Learning how to study for an exam such as CFA is super important. However, the awareness that exam preparation can impact other everyday aspects of our lives is also part of the deal. This article will teach you how to manage Studying for CFA and Working at the same time.
Many professionals pursue the CFA program to have a complementary advantage in their portfolio. The CFA program curriculum covers concepts and skills you will use at all the stages of your career. Online pedagogy format for the CFA program is designed for self-paced aspirants to continue their full-time work and complete their programs simultaneously. Once you complete a CFA program, you can show your broad range of Master skills in portfolio management an advanced Investment analysis skills.
CFA program consists of three levels, each of which will be conducted as a 6-hour exam. CFA level 1 exam is conducted in June and December. The CFA level 2 and 3 exams will be offered only in June of every year. After passing all the three levels of the exam, a candidate who has 4 years of professional investment experience is eligible to receive the chartered financial analyst designation.
The CFA exam preparation is a breathtaking challenge for every aspirant where they need to demonstrate their perseverance and hard work. Some candidates quit the program and give up due to the difficulty of the curriculum. But those who have scheduled their preparation with an organized and disciplined approach will ultimately achieve their goal and reach success.
Here are some of the key tips to prepare for the chartered financial analyst exams for those who are planning on Studying for CFA and Working full-time:
Organise Everything
Since you’ve decided to appear for the CFA exam, you need to develop a plan and execute the process with a module of preparations.
Preview the CFA Syllabus
At each and every level of the registration, you will receive a detailed syllabus that is divided into about 18 study sessions. Make it sure that you are going through each session broadly to identify your familiarity with each topic.
Start Early
First Come First serve – is the hard truth of how the world works. Starting early is going to give you the upper hand over most students. Allocate the necessary time for reviewing the CFA program curriculum, mock exam realising independent exam preparation materials. If you’re unable to study in weekdays due to your job, make sure you allot a major part of weekends and holidays to your exam prep.
Develop a Game Plan
Plan your preparation in a way that you have enough time for each subject, mock test, and revision. Aim to finish the syllabus a month prior to the exam so you have ample time to work on your weaker areas and to practice intensely for the sections that intimidate you.
Develop an Effective Study Program
The key to passing the CFA exam successfully is creating an effective study program. Make sure that you are following the syllabus course without failing or leaving any key points. Study on learning outcomes statements defined by CFA Institute as knowledge, skills abilities that you should be able to apply after completing a reading and all associated exercises and problems. You can pick up an online learning subscription or join a caching class that offers weekend or online tutoring. This way, you will be under expert guidance and it will ensure regularity in your study routine.
Be Realistic and Flexible
Create a plan that centres on a realistic amount of studying (for example, 2-3 weeknight sessions of 1.5-2 hours per week and a one big weekend chunk on one day) and provide yourself some flexibility in accomplishing those weekly goals. If an old college friend is going to be in town on Wednesday, that becomes one of your ‘off days’ and you know that you would better put in work on Monday and Tuesday to compensate. If you just need a break on a particular weekend, make sure you work intensely in the next week to cover up. Remember not to stretch yourself but also don’t take the coursework too lightly.
Follow, Read and Write Approach
Find a method of remembering important material that suits you best and stick to it. Since you will be studying on intervals, you must make notes of everything you study. Try revising it between two study sessions. You can also use brain or memory techniques and other tricks to remember the concepts easily. Have a unique approach when you prepare both quantitative and qualitative materials for a proper understanding. The important key to the success is working through them as much as practice questions you can solve.
And we understand that Studying for CFA and Working can make things more strenuous. So make some time for yourself and get proper sleep along. With a proper approach, any potential aspirant can succeed in the CFA exam preparation and achieve the result they desire!
