Guide To CFA Exam Preparation

Transcription

CFA Exam Prep June 2013Guide to CFA Exam PreparationCFA Program overviewCFA exam detailsNew for June 2013!CFA Exam RegistrationStudy packagesExpert instructionThe CFA charter is the pinnacle of financial professionalism, and although the pathto achieving this global designation is challenging, you do not have to go it alone. Thissummary includes general information about the CFA Program and Kaplan Schweser’sNew York Weekly Classesprep plans that can help you pass the CFA exam.CFA Program OverviewNew York 3-Day Exam WorkshopsIndustry professionals worldwide recognize the CFA charter as the “gold standard”For more info visit www.schweser.com/cfaabove all financial designations because it symbolizes investment industry knowledgeand ethical behavior. C FA Institute is the administrating body of the CFA Program,a practice-based curriculum with three levels of exams.Why Kaplan Schweser? E ach level of the CFA exam is offered once each year in June.Kaplan Schweser has been the leader in CFA Successful candidates report spending an average of 300 hoursThe Level I exam is also offered in December.review for over 20 years, helping hundreds ofthousands of candidates prepare for the CFA exam.With Kaplan Schweser, you can: Maximize your exam prep time L earn with confidence from study tools that areclear, concise, and up-to-datepreparing for each exam; some may need more or less time,depending on their background and experience.Candidate Eligibility RequirementsTo be eligible to enter the CFA Program, you must: Hold a U.S. bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree or be in the final year of your bachelor’s S tudy anytime, anywhere with guidance fromdegree program or have four years of qualified professional work experience or acombination of work and college experience that totals at least four yearsexpert instructors W ork through thousands of quality practicequestions—a critical drill for all CFA candidates Understand the professional conduct requirements (during the application process, youwill be asked to sign statements of Professional Conduct and Candidate Responsibility) Be prepared to take the exams in EnglishLearn More Have a valid international travel passport (required for enrollment and examregistration)—requirement since 2012Free Resources:Why CFA?Candidate ViewpointsWhy Schweser?877.599.2660 (U.S.) 1 608.779.5599 (Int’l.) www.schweser.comMRKT-7479Public CFA Blog

CFA Exam Prep June 2013CFA Program overview CFA exam details CFA Exam Registration Study packagesExpert instructionLevel IBody of Knowledge Level I Topic AreaCandidates concentrate on the tools and concepts related to investmentvaluation and portfolio management, as well as an overview of how theseprocesses fit within the guidelines of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics andStandards of Professional Conduct.Ethical and Professional Standards15%Investment Tools50%Quantitative Methods 12Economics 10Financial Reporting and Analysis 20 Corporate Finance 8Asset ClassesExam Format: multiple-choice; each question has three answer choices 240 equally weighted questions Morning: 120 questions; Afternoon: 120 questions On average, 1.5 minutes should be allocated for each question30%Equity Investments 10Fixed Income 12Derivatives 5Alternative Investments 3Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning5%Total 100%Level IIBody of Knowledge Candidates are expected to demonstrate a greater depth of understandingLevel II Topic Areaof the tools and techniques that were introduced in the Level I curriculum, inEthical and Professional Standardsaddition to applications in asset valuation within the context of the Code ofInvestment ToolsEthics and Standards of Professional Conduct.Quantitative Methods 5–1030–60%Economics 5–10Financial Reporting and Analysis 15–25 Corporate Finance 5–15Exam Format: item set or “mini cases” — each item set contains a vignette (withan average length of 1.5 pages) 20 item sets, each with 6 multiple-choice questions Morning: 10 item sets; Afternoon: 10 item sets Exam is graded for 360 points; 360 minutes on the examLevel IIIAsset ClassesEquity Investments 20–30Derivatives 5–1535–75%Fixed Income 5–15Alternative Investments 5–15Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning5–15%Total 100%Level III Topic AreaBody of Knowledge Candidates are required to demonstrate a higher level of understandingof the materials tested at Levels I and II, as well as display effectiveknowledge of the entire portfolio management process.Exam Format: essay, item sets, and multiple-choice Morning: 12–15 essay questionsAfternoon: 10 item sets, each with 6 multiple-choice questionsEthical and Professional Standards10%Investment Tools0%Quantitative Methods 0Economics 0Financial Reporting and Analysis 0Corporate Finance 0Asset Classes35–45%Equity Investments 5–15Fixed Income 10–20Derivatives 5–15Alternative Investments 5–15Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning The exam is graded for 360 points; 360 minutes on the examImportant: New CFA candidates are encouraged to read all of the testing policies set forth by CFA Institute.877.599.2660 (U.S.) 1 608.779.5599 (Int’l.) www.schweser.comMRKT-747910%45–55%Total 100%

