While CFA has been designed as a self-learning course, coaching always helps one in getting better prepared with the exam curriculum, test series, guidance, etc. External help allows one to clear their doubts instantly and effectively and ensure that the candidate’s preparation for the exam is carried out in a structured and productive manner. When you have finally decided whether or not to enrol into coaching classes for your exam preparation, another question that arises is which mode of coaching do you want to apply. Both the options, online coaching through video lectures and online study materials vs offline coaching classes have their pros and cons respectively, which will be discussed below to help you make your decision easier. Let the battle of Online vs Offline for CFA begin!
Offline Coaching Methods for CFA
This refers to the standard teaching method by experienced faculty in brick and mortar classrooms. It involves teaching through assignments and course books.
Pros
- Classroom teaching allows direct one to one interaction between the teacher and the student. This is extremely beneficial, as students can clear their doubts instantly. And the teacher can alter the study method to alter it to cater to the student’s learning needs.
- Group learning has proven to be more effective as it helps with student’s motivation and is a facilitator for improved performance.
- Coaching classes are held regularly and keep a tangible check on student performance, attendance etc. They can provide real time feedback for each student, all of which helps in ensuring the exam preparation is structured and consistent.
Cons
- The batch timings for coaching classes may not suit certain individuals. In addition to this coaching through offline methods is more time consuming as well.
- Some coaching institutes have huge batch sizes and different faculties for different batches, which does not ensure uniformity in the quality of education provided to the students.
- Coaching classes are much more expensive than online video lectures and they usually charge the entire coaching fees in advance.
Sources of Offline Coaching
Exam Preparation Books like Schweser CFA Notes and CFA Institutes are the go-to books for CFA Preparation. They contain detailed and vivid explanations of the course topics. In addition to this, the books have a series of mock tests and question banks. Students take these tests to evaluate and improve their performance.
Coaching classes are readily available in any city for CFA Preparation. They offer flexibility in terms of time, location, etc. Faculties include professors as well as industry professionals which gives a holistic approach to teaching.
Online Coaching Methods for CFA
Since the advent of technology, online test preparation has become more accessible to not only aspiring students but also to working professionals.
Pros
- Online coaching offers flexibility to the candidates to learn at their own pace. With pre-recorded lectures, you can study according to your schedule. It is extremely helpful for working professionals who don’t have time to attend coaching classes.
- It has less social interaction as one studies on their own, which ensures lesser distractions and allows one to study from the comfort of their homes.
- Online coaching is less expensive than enrolling into coaching classes as one only has to pay for the course package and modules.
Cons
- Due to the flexibility provided in learning, there is danger of falling behind in your exam preparation due to the absence of regular checks and classes.
- There is little to no interaction between the faculty and student while learning. Online education creates a “monologue and not a real dialogue” in the learning environment.
Sources of Online Teaching Methods
A variety of institutes offer online exam preparation for the various CFA levels. One can sign up for a free trial and then choose the course model which best suits their needs. Some of the institutes offering online coaching are:
- Bloomberg Exam Prep – CFA (www.bloombergprep.com)
- Schweser Online Program (www.online.schweser.com)
- Edupristine Online CFA Program (www.edupristine.com/courses/cfa)
While no one learning method has proven to be the best, one must evaluate their own needs and preferences and then choose a learning method that best suits them for positive results. So it’s not really online vs offline for CFA but Online or Offline for CFA.
