How I Passed all 3 CFA Exams on the First Try - Now What?

[@pejpm]

I passed L1 and L2 first time, but skipping L3 this year as we just had twins. My advice to all L2 candidates is to not be intimidated by it, it’s really not that bad. I didn’t go to college/uni, and I can barely do basic algebra, and I passed. It’s challenging, but it’s like a marathon, it’s all about the preparation. Anyone can do it if they have a plan and stick to it.

[@aritrasaha3286]

How can you skip a level? Like do you need to inform the institute about the same or we can take level 2,3 as and when we like. The thing is I need CFA level 1 as a resume point but feel that level 2,3 is not my immediate need. Please help.

[@pejpm]

Aritra Saha you can take it whenever you want. I did level 1 in 2017, and level 2 in 2019. I met one guy who did level 2 in 2011 and level 3 in 2019. Level 1 is useful for your resume, but it won’t make much difference. If I saw someone who did level 1 only and didn’t go any further, I’d question it.

[@AsianRailgun]

@@vivivi14 work experience i assume

[@lifes3ps]

L2 seemed the toughest to me. passed all 3 on first try, but i was most distracted then (studied in vegas/played poker) (fwds/currencies blow). advice on lvl 3 is to spend extra time on the essay qs in study. you can pick up on a bunch to use on MCQ.

[@pejpm]

Victor Rivera no, work experience can suffice. I’ve got 20 years in the industry.

[@i123456987654]

i love how you pointed out that you were consistent with studying 3 hours every day and stuck with your schedule...like you easily could have only studied for an hour and a half and then went out with your friends but you didn't do that...it's great work ethic you got there and congrats!

[@meshewang]

Man I’ve been thinking to do the cfa for a while now this is some motivation. Congrats

[@pastordonkoh7692]

have you come to a decision? similarly here. Thinking of just jumping because anything corporate finance/financial manage was a glide but this thing scares idk

[@Nightingale671]

Do it girl! I’m planning on doing it too once I graduate uni 🙌🏾🤞🏾🙏🏽

[@Sco2b]

Let’s get it!

[@denissouza94]

Congratz, man! Just started my studying journey. June, 20 here I go!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

best of luck man. it feels like it wasn't that long ago I was just starting, but it also feels like ages ago at the same time. Weird.

[@denissouza94]

Straight Talks lol 😆

[@colbygillies8896]

Hey man hope you heard, June has been delayed to Dec due to coronavirus. Sorry for the bad news. Best of luck!

[@durveshkulkarni2247]

@@colbygillies8896 I think they haven't posted the postponed date yet. I might be before Dec, I guess! B'coz they emailed as they will be notifying not later than last week of May and are trying to reschedule it ASAP. They did not mention that it will be held in Dec. But I just hope that delay would not effect it to Dec. What say?

[@AsianRailgun]

@@durveshkulkarni2247 It was mentioned the earliest possible date is during December.

[@CyanideShock]

As Don Draper from Mad men said "What is Happiness? A moment before you need more happiness". With anything in life, the future will always be more exciting than the past.

[@anikawall7525]

Just passed cfa level 3 and here to encourage everyone that nclex is not as hard as assumed, just work smart and you would pass

[@tariqlee3238]

Congratulations

[@kylesmith6708]

Any tips please

[@anikawall7525]

@@kylesmith6708 To be frank I wouldn't have passed without the help of Mr riq whom I linked up with on what$ap, can't stop thanking him

[@lobozjane8397]

It's my first time am so scared right now

[@chaimaawad5759]

@@anikawall7525 Wow I've heard so much about he's good works but has not been opportuned to get him what's he's what$ap number please

[@ike45mc]

I am glad that I am having the same mindset as you. 146 days left right now before the test. I don’t think I am going to pass the first time, but I think one of the things that people don’t realize is that most people AREN’T meant to pass the first time. I have 6 tries for each exam. The difference between the guy who quits the CFA and the guy who has one is the guy with the CFA shows up 6 months later pass or fail and is ready to go take the next test. That’s exactly why I am taking this exam.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck studying!!!