CFA Exam Prep June 2013CFA Program overview CFA exam detailsCFA Exam Registration Study packagesExpert instructionEnroll and Register in the CFA ProgramRegister NowTo enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time registration fee and therequired enrollment fees for each level. Exam registration, the CFA curriculum, partial sampleexam, and a mock exam (full-length for Levels I and II, partial for Level III) are included in thecandidate enrollment and registration fees.June 2013 CFA Exam FeesImportant DatesMarch 13, 2013September 19, 2012Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – 440Total 1,120Exam Registrations* (all candidates) – 680February 13, 2013Final deadline for new CFAenrollments and exam registrationsto be receivedApril 2013Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – 440Total 1,220Examination admission ticketavailable on the CFA Institute websiteExam Registrations* (all candidates) – 780June 1, 2013March 13, 2013Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – 530Total 1,585Exam Registrations* (all candidates) – 1,055Enrollment and registration fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Exam registrationand fees must be received on or before the dates listed for prices to apply.* The registration fee also includes the assigned CFA curriculum, one partial sample exam, and a mock exam(full-length I & II, partial III). CFA curriculum options may affect total fee.Examination dayLate July: Levels I & IIMid-August: Level IIIJune 2013 exam results available online* Exam results are compiled and released byCFA Institute. Result release times may vary.Test CentersThe CFA exam is administered in testing centers located all over the world.For a complete, up-to-date list of centers, please click here.Don’t miss Kaplan Schweser’s CFA Mock ExamMay2013As close to the actual CFA exam in content and difficulty as we can make it,and fully proctored to replicate the pressure of exam day! Attend the 3-hourmorning and 3-hour afternoon sessions (live or online) for a true test of yourreadiness for the real CFA exam.*To obtain a printed version of the CFA exam registration and enrollment forms in the mail, call CFA Institute’sInformation Central Department at: 800.247.8132 or 434.951.5499 or e-mail info@cfainstitute.org.877.599.2660 (U.S.) 1 608.779.5599 (Int’l.) www.schweser.comMRKT-7479

CFA Exam Prep June 2013CFA Program overview CFA exam detailsCFA Exam Registration Instruction PackagesPremiumPlus PackageStudy Packages1,399 Choice of: Final Review PackFinal Review YourOR Live 3-Day Exam WorkshopInstructionYour Choice of:Schweser Online Class PackageOR Video Class PackageSchweserPro QBankSchweser Practice ExamsSchweserNotes Schweser’s QuickSheetSchweser Study PlannerInstructorLink Schweser LibrarySearchable FAQsWeekly Study TipsInstructor-Led Office HoursFaculty Email AccessSchweser PassProtection Study packages PremiumPackage 999Self-Study PackagesEssential Study SchweserNotes PackagePackage599 349 Expert instructionInstruction Packages PremiumPlus Package: Why not haveit all? Our most comprehensive packageincludes everything you need to learn,practice, retain, and review the CFA curriculum. Efficient, effective study 6663 FullFull tools expert instruction and guidance plus a final review to reinforce everythingyou’ve learned just before exam day forExpanded Required Disclaimer: “CFA Institute does not endorse or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products orservices offered by Kaplan Schweser. CFA Institute, CFA and Chartered Financial Analyst are trademarksowned by CFA Institute.”maximum confidence. Premium Study Package: Don’t go itPartial alone! Add expert instruction by CFA charterholders to your Essential StudyPackage. Enjoy the structure of ourlive online classes or the flexibility ofour video instruction. With world-classinstruction making our study tools evenmore effective, why would you try to tacklethe CFA curriculum on your own?Self-Study Packages Essential Study Package: All of youressential exam prep tools in one package!Prepare to pass with SchweserNotes ,6 full-length practice exams, and theSchweserPro QBank with thousandsof practice questions and self-quiz andreview tools. Tutorial help and an arrayof print and online study tools make theEssential Study Package an excellentchoice for candidates who want acomprehensive self-study program. SchweserNotes Package: This packageis the foundation for any successfulCFA exam study program! We’vecombined candidates’ favorite studytool—SchweserNotes —with 3 full-free ethics app!Learn Morelength practice exams, the go-anywhereQuickSheet review tool, and onlinevideos, study tips, and FAQs.View Demos & Samples877.599.2660 (U.S.) 1 608.779.5599 (Int’l.) www.schweser.comMRKT-7479

