CFA Level 1 – Top Education News Feed in Nigeria Today

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a globally recognised designation provided by the CFA Institute. To attain this certification, candidates are required to pursue the CFA course which comprises a total of three levels of exams. It assesses students on a varied range of concepts, be it Financial, Accounting-related or Mathematical. By completing the CFA course, you can choose from various prospects available in the Finance and Investment sector globally. If you are planning to study this program, here is a comprehensive blog that details the key essentials of CFA level 1, what it comprises as well as its exam pattern and marking scheme.

Overview of the CFA Exam

The CFA exam is bifurcated into three parts: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Quite similar to the CA course, candidates need to clear all three levels of this exam to qualify for the certification of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). The CFA Level 1 mainly evaluates a candidate on their basic knowledge of investment tools. Moving to the next level, the complex analytical concepts and understanding of asset valuation are examined. Then, for level three, the advanced level concepts of Finance and Investment are assessed including portfolio management, and wealth planning, amongst others.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Chartered Financial Analyst Exam
Level of Exam	National
Conducting Body	The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
Duration of CFA Level 1 Exam	Two equal sessions of 2.15 hours each make up a total length of 4.5 hours.
Frequency of Exam	Four Times in a Year: February, May, August, and November
Mode of the Exam	Online
Language of Exam	English
Enrollment Fee	USD 350 (INR 28,897)
Official Website	www.cfainstitute.org

Must Read: CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Course

What is CFA Level 1?

The Level I test is divided into two 135-minute sessions with 180 multiple-choice questions (session times are approximate). Between sessions, there is an optional break. Candidates must take both sessions to receive an exam result.

• 90 multiple-choice questions covering ethical and professional standards, mathematical methodologies, economics, and financial reporting and analysis in the first session (2 hours, 15 minutes).
• 90 multiple-choice questions covering corporate finance, equities, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management in the second session (2 hours, 15 minutes).

Exams for the CFA are currently held across India, with capacity limitations and other restrictions. Aspirants who missed the November test owing to the continuing pandemic can take the CFA Institute’s Online Proctored Test (OPT). Candidates will get further information about OPT through email.

Also Read: Finance Courses in UK

CFA Level 1 Syllabus

As the beginning step of the course, the CFA level 1 mainly constitutes basic concepts of the academic disciplines of Finance and Investment. The cutoff for different subjects can vary and here is a table enlisting the various subjects of the level 1, general marking scheme as well as the included topics.

Subjects in CFA Level 1	Percentage of Marks	Topics
Ethics	15	Global Investment Performance Standards Standard of Professional Conduct
Financial Reporting Analysis	15	Income statement Drafting Balance sheet Financial Reporting Mechanics and Standards
Equity Investment	11	Market Efficiency  Security Market Indices Market Organization and Structure
Fixed Income Analysis	11	Fixed Income Markets  Fixed Income Securities Introduction to Fixed Income Valuation
Quantitative Analysis	10	Discounted Cash Flow Applications Time Value of Money Statistical Concepts and Market Returns
Corporate Finance	10	Cost of Capital Capital Budgeting
Economics	10	Firm and Market Structure Demand and Supply Analysis Aggregate Output, Prices, Economic Growth
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning	6	Basics of Portfolio Planning and  Construction
Derivatives	6	Derivative Markets and Instruments
Alternative Investment	6	Mutual Funds Real estate

Also Read: Short-Term Courses in Finance:2023

Ethics and Professional Standards

The code of conduct, professional standards, and the Global Investment Performance Standards are all covered in this section (GIPS). The subject has between 27 and 36 questions, and the Institute takes this component very seriously. If a candidate’s scores on all other topics are low or close to the minimum passing score, the score on this part may determine whether the candidate passes or fails. One advantage of studying ethics thoroughly is that it aids in the preparation for Level II and Level III exams.

Quantitative Methods

While the ethical component is more scenario-oriented and straightforward, the quantitative methods section may be scary to certain students. A PhD in mathematics is not required to excel in quantitative approaches, but a foundation in statistics is advantageous. With an 8%-to-12% weighting, candidates should expect 15 to 22 quantitative method questions. The topics covered are designed to provide an understanding of the analytical tools and methodologies required for financial analysis and investment decision-making.

Economics

The economics component assesses understanding of fundamental micro and macroeconomic concepts. These include supply and demand analysis, oligopoly and monopoly market structures, aggregate output, prices, economic growth, and business cycles and their impact on economic activity. Economics accounts for 8% to 12% of the Level I test.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

With a weight of 13% to 17%, this is the second-largest section on the Level I exam. Financial reporting and analysis have a somewhat lower weight in the Level II course, therefore it’s critical to devote adequate time to studying this topic to lay a good basis for following exams.

Candidates will be expected to evaluate and comprehend primary financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement), as well as understand ratios and a variety of advanced topics such as revenue recognition, inventory analysis, long-term assets, and taxes.

Corporate Issuers

The part on corporate finance follows financial reporting and analysis and has an 8%-to-12% weight in the Level I exam. It introduces corporate governance as well as investment and financing decisions. This topic also emphasizes the growing importance of environmental and social factors in investing. Capital planning, cost of capital, leverage, and working capital management are all important concerns.

Also Read: Career in Finance

Portfolio Management

The Level I exam solely covers the fundamentals of portfolio management. The Modern Portfolio Theory and the Capital Asset Pricing Model are vital principles. This portion contains between 9 and 15 questions and serves as preparation for Levels II and III, which focus on the application of portfolio management expertise.

Equity Investments

The section on equities discusses equity markets and instruments, as well as valuation methods and techniques. Candidates should pay great attention to this subject because it establishes the groundwork for Levels II and III of study. The Level I exam has about 10% to 12% equity questions, with the majority of the questions focusing on evaluating and analysing companies.