[@quantgeekery6358]

From November to June is 8 months. 3 hours/day, 6 days a week (18hrs/week). 4.25 weeks/month 76.5 hours/month 8 months 612 hours to reasonably prepare for the CFA. That makes sense. People that pass the first exam usually retook the exam, which meant they studied for 600 hours instead of 300.

[@jordanlambert3063]

Very well articulated. I passed level 3 in 2019 and then received my charter. And i feel exactly the same way.

[@proinvestors954]

So were u able to secure a high paying job/dream job?

[@FinancialAnalysisTJ]

I passed L1 in May on my first attempt! 38% pass rate and just below the 90th percentile. Really appreciate your videos. It really helped me in choosing to pursue the charter.

[@asadnayani4724]

Congratulations 🎉. I cleared level 3 back in June 2017 and gave level 1 exam in Dec 2015. I know the feeling of clearing all of them in the first attempt.

[@TameemDalvi]

Bro can you share your contact details

[@TameemDalvi]

I heard that every level has importance unlike CA. If you clear level 1, you will be likely to get job level 1 exam basis. Is it true?

[@naturalgodgaming21]

@@TameemDalvi yup

[@GradyCool]

Congrats

[@varaddixit5279]

I like you're honest, I wish you all the very best. I am having level 3 CFA next week exam. :)

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thanks! Best of luck on Level 3!!!

[@cameronmountain9644]

Damn I passed level 3 in June 2019 and I feel that emotion of people congratulating you but not really knowing what you went through. I’m in a similar situation. 48 months in May 2020 and I can’t help but feel underwhelmed so far. :/ hopefully that changes when I can hang that big ass charter on my wall

[@JC-ce8uw]

Would u Recommended sitting the CFA if you don't know exactly what you want to do later on in life after university?

[@cameronmountain9644]

@@JC-ce8uw No I would not. You have to be borderline obsessed with passing. At a minimum you are looking at 900 hours of study and thousands of dollars in costs. I have friends who have finance degrees that "wanted" to pass the CFA but were not obsessed. They failed level I or passed level I and then gave up. If you truly don't know what you want to do, I would say your money and time are better spent elsewhere.

[@pearlmnyebeleza3231]

Hello, I need advice on how to start with the whole process of enrolling or registering and where to get past papers to practice with?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@JC-ce8uw no! It could be a big waste of time if you aren't going to work in finance.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@pearlmnyebeleza3231 You should just use the resources on the CFA website.

[@coenraadscheepers7323]

Congrats brother. Know its been a while since you have passed, but it remains a great achievement... Planning on getting started with my 620 hours this coming week. Wish me luck.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

You got it, Coenraad!

[@GradyCool]

Best of luck!

[@darkfeeels]

As a level 1 candidate who is giving the exam this December, it's nice to hear your perspective on this. Shapes up my expectations

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

hope you did well!

[@darkfeeels]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I did! I passed my level 1 in first attempt. Now I'm taking a break now for level II, going to complete my bachelor's this year then give it in 2021. Is there any advice you'd like to give?

[@Shazam_575]

@@darkfeeels See you in 2021 for Level 2! Following with regards to any advice for Level 2

[@adriansyliangco6820]

Great insights, and congrats! Currently a L2 Candidate for this December 2020 hoping for the best haha

[@심유선-r3t]

cheers!!😄

[@balrajs]

As a Charterholder for 10 years, i can tell you that most of your return is ahead of you.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Good to know, thank you!!!

[@lucianfuller5554]

Great Job Man. Congrats! Way to go.

[@rithikmanoj]

Congrats bro, i look forward now to one day soon do a video like you do now after passing level 3

[@yaminiswingtrader]

When I was 23 I did a lot of useless crazy stuff like hanging out with friends and working in films.. now I'm 32 and I'm considering doing cfa all levels, I'm just not sure if working in a different country as a cfa is worth it. I'm currently trading full time in stocks in the Indian markets. Not sure if doing cfa and moving to a better country like canada or usa(my sister lives there) is the right thing for me. I'm really happy that you achieved this at such a young age. Really happy and proud of you. Congratulations man.

