Shape

CFA® Level I Prep

weekend

Eligibility: CFA® Program Eligibility To be eligible for the CFA course, the candidate: Should have a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree or be in the final year of the bachelor’s degree at the time of registration. Or Should have four years of qualified, professional work experience or a combination of work/college experience that totals four years. Students with two years remaining in their undergraduate studies are now eligible to register for the Level I exam! How to become CFA® Charter In order to become CFA Charterholder, you must: Pass all three levels I, II & III with each having rigorous six-hour exams. Also you need to have at least four years of professional investment experience (earned before, during, or after participation in the Program) Consequently you will become a regular member of CFA Institute and thereafter you commit to abide by CFA Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct

Duration: 10

Shape

Course Summary

About CFA® Program

The CFA® Program, offered by the esteemed CFA Institute in the United States, boasts over 170,000 Charter Holders across 165+ countries, making it a globally recognized standard in finance education. This comprehensive program trains candidates in all aspects of finance, including analysis, estimation, and forecasting of company performance, as well as financial and portfolio management.

The CFA® Exam

The CFA Exam is a rigorous assessment that evaluates candidates' knowledge and proficiency across a wide range of topics essential for success in the field of finance. Here's an overview of the CFA Exam structure and content:

Ten Key Areas: The CFA course covers ten key areas, including ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting, and analysis as per international standards, taxation analysis, debt analysis, global operations, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, alternative investments (such as real estate, private equity, and commodities), portfolio management, and wealth planning.

Three Levels: The CFA® Program is divided into three levels:

·       Level I: Introduces fundamental topics such as equity, derivatives, etc., which serve as building blocks for portfolio creation. The Level I CFA® Exam is offered in February, May, August, and November, consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions (90 questions in each session) spread across two sessions, each lasting 2 hours, and 15 minutes.

·       Level II: Emphasizes the application of various tools like quantitative analysis and portfolio analysis for asset valuation. The Level II CFA® Exam is offered in May and August, comprising 88 multiple-choice questions (44 questions in each session) over two sessions, each lasting 2 hours, and 15 minutes.

·       Level III: Focuses on advanced topics such as Portfolio Management and strategies for creating tailored portfolios for individuals and institutions. The Level III CFA® Exam is offered in May and November and includes 9 – 12 essay-type questions and 44 multiple-choice questions spread across two sessions, each lasting 2 hours, and 15 minutes.

The CFA Exam serves as a comprehensive assessment of candidates' understanding and application of financial concepts, preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities they will face in their careers as finance professionals.

Course Content:

LEVEL I 2024 CURRICULUM

Exam Topics & Weights

Quantitative Methods (6% - 9%)

Quantitative Methods, a key component of the CFA curriculum, covers essential concepts for financial analysis. It includes understanding the time value of money, statistical analysis, probability theory, hypothesis testing, linear regression, and big data techniques. These topics provide candidates with the skills to interpret financial data, assess investment outcomes, and make informed decisions. Mastery of these concepts is critical for success in the CFA exams and for thriving in the finance industry, where analytical proficiency is indispensable.

Economics (6% - 9%)

Economics in the CFA curriculum introduces firms and market structures. It covers the business cycle, monetary and fiscal policies, geopolitics, international finance, and currency exchange rates. This topic provides a foundational understanding of economic dynamics crucial for analyzing and navigating global financial markets.

Corporate Issuers (6% - 9%)

Corporate Issuers in the CFA curriculum introduces candidates to various organizational forms, stakeholder management, and corporate governance. Emphasizing the significance of working capital, liquidity, and capital allocation, this topic underscores their roles in organizational success. It includes topics on capital structures and business models, providing candidates with foundational knowledge essential for analyzing corporate entities.

Financial Statement Analysis (11% - 14%)

Financial Statement Analysis in the CFA curriculum provides an overview of primary financial statements, offering a structured approach to analyze them effectively. This topic covers the three major financial statements—balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement—as well as financial reporting for specific assets and liabilities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the quality of financial reporting, ensuring candidates can assess the reliability and relevance of financial information when making investment decisions.

Equities (11% - 14%)

Equities, a pivotal topic in the CFA curriculum, provides candidates with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets. This section covers the construction and utilization of security market indexes, explores market efficiency, and delves into various types of equity securities. Candidates also learn practical frameworks for conducting industry and individual company analysis, crucial for informed investment decisions. 

Fixed Income (11% - 14%)

Fixed Income, a core component of the CFA curriculum, delves into the intricacies of fixed-income securities. This topic covers global fixed-income markets and the valuation of these securities. Candidates explore bond returns and risks, including interest rate risk and credit risk, and learn techniques for analyzing credit risk.

Derivatives (5% - 8%)

Derivatives, a crucial aspect of the CFA curriculum, introduces candidates to basic derivatives and derivative markets. This topic covers the essential functions of forwards, futures, swaps, and contingent claims such as options. Candidates learn the basics of valuing these derivatives, including techniques for pricing and assessing risk. Understanding derivatives and their markets is essential for managing risk and implementing advanced investment strategies, making this topic foundational for finance professionals.

Alternative Investments (7% - 10%)

Alternative Investments, a key area in the CFA curriculum, provides candidates with an overview of various alternative investment options and their performance appraisal. This topic covers a range of alternative investments, including private capital, real estate and infrastructure, natural resources, hedge funds, and digital assets. Candidates explore the unique features, risk-return profiles, and valuation methods associated with these investments.

Portfolio Management (8% - 12%)

Portfolio Management in the CFA curriculum introduces candidates to investment strategies based on portfolio theory. This topic covers risk and return analysis, modern portfolio theory, portfolio planning and construction, risk management, and the impact of financial technology on investing. Mastery of portfolio management principles is crucial for designing and managing investment portfolios aligned with investors' goals and risk preferences.

Ethical & Professional Standards (15% - 20%)

Ethical and Professional Standards in the CFA curriculum highlight ethics' pivotal role in the investment profession. This topic covers the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics, Standards of Professional Conduct, and the Global Investment Performance Standards, providing guidelines for ethical behavior and accurate performance reporting. Understanding and adhering to these standards are essential for upholding integrity and trust in the financial industry.

Intec and advantage from the course :

Key Highlights of CFA®Program

Global Recognition: With its widespread presence and esteemed reputation, the CFA® Charter is considered the highest designation in the finance industry.
Extensive Knowledge: The program provides candidates with a deep understanding of finance, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of roles.
Career Advancement: Earning the CFA® Charter opens doors to exciting career opportunities and signifies a commitment to excellence in finance.
Real-World Relevance: The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest industry trends, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
Transformative Experience: Embarking on the CFA journey is not just a career choice—it's a journey of personal and professional growth, offering a pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding career in finance.

For finance aspirants seeking a program that combines global recognition, comprehensive knowledge, and career advancement opportunities, the CFA® Program stands as the premier choice.