What is Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 (CFA Level 1) ?

CFA Level 1 is the first exam in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program, a globally recognized credential offered by the CFA Institute. The CFA program is designed for investment professionals and covers a wide range of topics related to investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management.

CFA Level 1 Courses

Why Choose Prime Video Lectures for CFA Level 1 Classes?

Prime Video Lectures, a leading platform for online coaching in India, is dedicated to helping you excel in the CFA Level 1 exam with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Our top-tier CFA Level 1 online coaching program is tailored for aspiring finance professionals across the country, offering high-quality education that is both accessible and flexible.

You will be guided by an exceptional team of finance experts who not only possess deep knowledge in the field but are also passionate mentors. Their extensive expertise and dynamic teaching methods make even the most complex CFA Level 1 concepts easy to understand, ensuring you master the entire curriculum with confidence and precision.

Join Prime Video Lecture now for unlimited access to expert-led courses and exclusive video content!


Key Features Of Prime Video Lectures

Sanjay Saraf

Sanjay Saraf, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) by profession, is a renowned educator and a key member of the expert faculty at Prime Video Lectures. Widely recognized across India for his deep understanding of finance, Sanjay brings his extensive expertise in areas such as financial theory, investment banking, industry leverage, and fund management to the platform.

With a CFA charter and a Master’s in Finance from ICFAI, Hyderabad, Sanjay has received numerous awards throughout his academic career. In 1998, he was awarded a merit certificate and a silver medal in Group Beta of the MS Finance program, excelling in quantitative methods and financial management. In 1999, he earned another merit certificate and a gold medal in Group Epsilon for achieving the highest scores in international finance.

Eligibility Criteria for CFA Level 1 Course

Particular Details
Name of the course Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 (CFA Level 1)
Exam Conducting Authority CFA Institute
CFA eligibility details The CFA Institute’s certification is recognized in over 160 countries throughout the world. A Chartered Financial Analyst can expect to earn between INR 3,50,000 and INR 35,00,000 per year after completing the course. Graduates of CFA programs are frequently hired in higher-level roles in the financial industry. Aspirants willing to pursue CFA must meet specific eligibility conditions beforehand. The space below mentions the CFA eligibility criteria in India.

  • Being a postgraduate certification, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (irrespective of the discipline) before enrolling in a CFA course.
  • Candidates in the final year of the bachelor’s program at the time of the CFA registration are also eligible for the course.
  • Candidates must have a relevant work experience of 4,000 hours or not less than three years at the time of registration.
CFA Level 1 papers The CFA Level 1 exam consists of one paper. However, this single exam is divided into two sessions:

  1. Session 1: 2 hours and 15 minutes long, with 90 multiple-choice questions.
  2. Session 2: 2 hours and 15 minutes long, with another 90 multiple-choice questions.

Topics and Structure

  • Ethical and Professional Standards (15-20%)
  • Quantitative Methods (8-12%)
  • Economics (8-12%)
  • Financial Reporting and Analysis (13-17%)
  • Corporate Finance (8-12%)
  • Equity Investments (10-12%)
  • Fixed Income (10-12%)
  • Derivatives (5-8%)
  • Alternative Investments (5-8%)
  • Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning (5-8%)
Type of questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

CFA Level 1 Exam Dates November 2024

The exact dates for the CFA Level 1 Exam in November 2024 have been officially announced.

  • Exam Window: The CFA Level 1 exam for November 2024 is typically held within 13 – 19 November 2024
Organization Name CFA Institute
CFA official website www.cfainstitute.org/
CFA Level 1 Date 2024 13 – 19 November 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a CFA® Charterholder, candidates must pass all three levels of the CFA exam. You can register for the Level 1 exam if you meet the educational and/or work experience requirements. Additionally, your years of professional work experience are taken into account when applying to use the CFA® designation after passing the exams. Aspirants interested in pursuing the CFA® designation must meet the following eligibility criteria:

CFA® Level 1 Eligibility:

  • Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in any discipline.
  • Those in the final year of their bachelor’s degree program at the time of registration are also eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must have a minimum of four years of professional work experience.

Requirements to Become a CFA® Charterholder:

  • Completion of all three levels of the CFA® exam.
  • At least 4,000 hours of relevant investment-related work experience, accumulated over a minimum of 36 months. This can include full-time or part-time jobs, as well as remote work, completed before, during, or after participation in the CFA® program.