[@SpaceForce786]

Hey I'm from the UK Also turning 32 this year and just started cfa level 1 studying full time! Hit me up if you want to connect over course material

[@brnin1977]

@@SpaceForce786 ,hi I'm 42, giving my level 1 in Dec 2020

[@RaghvendraSingh-hl9ww]

@@SpaceForce786 hey I am preparing bat the moment for level 1.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

32 is still young! If you want to work in finance I say go for it.

[@yaminiswingtrader]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I enrolled a while back. I am going for it. I keep telling myself, life is all about making mistakes so we know how to do things the right way. Thanks a lot for all your encouragement. This means the world to me.

[@Mkulor]

The only reason you, or any other person does not feel excited is because you have levelled up.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Haha i like this theory!

[@tarun.t]

Congratulations!!!

[@satishkumarnedungadi2594]

Great effort and congrats.

[@mudrawealth2553]

great job ,congrts

[@pamiluyemi2234]

Congratulations!

[@benjaminwhitaker2861]

Great video!

[@HowItHappened]

Thanks for sharing your views on this

[@Whitebarberian]

Congratulations bud

[@hzhuhugo]

I cannot believe that the video was about how you felt after you past ...yet well done! And setting a realistic expectations for me if I am ever gonna pass it. Now I have to watch your other videos now haha

[@GradyCool]

Absolutely!

[@hzhuhugo]

@@GradyCool Now I passed 2 levels both in the top 10%! Great to see my resolution 2 years ago coming true!

[@GradyCool]

@@hzhuhugo congrats!

[@hzhuhugo]

@@GradyCool thanks man!!!

[@jennyunira4927]

How I wish I could nailed it too. I just bought the books and thinking to register for level 1 this coming Dec2020,. Congratulations!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck mate.

[@margaretmacharia8320]

@Jena do you have the notes

[@trochetiaboutic5278]

Thank you for sharing your experience that is really encouraging, I appreciate when people share their experience and encourage others, thank you -rook

[@GradyCool]

🔥

[@babubala8212]

Great, congrats man.

[@claudiapastorahdez6177]

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈🍾

[@lionelsukhram9786]

Claudia Pastora Hdez do you want to study for CFA together? I’m in NY

[@claudiapastorahdez6177]

Lionel Sukhram I would be happy to, trust me. The thing is now I am doing a Masters in Accounting and working full time. I hope to continue doing the CFA when I am done with the CPA. I did already pass L1 of CFA.

[@claudiapastorahdez6177]

Lionel Sukhram I would be happy to, trust me. The thing is now I am doing a Masters in Accounting and working full time. I hope to continue doing the CFA when I am done with the CPA. I did already pass L1 of CFA.

[@lionelsukhram9786]

Claudia Pastora Hdez okay no problem, I need to take Level 1 CFA in December anyway

[@saadamjad3294]

Congratulations 🎆👏

[@geniusmonkey4080]

Thank you so much for being so humble :) It is a great life lesson.

[@sharonrose458]

Congrats❤❤

[@merc340sr]

3 hrs a day!!! Wow! Congratulations!

[@raza8822]

Congratulations by the way. !!!

[@slavakolesov1107]

Congrats. Nice video. Thanks a lot.

[@majdsahmarany3091]

Good luck dude

[@AndrewL31413]

Thanks for the video. What I got out of it is, if you put in the time, you can do it. It might be 300 hours, might have to be 600. But you can do it.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

This is pretty close to my opinion, but watch my video on IQ.

[@rushabhdugad98]

Hi AJ, I wanted to let you know that I cleared CFA level 3 this February. I love your content because it is genuine and relevant. I also wanted to point out that the title of your video should have been "The 2023 Level 3 CFA Exam Had the Highest Minimum Passing Score EVER!!" The current title is misleading because one word can change the meaning of the sentence. Could you please rectify the title for the viewers?

[@shifasshifzz3687]

Congrats brother ♥️😍

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thank You!

[@anthonybrown8920]

I am confused about the dislikes......I guess those are the people who thought you were going to give them some magical answers that would help them to pass.....