CFA Exam Prep June 2013CFA Program overview CFA exam details CFA Exam Registration World-Class Instruction Options:Live Weekly Class Package or Schweser Online Class PackageSelf-study may not be enough to succeed on the CFA exam. Schweser’s expertinstructors know the CFA curriculum and how to prepare for the exam. TheseStudy packagesExpert instructionHere’s why Schweser’s instructorsmake the difference: Nearly half hold multiple designations(CFA, FRM , CAIA )experienced educators engage the student, clearly explain even the most More than half are MBAschallenging topics, and go the extra mile to help candidates prepare for the exam. More than 80 percent have some type ofmaster’s degreeSchweser Video Class PackageStudy your way—on your schedule! If you can’t commit yourself to a live weekly More than one-third are PhDs in Financeclass, you can still receive our world-renowned instruction anytime, anywhere, onthe topic of your choice. Start, stop, and review each lesson or segment as oftenas you like.Final Review PackEnter the CFA exam test center with confidence! Schweser’s Final Review Packhas efficient tools that put the finishing touch on your CFA exam preparation:3-Day Exam Workshop Archive, Online Mock Exam and Multimedia Tutorial, andSchweser’s Secret Sauce book.3-Day Exam Workshop (Live or Online)With a balanced mix of curriculum review and problem solving, Schweser’s3-Day Exam Workshop is just the thing to get you exam-ready. After reviewingeach topic, instructors use problems and exam-like questions to teach you keyconcepts and techniques. The course is designed to improve your exam-takingskill and speed, as well as your knowledge of important CFA curriculum material.It’s exactly what you need during the last weeks before the exam.DFW 5-Day Review and Exam WorkshopA favorite with CFA candidates for over 20 years, our Dallas-Fort Worthreview takes place the week of May 14 this year. This intensive review programcombines review of key concepts in every topic area, demonstration problems,New for June 2013!New York Weekly ClassesNew York 3-Day Exam WorkshopsFor more info visit www.schweser.com/cfaand extensive hands-on problem solving to get you exam-ready.WindsorWeek 7-Day Residential SeminarJoin hundreds of candidates who come from all corners of the world to share inthe spirit, excitement, and energy in CFA education that can only be found atWindsorWeek ! This all-inclusive, 7-day residential program brings you togetherwith some of the best instructors in CFA education.Required Disclaimer: “CFA Institute does not endorse or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offeredby Kaplan Schweser. CFA Institute, CFA and Chartered Financial Analyst are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.”877.599.2660 (U.S.) 1 608.779.5599 (Int’l.) www.schweser.comMRKT-7479

CFA PRogRAM ovERvIEW CFA ExAM DETAILS CFA exAm regiStrAtion STUDy PACKAgES ExPERT InSTRUCTIon May 2013 To enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time registration fee and the required enrollment fees for each level. Exam registra