Fixed Income

Following equities, the exam moves on to fixed-income markets and related instruments. Candidates must be familiar with the characteristics of various fixed-income instruments as well as how to price them. The yield measurements, duration, and convexity are all significant concepts. This section also covers structured instruments like mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Fixed income questions make up 10% to 12% of the exam.

Derivatives

Derivatives, like portfolio management, are only introduced in Level I. Candidates will be examined on the fundamentals of futures, forwards, swaps, options, and derivative hedging techniques. This area, like portfolio management, has a 5%-to-8% weight in the Level I test, which corresponds to between 9 and 15 questions.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments covered in this section include real estate, private equity, hedge funds, infrastructure, and commodities. The Level I curriculum for alternative investments is introductory, with an exam weight of 5% to 8%, therefore expect between 9 and 15 questions. Candidates should take this section seriously given its increased importance in recent years and the fact that it has a somewhat larger weight in Levels II and III.

Must Read: CFA Syllabus

CFA Level 1 Fee

Particulars	Fees (USD)	Fees (INR)
CFA level 1 enrollment fee	350	28,897
Early registration fee	900	74,308
Standard registration fee	1200	99,077
Late registration fee	1450	1,19,719
Rescheduling Fee	250	20,641

CFA Level 1 Eligibility Criteria

As the commencing step of the CFA course, candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria of the first level to register themselves for this exam. Here are the major prerequisites you need to fulfil to qualify for CFA level 1:

• The candidate must have completed their undergraduate degree and those who are in the final year of their graduation are also eligible.
• 4 years of work experience in a Finance-related career profile or a combination of their university education as well as employment should be a total of four years.
• The candidate needs to submit more than two reference letters from reputed and established professionals in the Finance and Investment industry.

CFA Level 1 Exam Format

Before detailing the CFA level 1, let’s take a look at the general format and structure of the three levels of this course.

Level	No. Of Questions	Types of Questions	Duration
CFA Level 1	240	Multiple Choice Questions	6 hours
CFA Level 2	120	Combination of Questions and Essays	6 hours
CFA Level 3	120	Essays	6 hours

How To Prepare For CFA Level 1

Giving oneself ample time to study is one of the most significant approaches to preparing for the CFA Level I test. Candidates can tailor their preparation for the CFA Program to their requirements and circumstances. The data below should be taken into account while devising a study strategy for the CFA Level I test.

• The average successful applicant reported preparing for the Level I test in June 2019 for 303 hours.

• Because the CFA Level I test is self-paced, applicants will devote varied amounts of time to prepare for it, depending on how close their exam date is. For example, if a candidate spent a year studying for the CFA Level I test, he or she would have spent around 25 hours each month studying.

• On average, it takes 4–5 years for a candidate to pass all three tests. Successful applicants report studying for each level for roughly 300 hours, with the CFA Level I test taking 303 hours, the CFA Level II exam 328 hours, and the CFA Level III exam 344 hours.

Also Checkout: CFP vs CFA

CFA Level 1 Subjects

The key disciplines included under the CFA Level 1 are Finance and Economics-related concepts and some of these subjects have been elaborated on below:

• Financial Reporting Analysis: It involves the study of principal financial statements, analysis of financial reports, decision-making processes for investments, and financial reporting, among others.
• Fixed Income Analyses: These comprise an introduction to how the yield curve affects portfolio strategies and risk management including implied spot rates, convexity, duration and interpreting the future.
• Quantitative Analysis: This concept in CFA level 1 includes the study of money, time, probability and descriptive statistics along with techniques essential in financial analysis.
• Economics: It includes several principles of microeconomics and how they are used to assess the marketplace behaviour of consumers and firms. 
• Equity Investment: This subject involves an understanding of how to calculate the estimate of the company’s intrinsic value and varied additional valuation methods.

CFA Level 1 Recommended books

Book Names	Authors
Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions	Pearl and Rosenbaum
The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities	Frank J. Fabozzi
Strategic Value Investing: Practical Techniques of Leading Value Investors	Stephen M. Horan, Robert R. Johnson and Thomas R. Robinson
2022 CFA Level I	Kaplan Schweser
CFA Level I	Bhupesh Anand

Must Read: CFA Level 2

CFA Level 1 Exam Tips

• Unless otherwise stated, exam questions about financial statement analysis are based on international financial reporting standards (IFRS). The question will make it clear if it is based on U.S. GAAP.
• Be at ease using your calculator. Verify that you are familiar with how to use the calculator’s features so you can respond to the learning outcome statements (LOS).
• Respond to all inquiries. Incorrect answers are not penalised in any way.
• Don’t overdress. There is no set attire, but layering is recommended for comfort.

Candidates may require proctor assistance at any point during the exam’s normal course. Proctors will arrive at workstations as soon as they can to offer assistance. If possible, we advise candidates to finish their exams before a proctor arrives. To ensure that candidates still have enough time to answer all questions, the exam writers designed the test to account for brief pauses or interruptions.

Job Prospects

After successfully qualifying for CFA levels 1, 2 and 3, the candidates are provided with the certification of Chartered Financial Analyst. Since it is a globally renowned qualification, you can discover plentiful opportunities in the Finance and Investment industry on an international level. Some of the major career profiles you can pursue after attaining the CFA certification are:

Must Read: Career in Financial Analysis

FAQs

Thus, we hope that this blog provided you with the key essentials of the CFA level 1 and what it entails. If you are planning to pursue a professional program in Finance or Accounting in India or you want to study abroad, our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you throughout the process of finding an ideal course and university that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.

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