[@Sorgao]

Congrats Hope to pass the exam like you! your video really motivate me thanks

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I'm glad I could help!

[@realmillennial9732]

congrats! Right now I am studying for Level 3. I recently uploaded a video on my experience with levels 1 and levels 2!

[@khalilfuller4939]

Seems like this is more of a personal accomplishment that only you & a select few can understand. Remember you did this to prove to yourself that you can do it & that’s all that matters. Just make it count

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Very true, thank you!

[@khalilfuller4939]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 would you ever go for the CPA to add to your CFA? It seems like the senior financial analyst work/report w/ the CEO/CFO & knowing me I would like to strive for the top of a company & a requirement for the CFO position is having your CPA.

[@khalilfuller4939]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 haha I basically just found a helpful answer in the comments under one of your vids

[@ThePsykopath]

it's been 6 months since u cleared cfa so I'm wondering is it helping u career wise or are u still stuck at the same job u were doing before

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I can make a video about this!

[@ibrahimsmasood]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 please do as I've just started my journey.

[@TheMrWillba]

Congratz mate!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

thanks!

[@justinwang538]

Congrats, i just got a Master of a Finance offer and it seems a good idea to get top on things like CFA and such. Watching your video gave me a picture of what i need to face. Thank you for making this video.

[@dees900]

Where are u going to do your MSc in Finance?

[@justinwang538]

@@dees900 So far my plan is going to UIUC and I have paid the reservation fee. But I am still waiting for the final decision of Northeastern, UCSD, JHU, Rochester and WUSTL. Do you have any comments on these programs? Please share if you do, XD

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Happy that I could help.

[@justinwang538]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thank you man.

[@phamtrandoanh6771]

Congratz, man!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

thanks, appreciate it.

[@anujanthiru6978]

you speak nothing but the truth big brother

[@luvomahlasela383]

Hey man Congrats on passing your CFA tets!!! I'm an accounting student from South Africa, currently doing 3rd year in university and I'm suffering from a burnout... To honest im repeating this year 'cause I failed in my first attempt but my second attempt doesn't seem to be getting any better... Any advice?

[@96mrinav]

Give it hours and do plan it out. Give weekend to go back to what you have learnt. It'll help retain whatever your studying Just going through material isn't enough, since it's such a vast material you probably won't be able to retain it. So revision for me is the key and maybe for you too Good Luck for December

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Good luck Luvo. The best advice I can give you is to study more hours than last year.

[@unknowingreaper6556]

Really see if accounting is what you want to do.

[@tellurium96]

I am from accounting as well, hated it to the core but you gotta get out ASAP by passing!! If you don't pass, you can't get out of this accounting hell hole!

[@GradyCool]

Just stick with it and be persistent

[@learningenglish8812]

Very good!

[@MMAjsf7]

Gangster! This is a goal of mine.

[@johntrolle8935]

I didnt manage to get some when i got my charter

[@Anna-ov4ty]

Hey :) you probably have no idea how much this video means to me. I was worried about schedules but listening to your experience is making my plans more clear as well. I literally just started yesterday and so far I am just excited to start. I am going to aim for level1 this december, and then June 2021 and June 2022 for the next levels. Thanks!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I'm so happy I was able to help you start! Thanks for sharing this.

[@connorfischer3283]

So what do you plan to do with you CFA? Investment banking ? Is that what you do currently?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

No - check out my videos about my financial advice career!

[@rajvaswani7878]

I'm a level 3 candidate, can strongly relate with your point regarding how very few people understand and appreciate the rigour and sacrifices it takes to pass all levels (especially if you're studying from the curriculum and working at the same time). Indeed the journey seems more fullfilling than the goal.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Everyone that I have spoken to that has both the CFA charter and a masters, felt that the CFA exams were more difficult.

[@GradyCool]

I think a lot of what you said in this video is very true. Hours in is a powerful tool. If anyone is looking for more first hand experiences with the CFA, I just made a video about why I chose to the CFA and what my journey has been like.

[@mashedpotato9482]

Very happy for you bro. I am thinking about enroll into the program but still need more advice and vision about its career and its benefits.! thank your for the video and Congratulations on this huge achievement!

