Understanding the 2025 CFA® Level I Exam: Your Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey to become a CFA charterholder begins with the CFA® Level I Exam, the first crucial step toward earning this esteemed certification recognized across the finance industry. Administered by the CFA Institute, this exam is designed to uphold rigorous standards and comprehensively examine foundational financial concepts. In this guide, we aim to provide you with a detailed understanding of the CFA® Level I Exam for 2025, equipping you with the essential information you need to navigate your preparation and registration process with confidence.

Key Details About the CFA® Level I Exam

The CFA Institute schedules the Level I exam four times a year: in February, May, August, and November. This quarterly schedule provides you with the flexibility to select an exam date that best aligns with your preparation timeline. The exam itself is conducted on a computer-based platform and consists of two sessions, each lasting 135 minutes, with 90 multiple-choice questions in each session. This structure ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your grasp of the CFA curriculum, covering ten fundamental topics in finance.

Overview of CFA® Level I Exam Topics for 2025

The CFA® Level I Exam encompasses ten distinct topic areas, each contributing a specific weight to the overall exam. Understanding these topics and their relative importance is crucial for effective exam preparation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the topics, ranked from the highest to the lowest percentage of questions you can expect on the exam:

• Quantitative Methods (6-9%)

The Quantitative Methods section introduces essential techniques for analyzing financial data, including probability, statistics, and regression analysis. These methods are crucial for evaluating financial scenarios and making data-driven decisions.

• Economics (6-9%)

Economics covers microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, market forces, and economic policies. Understanding these concepts is key to analyzing financial markets and assessing investment opportunities.

• Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning (8-12%)

This section delves into the principles of managing investment portfolios, including asset allocation strategies and performance evaluation. It provides the foundational knowledge needed for effective portfolio management and financial planning.

• Corporate Issuers (6-9%)

Corporate Issuers focuses on corporate governance, capital structure, and funding strategies. This area helps you evaluate corporate financial decisions and understand the implications for investors and stakeholders.

• Financial Statement Analysis (11-14%)

Financial Statement Analysis focuses on the techniques for interpreting and analyzing financial reports. This topic is essential for evaluating a company’s financial health and understanding its performance, making it a core component of the CFA® curriculum.

• Equity Investments (11-14%)

In the Equity Investments section, you will explore equity securities, market analysis, and valuation techniques. This area is vital for making informed investment decisions and understanding market dynamics.

• Fixed Income (11-14%)

The Fixed Income topic covers the valuation and analysis of fixed-income securities. This knowledge is fundamental for understanding debt markets, bond portfolio management, and investment strategies involving fixed-income instruments.

• Derivatives (5-8%)

The Derivatives section provides knowledge on various derivative instruments, their pricing mechanisms, and their applications in risk management and speculative strategies. This topic is essential for understanding advanced financial instruments and their market roles.

• Alternative Investments (7-10%)

Alternative Investments explores non-traditional investment options such as real estate, commodities, and hedge funds. This topic offers insights into diverse investment strategies and portfolio diversification techniques.

• Ethics and Professional Standards (15-20%)

The Ethics and Professional Standards section is pivotal to the CFA® Level I Exam. This area tests your knowledge of ethical practices and professional conduct, which are foundational to the CFA® designation. Mastery of this section is crucial, not only due to its significant weight but also because it serves as a tie-breaker in the scoring process.

The CFA® Level I Exam lays the groundwork for your entire CFA journey, equipping you with the fundamental knowledge required for success in the finance industry. Mastering the topics covered in this exam not only prepares you for the subsequent levels of the CFA exams but also sets you up for real-world financial analysis and decision-making. Achieving success in the CFA® Level I Exam demands a disciplined and strategic approach to your studies. This is where resources like those AnalystPrep offers can make a significant difference. Our study notes, practice questions, and mock exams are specifically designed to support you in mastering the CFA® Level I curriculum and achieving your certification goals.

Essential Requirements for the CFA® Level I Exam

Before you can begin preparing for the CFA® Level I Exam, you must meet several key requirements. These prerequisites ensure that all candidates have the necessary background and qualifications to undertake the rigors of the CFA program. Understanding these requirements will help you prepare for the exam and streamline your registration process.

