:
- Constructed Response (Essay) Questions
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Item Set Format
Who Takes the CFA Exam?
The CFA is an exam and certification process that is rising in popularity due to its influence in the investment community. In fact, in 2018, a record number of test-takers, 227,000 individuals, signed up to take one of the three CFA exams. This is also why terms like "CFA help near me" have risen in search ranking trends in recent years. The average candidate will spend over 300 hours studying for each of the exam's three levels. There are a total of over 2,000 pages of content that you'll need to go over before you can confidently take your CFA exam.
It usually takes candidates four years to pass all three examination levels. However, if the traditional pass rates continue to hold, only somewhere between 45% and 55% of these test-takers will actually pass the exam that they take. In fact, only one in five of these candidates will actually pass all three exams. This is why having a strong test preparation plan in place is vital before you sit down to take the CFA exam. Rather than continuing to search online for things like "CFA help near me", why not let Varsity Tutors help you create a better study plan to follow? You'll get a streamlined test preparation process if you do, which may increase the quality and efficiency of your study sessions.
Getting Started With Your Own Ideal Study Plan
Earning your CFA certification is a great way to make yourself stand out in the competitive financial industry. However, as the statistics discussed on this page show, earning all three CFA certifications can be incredibly challenging. That's why it often makes sense to sign up to work with an expert while you're studying to take this exam.
Having the ability to apply your knowledge of not just the subject content, but to also be aware of the structure and format used on the exam, can better your chances for success. Rather than looking up "CFA tutoring near me", you can easily get this type of detailed test preparation assistance by contacting Varsity Tutors. Signing up for CFA classes can be quick and simple. We are standing by, online and by phone, to help walk you through the signup process or to answer any further questions you may have about the services a CFA class will provide. Help prepare yourself for the CFA by signing up for a CFA prep class through Varsity Tutors today.
Andrew: CFA course instructor
...of Arts in Economics. I also am Eagle Scout and hold the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. I have worked and traveled the globe, including time spent in institutional money management at Citigroup and UBS in London, England as well as in entrepreneurial hedge fund management across America (CA, CT, AL). Along the path, I taught...
Education & Certification
- The University of Alabama - Bachelor in Arts, Finance
- The University of Alabama - Master of Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- Accounting
- GMAT Quantitative
- +10 subjects
Paul J : CFA course instructor
...Insightful CFA exam grader with deep understanding of exam requirements. - Successful stint in hedge fund environment, enhancing market insight. - Former Head of Trading Risk at major clearing house, overseeing significant operations. - Aims to mentor CFA candidates, combining rich industry background with exam expertise. Marine engineering degree MBA in business CFA
Education & Certification
- Pace University-New York - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Series 3
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 44 - NYSE Arca Options Market Maker Exam
- +58 subjects
Allan: CFA course instructor
...Business School, and hold both CFA and CAIA Certificates. I can help you with anything in the field of economics or finance, as well as all three levels of the CFA exam and both levels of the CAIA exam. I have long had a passion for teaching and pride myself on being able to distill...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelor of Science, Economics
- Brandeis University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CAIA Level II
- CAIA Level I
- UK A Level Economics
- +14 subjects
Frederic: CFA course instructor
...a BA, MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. I also am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with extensive experience in the financial and investment industries. Before entering industry, I was an Assistant Professor of Economics at Rutgers University. I have a passion for helping make complex topics understandable to students and...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Pennsylvania - Doctor of Philosophy, Economics
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- College Accounting
- Cost Analysis
- +28 subjects
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Series 15 - Foreign Currency Options Exam
- CAIA Level II
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- +96 subjects
John: CFA course instructor
...fall in love with the process of learning. Feedback from successful students has allowed me to recognize how effective the approaches toward tutoring mine have been for all learning types in various academic subjects. While my tutoring students gain much from their experiences from me, I equally gain so much insight and knowledge from the...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- AU-S - Associate in Commercial Underwriting-Strategic Techniques
- CAIA
- +455 subjects
Education & Certification
- SIUCarbondale - Bachelor of Science, Management Science
- Walden University - Doctor of Philosophy, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Series 6
- Series 65
- Series 31
- +43 subjects
Ann: CFA course instructor
...have a strong background in the subject. I have been tutoring and mentoring for many years, and find that my own understanding of a subject is improved with each person I that I teach. I hold a BS in Accounting from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), an MBA from the University of Minnesota, am a...