[@GradyCool]

Best of luck!

[@aravindmadhusudhanan3138]

Thanks for the positive speech! I have been hearing too much negativity lately. Can you make a video about doing it after getting into a managerial job and then shifting into relevant fields(after cfa)? Thanks.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I have a video pretty close to this topic, at least for how I used the charter.

[@satyashivmodi6945]

Congrats.

[@aryanrao3231]

Suggest us some of the books that you've gone through and also guide us the way to learn and practice like you did.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I don't read too many books. But check out my other videos for study tips.

[@zalmalak2478]

I am writing in february 2021 computerized exams.I wish i could write level 2 same year december.

[@jupitormars5203]

coool, i am studing the level 2, so tired

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Your brain needs sleep to remember what you are studying!

[@abhishekbal399]

Just to add on to it the pass rates are understated and less understood. The actual pass rate for somebody who has been through all the the 3 levels in their first attempt is less than 9%. For somebody who takes the exam multiple times to pass , their pass rates varies between 12-18%. No matter how many times you take them. And for the record the institute's s website information, there are a little more then 3.2 Mn candidates who have taken the exam so far since inception and only 159000 of them are actually Charterholders. That is 5%.

[@syaheedabadriahmohdfuad2858]

L2 candidate here. Can relate a lot with what you mentioned. Let’s just hope for the best 💪🏻

[@rasheednarejo5941]

Me, my sister and my brother have all passed all CFA levels in first attempt. Feels good but nothing extra ordinary.

[@irtizakhanutmanzai5891]

Do you have study notes?

[@rasheednarejo5941]

@@irtizakhanutmanzai5891 I passed in 2005. My sister probably passed in 2009-10. My primary method was to do 2-3 readings minimum of syllabus by the time of exam. For level 2 and 3 better start 6-9 months in advance. Divided syllabus into 3 categories - Easy, Moderate and Hard. First round only focus on Easy and Moderate. If you end of finishing 3-4 months before exam then dedicate some time to hard part. Last 3 of 4 months do a more comprehensive revision. And last 1 month do 1 more revision. If possible, do a very quick revision in the next last 1-2 weeks.

[@irtizakhanutmanzai5891]

@@rasheednarejo5941 I'm doing MBA in finance rn, would it be a wise option to op CFA along MBA?

[@irtizakhanutmanzai5891]

@@rasheednarejo5941 what do you suggest should I go for CFA & MBA separately or I should continue with what I'm willing to?

[@proinvestors954]

@@rasheednarejo5941 so what are your siblings doing now are they successful in their careers in wealth management or this cfa degree doesn't hold any weight?

[@jinxinhu3626]

Starting my study plan today but having no idea when i can take the exam due to the corona virus :( But thanks to your sharing experience! :) GL

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck!

[@jayjayf9699]

What job are you doing I’m looking to start my journey , I’m not currently not working

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I will make a video on this topic

[@sithabilendlovu9008]

Am currently looking for a job as well as am doing my last semester for my Financial management.

[@juanlmancha]

Congrats, man! I wanted to know how could affect the CFA charterholder to your working goals such as money, more responsabilities and a more comfortable job? Tell me how you feel!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

thanks! Check out my career after CFA video.

[@GradyCool]

It can help get you access to more technical and advanced jobs but it really is what you make out of it

[@luxshianig3718]

congrats :D

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thank You!

[@Bluemoonrealtygroup0617]

I passed Level 1 in 2010 and failed Level 2 in 2011 with Band 9. So, missed it by a few questions. But, after that, I walked away and never pursued the designation. I am in commercial banking and having this achievement means nothing to my employer. Plus, I remember the emptiness after passing the CPA exams and knew that I would experience again only after investing several hundred more hours. I wish anyone else reading this does not experience what I felt, but it is just a piece of paper.

[@saidalcapone3964]

So CFA is useless in commercial banking?