Educational Qualifications: To be eligible for the CFA® Level I Exam, you must either hold a bachelor’s degree or be within 23 months of completing your undergraduate education. This criterion ensures that you have the academic foundation required to tackle the complex financial concepts explored in the CFA exams.

Work Experience: If you do not yet hold a degree, you can qualify for the CFA® Level I Exam through a combination of professional work experience and higher education. Specifically, you need to demonstrate 4,000 hours of relevant work experience over a minimum of three consecutive years. Importantly, this work experience does not need to be directly related to investment management but should reflect professional responsibility. Furthermore, education and work experience cannot overlap, with one year of higher education equating to 1,000 hours of work experience. This flexibility allows individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to pursue the CFA® charter, broadening the scope of the program’s applicability.

Proficiency in English: Since the CFA exam and all study materials are provided in English, a strong command of the language is essential. You need to be able to understand complex financial terminology, concepts, and scenarios presented in the exam to perform well.

Fee Payments: Registering for the CFA® Level I Exam involves several fees:

• Program Enrollment Fee: This one-time fee is required for first-time registrants and covers the cost of your initial enrollment in the CFA program.
• Exam Fee: You will also need to pay the fee for the specific exam window you choose. After payment, you must schedule your exam within the selected window. Be sure to budget for these expenses and complete your payments on time to avoid any registration issues.

Residency Requirements and Passport: You must be a resident of a participating country and hold a valid international passport to register for the exam. The CFA Institute adheres to the US OFAC policy, which restricts participation from certain countries. Ensure that your residency status and passport are current to prevent any complications during the registration process.

Professional Conduct: As a CFA candidate, you must adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. During registration, you will be required to submit a Professional Conduct Statement disclosing any relevant reprimands, investigations, or litigations. This step underscores the importance of ethical behavior and professional integrity in the CFA program.

How AnalystPrep Can Help You Meet These Requirements

At AnalystPrep, we are here to support you every step of the way as you prepare for the CFA® Level I Exam. Our comprehensive study resources are designed to help you meet the educational requirements, understand exam content, and master the material effectively. From detailed study guides to practice questions and mock exams, we offer everything you need to achieve your CFA® goals.

Navigating the CFA® Level I Exam Registration Process

Registering for the CFA® Level I Exam is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and deadlines. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the registration process seamlessly.

Step 1: Create a CFA Institute Account

Begin by creating an account on the CFA Institute’s website. This account is essential for all your interactions with the CFA Institute, including applying for scholarships and registering for the exam.

Step 2: Scholarship Application (if eligible)

If you are eligible for a scholarship, be sure to apply before the scholarship application deadline. Wait for the official decision on your scholarship application before moving forward with your exam registration. This can significantly reduce your exam fees if approved.

Step 3: Register for the Exam

If you do not qualify for a scholarship, proceed to register for the Level I exam. This involves paying a one-time program enrollment fee for first-time registrants, as well as the exam registration fee. Ensure you complete this step promptly to secure your spot.

Step 4: Self-Schedule the Exam

After registering, you will need to self-schedule your exam date within your chosen exam window. The scheduling deadline extends slightly beyond the registration deadline, and the rescheduling deadline is even longer, providing some flexibility. Make sure to pick a date that allows you adequate time for preparation.

Step 5: Accept the Candidate Agreement

Upon registration, you will be required to accept the Candidate Agreement. This is a standard procedure that outlines the terms and conditions of participating in the CFA program.

Step 6: Submit the Professional Conduct Statement

Finally, submit the Professional Conduct Statement. This statement is a declaration of your commitment to adhere to the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. This step underscores the importance of integrity and professionalism in the CFA program.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient registration process, allowing you to concentrate on your exam preparation without any administrative hurdles. At AnalystPrep, we provide all the resources you need to excel in your studies and succeed in your CFA journey. Explore our comprehensive study packages and start preparing with confidence today.

Level I CFA Exam Scheduling & Rescheduling

After registering for the CFA Level I exam, it’s crucial to schedule your exam date promptly. The CFA Institute operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early scheduling can help you secure your preferred exam date and location. Importantly, scheduling your exam comes at no additional cost.

