Notes on the CFA papers.
Practical, examiner-tested writing for PopCFA learners. Notes on exam technique, revision strategy, and syllabus updates.
8 articles
how to pass CFA Level 1
How to Pass the CFA Level I Exam: A Complete Study Guide
The CFA Level I exam has a 40–45% pass rate. This guide covers study hours, topic weighting, MCQ strategy, and the preparation habits that separate passing candidates from those who retake.
CFA exam pass rate
CFA Exam Pass Rates: What the Numbers Actually Mean for Your Prep
CFA Level I pass rates have ranged from 37% to 49% in recent years. This post explains what drives the variation, what the data suggests about preparation quality, and how to use it to calibrate your own study plan.
CFA Level 1 vs Level 2
CFA Level I vs Level II: What Changes and How to Prepare
Level II is harder than Level I in two distinct ways: the material goes deeper in every topic area, and the format changes completely. Item sets replace standalone questions, and many topics that were introductory at Level I become analytically demanding at Level II.
CFA study hours
How Many Hours Do You Need to Study for the CFA?
CFA Institute recommends 300 hours for Level I. Most candidates who pass on their first attempt report studying in that range. Here is how to plan a schedule that actually delivers those hours and uses them well.
CFA ethics tips
CFA Ethics: Why It Is the Most Important Topic to Master
Ethics carries 15–20% of the CFA Level I exam weight and influences borderline pass/fail decisions. This guide explains how the Standards work, how exam questions are constructed, and how to study Ethics effectively.
CFA Level 1 exam format
The CFA Level I Exam Format Explained
CFA Level I is a computer-based exam with 180 three-option questions split across two sessions. This guide explains the format, timing, question structure, topic weights, and what candidates can expect on exam day.
free CFA practice questions
Free CFA Practice Questions: How to Make the Most of Them
Free CFA practice questions are widely available but vary considerably in quality. This guide explains how to find reliable free questions, how to use them effectively, and when they are enough versus when a paid resource fills the gap.
CFA fixed income practice questions
CFA Fixed Income: A Candidate's Guide to the Hardest Topic Area
Fixed Income accounts for 11–14% of the CFA Level I exam and requires mastering bond pricing, yield measures, duration, convexity, and credit analysis. This guide breaks down what the exam tests and how to prepare efficiently.