[@jayst28]

Wow never heard of anyone study so much for an exam... Also a CFA chartholder here and I didnt spend anywhere close to 600h combined to pass all 3 levels... No genius here either but if you have a finance background these exams are definitely doable like most university exams with a good month preparation. I personally thought my master degree in finance was a lot more difficult than passing the CFA which actually have quite a high pass rate of 30-50% (way higher than some other speciality exams).

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

The CFA program as a whole has a pass rate much lower than you mention here.We don't know what it is exactly but the institute has only said "less than 20% of candidates that enroll in level 1 eventually earn the charter"

[@danieldixon3391]

I am a self taught individual who just passed SIE on first try at age 33. I have a bachelor's in business administration. I am looking to get hired here soon to a firm brokerage. Is it worth going for my cfa after getting series 66?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Not unless you want to be in an analytical type role.

[@danieldixon3391]

Wouldn't I have to be analytical being an investment advisor as well

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@danieldixon3391 Not always.

[@TheLegend-yl6eu]

Just passed my level 1!!!! 🤗

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Congratulations!!!

[@lloydn6095]

Hey man, thanks for making this video. I know it has been a year already but congratulations on completing all 3 levels, that's a massive accomplishment. I'm only on my 2nd year BBA Finance and I also wanted to get the CFA once I finished school. I have lots of burning questions I would like to ask from someone who's been there such as yourself. Would it be OK to connect with you, perhaps email? A financial journey advice would be much appreciated. I'm not young either so I'm already mapping out where I wanted to go. And it's seems to be pointing at investment management at the moment. Please let me know, thanks. God bless!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Sure thing, Lloyd. Send me an email and we can get a time for a phone call.

[@GradyCool]

Best of luck!

[@Pakidesivlog]

One more Q for you? Wiley or Sheweser which should be used for primary learning

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I used Wiley and had success. I have not used Schweser myself.

[@lukundosimpemba1898]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@NM-wx3ri]

Tips for remembering all the info? And how did you ace the exams did you go through lots of mocks beforehand?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I think the best way to remember is by repetition. And yes I did about 16 mock exams before each level.

[@linhpham763]

Thanks

[@davidjin8147]

I used my spare time while deployed at Mid-East to sutdy and then passed level1 with a score way higher than top 10% line. Now I feel level2 and 3 won't be hard at all.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you scored that well on L1, I personally think you should have a pretty easy time with L2 and L3 as long as you study like you did for the first one.

[@davidjin8147]

Straight Talks studying for L2 and FRM now.

[@kaloyankatrev6799]

I also did the CFA program and in the end I have realized that it was a amazing waste of time. Learning languages was way more helpful, as it enables me to expand my network and helps me more in any aspect.

[@paulguimond5713]

Kaloyan Katrev which languages most?

[@kaloyankatrev6799]

@@paulguimond5713 Russian, Mandarin, German, Spanish, English

[@paulguimond5713]

I think you are correct on networking. But I would say CFA is a journey in discipline. I’m only level 3 so not there yet. I feel I tapped into another gear doing this. So not waste of time. Unless I die tomorrow haha. Spanish is my goal , German and mandarin would be stretch at this point. Thanks for sharing.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I can see how learning languages can be extremely helpful. But the CFA exams are not a waste of time!

[@ChaceBonanno]

The average salary of CFA holders is $300k and median salary is $180k. Definitely a worthwhile investment of time.

[@andyy6481]

so can you make a lot of money in the stock market or something now? what does it do for you?

[@Wooodcutting]

Andy Y Lol. No he can’t. Look into what a CFA even is before commenting like an idiot.

[@andyy6481]

@@Wooodcutting Chartered Financial Analyst? so maybe analyst who might help find good investments? no?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

The CFA is meant to improve your investment decision making skills. In some cases, it could result in making money in the stock market, sure.

[@axlcyrax56]

so, did you pass the three levels in your first atempt? Im from Mexico and it is really expensive to pay for the exam, so I could not afford more than one attempt and that makes it a one shot opportunity, do you think is possible?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes I did. You can do it in one attempt if you study as much as necessary to learn 70% of the material!

