| Can you provide guidance in helping me to determine if my degree is comparable to a US bachelor's degree? Generally, applicants must have reached a level of study that qualifies them for acceptance to university graduate programs in the countries where they earned their undergraduate degrees. If you need assistance to determine whether or not your degree is comparable to a US bachelor’s degree, CFA Institute suggests that you contact your college or university to make an inquiry.
Am I required to buy all the books? CFA Institute does not require candidates to purchase all books used in the curriculum, but we strongly believe that studying the prescribed curriculum is the best way to prepare for the examinations. Remember that the examinations are developed directly from the curriculum and are consistent with the Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) prescribed by CFA Institute. There is no substitute for studying the original material.
Since CFA Institute has a no-refund policy, may I apply my enrollment fees to the next examination date? Candidates cannot carry forward (defer) enrollment fees. In addition, registration or enrollment fees cannot be transferred from one applicant/candidate to another applicant/candidate.
When will I receive specific details on my test center location? The exact location of your test center will be provided on your examination admission ticket. Tickets are issued in April for the June examinations and in October for the December Level I examination.
How much time should I plan to dedicate in preparing for the examination? CFA Institute estimates that you will need to devote 10 � 15 hours per week for 18 weeks to prepare adequately for the Level I or the Level II examination. Registering late may place you at a disadvantage in relation to candidates who are already enrolled and have been studying for several months.
The questions and guideline answers to the Level III essay questions are provided to candidates on the CFA Institute website. Where can I get copies of the questions and the answers for the Level II and III item sets? Neither the Level II and III item set questions and answers nor the Level I questions and answers are released to the public. A Level I sample examination and Level II and III sample examinations are made available on the CFA Institute website, usually in February preceding the June administration of the CFA examinations.
If I am a candidate, am I also a CFA Institute member? No. Candidates who wish to earn the CFA charter must first join CFA Institute and apply for membership in a CFA Institute Member Society. You will find more information on CFA Institute membership on the CFA Institute website.
I am calling from the accounting department of XYZ Investments. May I verify the status of an employee's application? CFA Institute will verify the status of the payment; however, all other information is confidential. Please have this individual contact us directly for further assistance.
What is the CFA Institute contingency plan for the examination in the event of inclement weather? CFA Institute will make every effort to administer the examination as scheduled. Please refer to “Reservation of Right to Cancel Examination."
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