Failing to schedule your exam means you won’t be able to sit for it, and your registration fee will be forfeited. Therefore, prompt scheduling is essential to ensure you can take the exam within your chosen window.

If the exam date you initially scheduled becomes inconvenient, the CFA Institute offers a rescheduling option. For a fee of $250 per rescheduling, you can change your exam appointment to a different date within the same exam window. This flexibility allows candidates to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring they can take the exam when they are best prepared.

Preparing for the CFA® Level I Exam

Effective preparation is key to success in the CFA® Level I exam. The exam covers ten topics, including ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, and more. Here’s how you can prepare efficiently:

Developing a Study Plan: Create a strategic study plan that allocates time based on your strengths and weaknesses across different topics. For instance:

• Quantitative Methods: If this is a challenging area, dedicate more time to practice and review.
• Ethics: Given its significant weight and role as a tie-breaker, ensure thorough understanding and frequent revision.

Leveraging AnalystPrep Resources: At AnalystPrep, we offer a range of resources to aid your preparation:

• Comprehensive Study Guides: These break down complex topics into manageable sections, facilitating easier understanding.
• Practice Questions: Regular practice with our question banks helps reinforce concepts and improve problem-solving speed.
• Mock Exams: Simulate exam conditions to build confidence and identify areas needing further review.
• Video Tutorials: Our expert-led tutorials provide in-depth explanations and tips to master each topic.

Exam Day Strategy: On exam day, effective time management is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Start with Familiar Questions: Begin with questions you find easier to build confidence and ensure you secure these marks early.
• Time Allocation: If a question is taking too long, mark it and move on. Return to it if time permits after addressing other questions.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain composure to think clearly and avoid mistakes due to stress or haste.

By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing AnalystPrep’s resources, you can navigate the complexities of the CFA Level I exam and enhance your chances of success. Remember, disciplined self-study and strategic planning are your best allies in this journey.

Understanding Level I CFA Exam Pass Rates

Historically, the Level I CFA Exam pass rates have fluctuated, reflecting the challenging nature of the exam and changes in exam administration methods. Until 2020, the exam was held biannually, in June and December. Here are some historical pass rates for those periods:

• June 2020: Exam postponed
• December 2020: 49%
• June 2019: 41%
• December 2019: 42%
• June 2018: 43%
• December 2018: 45%
• June 2017: 43%
• December 2017: 43%

In 2021, the CFA Institute transitioned to computer-based testing (CBT) for the CFA exams, offering them more frequently. Initially, the pass rates for the Level I CBT exams were similar to historical figures. However, there was a noticeable drop in pass rates for several subsequent sittings, likely due to adjustments in the new format and the global circumstances impacting candidates’ preparations.

Here are the pass rates for the Level I CFA Exam since the transition to CBT:

• 2021
  • February: 44%
  • May: 25%
  • July: 22%
  • August: 26%
  • November: 27%
• 2022
  • February: 36%
  • May: 38%
  • August: 37%
  • November: 36%
• 2023
  • February: 38%
  • May: 39%
  • August: 37%
  • November: 35%

• 2024
  • February: 44%
  • May: 46%

These figures highlight the varying difficulty and rigor of the CFA Level I exam over different periods. The initial dip in pass rates after the transition to CBT might reflect the candidates’ adaptation to the new format. More recently, pass rates have been climbing back up, aligning closer to the historical averages, which could indicate candidates’ improved preparation strategies and familiarity with the computer-based format.

For candidates preparing for the 2025 CFA Level I exam, understanding these trends can be crucial. It highlights the importance of rigorous study plans, leveraging effective resources, and adapting to any format changes. At AnalystPrep, we provide tailored study guides, extensive question banks, mock exams, and video tutorials to help you navigate these challenges and improve your chances of success.

As you embark on your CFA journey, remember that success is built on a combination of diligent study, practical experience, and a firm grasp of ethical standards. Utilize all available resources, practice rigorously, and maintain a focused and consistent study routine. Passing the CFA Level I exam is not just an academic achievement but a significant milestone that opens doors to advanced financial analysis roles and opportunities for career growth. Stay committed, stay disciplined, and approach your studies with confidence. Good luck!