Ethical and Professional Standards –

This section tries to cover the professional standards and Ethical requirements of being an Investment Management professional. It also covers the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS).

If you are scoring low or you are close to the minimum marks required then the score of this section can decide if the candidate will pass or fail.

Quantitative Methods –

This section tries to cover the basics of statistics and probability for the exam with the section focusing on Statistics, Probability, Hypothesis, Probability Distribution, etc.

This section also covers the Time Value of Money which is the basis of calculations in corporate Finance & Fixed Income books

Economics –

This Section focuses on covering the topics related to Macro and Microeconomics in detail as it is the base for equity analysis and valuation.

Financial Reporting and Analysis –

This section is the largest and important section for the exam.

This section requires the candidate to understand Financial statements like Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cashflow in details along with the account implication for different account standards

Corporate Finance –

This Section focuses on the decision-making of Capital and Risk allocation while doing business. This section broadly covers the capital budgeting, working capital, leverage as a concept in Finance

Portfolio Management –

This section focuses on understanding the nuance of creating the portfolio and risk/return profile of the portfolio management.

This section also covers the Modern Portfolio and Capital Asset Pricing Model theory in detail.

Equity –

This section focus on the various methods for evaluation and valuation of Equity securities in the market.

Fixed Income –

This section focuses on various feature and valuation methods used for Fixed Income Securities like Corporate Bonds, Callable bonds, etc,

Derivatives –

This Section focus on the basics of Financial Derivatives like Futures, Forwards, Swaps, and Options which are available in the market.

Further, this section also tries to give an overview of the valuation of these derivatives

Alternative Investments –

This section gives an overview to the candidates on the various other non-traditional investments like Real Estate, Commodity hedge Funds, Private Equity, etc.

Overall the curriculum of CFA® Level 1 is trying to give the candidate a flavor of the different aspects of the financial market and business so that candidate can be decided his interest accordingly.

Generally, taking into consideration their background, candidates prefer to start preparing from the subjects they are comfortable with and so, there is no particular sequence of topics.

  • However, if you are from a non-finance background,it is recommended that you start with the time value of the series which is included in the Quantitative Methods as it forms the base for other topics and is used extensively in other modules.
  • You can then go for Portfolio Management and Corporate Finance Topic
  • The Financial Reporting and Analysis module should be considered next as it is time-consuming. This includes a good understanding of Accounts and Financial Statement
  • Then you can go for Derivative, Alternative Investment, and Fixed income Together
  • Post which you can start for Ethics and Economics

Choosing to pursue CFA Level 1 offers several advantages, especially for those looking to build a career in finance and investment management. Here are some key reasons why one should opt for CFA Level 1:

1. Global Recognition

  • The CFA designation is recognized and respected worldwide. Completing CFA Level 1 opens doors to opportunities in global financial markets and demonstrates a strong foundation in investment analysis and portfolio management.

2. Comprehensive Knowledge

  • CFA Level 1 provides a broad understanding of financial principles, including ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting, corporate finance, equity investments, and fixed income. This strong knowledge base is applicable in various finance roles.

3. Career Advancement

  • CFA Level 1 is often seen as a stepping stone for advancing in careers such as investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, asset management, and risk management. Many employers look for candidates with CFA credentials.

4. Competitive Edge

  • In a competitive job market, CFA Level 1 can give candidates an edge over their peers, especially when applying for roles in finance. It signals commitment, analytical skills, and proficiency in finance to potential employers.

5. Skill Development

  • The program enhances key financial skills, such as financial analysis, investment decision-making, and portfolio management. These skills are highly valued in the finance industry and are essential for making sound investment decisions.

6. Ethical Foundation

  • Ethics is a core part of the CFA curriculum, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity and ethical behavior, which are crucial for success in finance and investment.

7. Path to Full CFA Charter

  • Passing CFA Level 1 is the first step towards becoming a CFA Charterholder, which requires passing all three levels of the exam and gaining relevant work experience. Achieving the CFA Charter is a significant career milestone.

Overall, opting for CFA Level 1 is a great choice for individuals looking to advance their careers in finance, enhance their knowledge, and stand out in the industry.