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Buffalo - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Real Estate License
- CPA
- SEE - Special Enrollment Exam
- +61 subjects
Thomas: CFA course instructor
...am a retired CFA who spent 30 years in the investment industry managing equity portfolios and as a research analyst. I am also a commercial instrument multiengine pilot. I'm looking forward to giving the help kids and young adults may need in Algebra in a stress free fun but productive environment. If there are any...
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- FAA - Federal Aviation Administration examination
- CPA
- Trigonometry
- +21 subjects
Sung Ho: CFA course instructor
I am passionate about teaching and mentoring. I have been teaching students from middle school to college and covered many different subjects including but not limted to pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, statistics, admision exams such as SAT and GRE, various languages such as Korean and Mandarin.
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Quantitative
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +29 subjects
Jonathan: CFA course instructor
...know how challenging business topics and professional exams can be at first, based on my own personal experience. I am hoping to be a mentor and guide those who are looking to follow in a similar path and further advance their careers and finance/accounting knowledge-base. I am confident that I can help put you in...
Education & Certification
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- Tulane University of Louisiana - Master of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- College Economics
- Personal Finance
- +44 subjects
James: CFA course instructor
...students and CFA candidates preparing for the Levels 1 and 2 exams. Having had careers in finance and education, my objective as a finance tutor is to explain concepts in straightforward terms with everyday examples. I aim to give life to the dynamics and calculations and enable students to apply the tools to real-life situations...
Education & Certification
- Whitman College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Southern California Marshall School of Business - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Series 65
- Series 7
- SIE
- +20 subjects
Alexander: CFA course instructor
...seeking or contemplating completing the CFA program, from which I successfully obtained my Charter. I have spent the entirety of my professional career in corporate finance, accounting/controlling, and investing, specifically in technology, media/internet, and telecommunications, from startups to multinational corporations, domestically and internationally. Along the way, I have worked for FTI Consulting, ProSiebenSat.1, BBC Studios,...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Government
- University of Oxford - Master of Arts, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Professional Certifications
- +6 subjects
Cheryl: CFA course instructor
...in person and online. I believe in helping students get from point A to point B and making sure that they understand their subject areas of focus. I am a hands on coaching through encouragement type of tutor. I use 7 different formats to reach the students at their point of need. I also have...
Education & Certification
- Atlanta Metropolitan College - Associates, Mathematics
- American InterContinental University-Atlanta - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Test Prep
- Other
- SAT Math
- +42 subjects
Ben: CFA course instructor
...strategist and published author with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Asset Management, Equities, Bonds, Investment Strategies, and Capital Markets. Strong finance professional with a MBA focused in Finance, General from University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. Series 65, 7, 63, 24, CFA, FRM
Education & Certification
- University of Amsterdam - Bachelor of Economics, Economics
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Economics
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Series 15 - Foreign Currency Options Exam
- WMCP - Wealth Management Certified Professional
- +39 subjects
Hiba: CFA course instructor
...Analyst) certification. While in university I was the teaching assistant for my Finance professors and helped my fellow students understand concepts that were not clear. I have also helped my fellow CFA candidates with concepts and practice questions and have tutored O levels students with Math problems. Since graduation I have been involved in the...
Education & Certification
- GUST - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- Chartered Financial Analyst - Certificate, Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- Elementary School Math
- Math
- +12 subjects
Asif Mahmood: CFA course instructor
...I love to break down complex concepts into simple language and teach students in an easy-to-understand manner. I am also an MBA graduate with a GMAT score of 660 and an IELTS score of 8. I look forward to teaching students to help them achieve the same results I did using the most suitable approach...
Education & Certification
- Jahangirnagar University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Iowa - Masters in Business Administration, Investments and Securities
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- Programming Languages
- GMAT Verbal
- +34 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Essex - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 7
- +14 subjects
Joe: CFA course instructor
...CPA exams, and I am confident in solving accounting related problems. Quickbooks is the concentration of my professional practice. I am a QuickBooks Pro-advisor and I am ready to help clients with the software as well related accounting issues. Insurance license exam is another area of my expertise, as I have nailed the exam after...
Education & Certification
- Capital University - Bachelor of Accountancy, Accounting
- Fordham University - Master of Science, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- CPA
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- Insurance License
- +33 subjects
Audrey: CFA course instructor
...the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced topics. I have strong research skills that I deploy where necessary to ensure that my students have up to date knowledge. I will also use real life examples from business, industry and SEC reports to reinforce knowledge of various topics. QuickBooks: I have experience with QuickBooks. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Ghana - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- CFA
- Series 7
- CPA
- Insurance License
- +26 subjects