[@axlcyrax56]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thank you and congratulations for your achievement

[@1lawlala]

Who u did the CFA with

[@liangdong8261]

Amazing

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jessica386m]

What program did you use in order to prepare?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Wiley

[@pearlmnyebeleza3231]

Wow..congratulations,I would like to enroll but I dont even know where to start.what gives me anxiety I think is where would I get past papers to practice with? Kindly help step by step with the whole process if you can please!

[@dulatnur]

👍

[@OrbitalOptimization]

The CFA website gives you topic tests and a past mock exam to practice, if you need more you can get some mocks through third party providers like Wiley and Schweser. The only level I found I wanted more mocks for was level 3 (because I wanted to practice the morning written part), and I found an exam bank with a bunch of past level 3 morning exams, if you get to level 3 and want that, let me know.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I got the practice tests from Wiley

[@kurdia2939]

I'm preparing for level one and I'm anxious if I'll pass or not but I'm just studying and focusing on the curriculum! This video sort of helped! But that TV in background is kind of distracting 😂

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

good luck on level 1! And thanks for the comment about the TV.

[@mjogundeyi1213]

Did you have a program that you used to study? Or did you just buy a bunch of work/ test prep books. I'm just wondering how you dident run out of material

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Wiley silver course.

[@mjogundeyi1213]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks for the reply. I dont know if you have answered this. But would you do anything differently in your study patterns?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@mjogundeyi1213 No I don't think I would have changed anything. I was pretty happy with how the study process went.

[@ericlam6925]

If you get a bachelors in finance, do you take this after? Is it suggested to get a decent paying job after graduation

[@ChaceBonanno]

bump

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

You can take Level 1 before graduation college but I believe you need to have a degree to take Level 2. You would take the CFA exams if you wanted to work in a related field and you decide it is right for you.

[@Hamzaben9]

I finished a bachelor in actuary science last August at age 31 after a life time of bartending , my Gpa wasn't great and i don't want to dedicate 7 years of my life to actuary exams, and i have 0 experience, I am completely lost. I just started studying for CFa 1 to take in june, and I am hoping to get an entry job in finance and take it from there . Am I thinking straight ? Any advices ?

[@hasmiksargsyan9702]

Practice and do a lot of tests, good luck, we. Have enough time for good preparation

[@william_8844]

What do you enjoy

[@yummy041496]

Unfortunately tests have been pushed back to December because of COVID. You do not need a CFA to go far in finance. It really depends on what you want to do. A CFA will really help in areas like investment banking, corporate finance, or becoming an analyst.

[@OrbitalOptimization]

don't spend time studying CFA to get a job, your time will be better spent networking and applying for jobs.

[@sharonrose458]

Starting my journey this year and if all goes well am writing my first exam in Dec....any tips for me...

[@lubindachirwa9842]

I think his time tracking tip is a helpful one. Also mark meldrum has a few you tube videos and in one he mentions two pitfalls: overstimating the amount of time that you have and understand estimating how long it takes to complete each reading .

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I have several tips, check out the other videos!

[@Chessmapling]

Congrats on passing all 3 levels! I’m taking the L1 this December but because of how scared I am I’ve started to study already. However people on reddit have told me that this is not ideal; they said it’s better to squeeze the material in a shorter amount of time so you don’t forget the earlier stuff you studied. What’s your take on that? Thanks again

[@OrbitalOptimization]

I found around 6 months be a good period of time to give yourself.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I think 6 months might be optimal, I did 8 months. The MOST important thing is that you review well in the final weeks before the exam to practice the material you may not have seen for a few months.

[@pe1586]

Thanks for that honest talk. Please share what kind of job does one typically get involved in after becoming a CFA

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Usually a job related to buy side investment management.

[@justalessi]

CFA or FRM? I say both of em (cit.)

[@kro6329]

The two designations are from different institutions. CFA = Chartered Financial Analyst, FRM - Financial Risk Manager

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I don't know enough about FRM to have an opinion.

[@edgarg6559]

Hi, because of the amount of material you were studying everyday, what did you do when you finished all the material and still had many weeks till the test?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

The final 30 days before the exam is very important to review it all!

[@anuchitu6993]

May I ask you how old you were when you passed the level 3?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

23!