EXAM PREP… · 2015 CFA ® EXAM PREP ... • Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year...

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877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa CFA ® EXAM DETAILS STUDY PACKAGES CFA ® EXAM REGISTRATION EXPERT INSTRUCTION 2015 CFA ® EXAM PREP MRKT-17498 Guide to CFA ® EXAM Preparation CFA ® PROGRAM OVERVIEW Why Kaplan Schweser? Kaplan Schweser is the leading global provider of financial education for hundreds of thousands of students and business professionals around the world. Our comprehensive learning strategy, known as The Kaplan Way, utilizes learning science in the instructional design of our educational tools and courses. The Kaplan Way employs a three-phase learning strategy: Prepare Practice Perform. By using this model as our foundation, we have constructed the most effective, comprehensive study packages in the industry, each specifically designed to help our students achieve success on the CFA ® exam. Kaplan Schweser’s mission is to help our students succeed, and we have been the proven leader in CFA exam preparation for over 20 years: Our education is backed by learning science (The Kaplan Way: Prepare, Practice, Perform) We offer world-class, expert instruction by CFA charterholders with years of teaching experience 96.7% of our customers would recommend Kaplan Schweser CFA exam prep CFA Program Overview The CFA ® Program, administered by CFA Institute, sets the global standard for investment industry knowledge and ethical behavior. CFA Institute determines the curriculum, administers the exam, and awards the charter. The CFA Program is a practice-based curriculum with three levels of exams. Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year in June. The Level I exam is also offered in December. The CFA curriculum is dynamic and changes annually to meet the nature and complexity of the global investment profession. Successful candidates report spending an average of 300 hours preparing for each exam; some may need more or less time, depending on their background and experience. It will take most candidates between 2½ and 5 years to complete the CFA Program. There is no limit to the number of times you can take each exam, and you can take as much time as you need to complete the program. Candidate Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to enter the CFA Program, you must: Have a U.S. bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree - or be in the final year of your bachelor’s degree program at the time of registration - or have four years of qualified, professional work experience (does not have to be investment related) - or a combination of work and college experience that totals at least four years. Part-time positions do not qualify, and the four-year total must be accrued prior to enrollment Understand the professional conduct requirements (during the application process, you will be asked to sign statements of Professional Conduct and Candidate Responsibility) Be prepared to take the exams in English Have a valid international travel passport (required for enrollment and exam registration) Free Resources: Why CFA? Why Schweser? Public CFA Blog PRACTICE PERFORM PREPARE LEARN MORE

Transcript of EXAM PREP… · 2015 CFA ® EXAM PREP ... • Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year...

Page 1: EXAM PREP… · 2015 CFA ® EXAM PREP ... • Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year in June. The Level I exam is also offered in December. • The CFA curriculum is

877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa

CFA® EXAM DETAILS STUDY PACKAGESCFA® EXAM REGISTRATION EXPERT INSTRUCTION

2015CFA®

EXAM PREP

MRKT-17498

Guide to CFA® EXAM

Preparation

CFA® PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Why Kaplan Schweser?Kaplan Schweser is the leading global provider of financial education for hundreds of thousands of students and business professionals around the world. Our comprehensive learning strategy, known as The Kaplan Way, utilizes learning science in the instructional design of our educational tools and courses. The Kaplan Way employs a three-phase learning strategy: Prepare ▸ Practice ▸ Perform. By using this model as our foundation, we have constructed the most effective, comprehensive study packages in the industry, each specifically designed to help our students achieve success on the CFA® exam.

Kaplan Schweser’s mission is to help our students succeed, and we have been the proven leader in CFA exam preparation for over 20 years:

• Our education is backed by learning science (The Kaplan Way: Prepare, Practice, Perform)

• We offer world-class, expert instruction by CFA charterholders with years of teaching experience

• 96.7% of our customers would recommend Kaplan Schweser CFA exam prep

CFA Program OverviewThe CFA® Program, administered by CFA Institute, sets the global standard for investment industry knowledge and ethical behavior. CFA Institute determines the curriculum, administers the exam, and awards the charter.

• The CFA Program is a practice-based curriculum with three levels of exams.

• Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year in June. The Level I exam is also offered in December.

• The CFA curriculum is dynamic and changes annually to meet the nature and complexity of the global investment profession.

• Successful candidates report spending an average of 300 hours preparing for each exam; some may need more or less time, depending on their background and experience. It will take most candidates between 2½ and 5 years to complete the CFA Program.

• There is no limit to the number of times you can take each exam, and you can take as much time as you need to complete the program.

Candidate Eligibility RequirementsTo be eligible to enter the CFA Program, you must:

• Have a U.S. bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree

- or be in the final year of your bachelor’s degree program at the time of registration - or have four years of qualified, professional work experience (does not have to be investment related)

- or a combination of work and college experience that totals at least four years. Part-time positions do not qualify, and the four-year total must be accrued prior to enrollment

• Understand the professional conduct requirements (during the application process, you will be asked to sign statements of Professional Conduct and Candidate Responsibility)

• Be prepared to take the exams in English

• Have a valid international travel passport (required for enrollment and exam registration)

Free Resources: Why CFA? Why Schweser? Public CFA Blog

PRACTICE PERFORMPREPARE

LEARN MORE

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877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa

2015CFA®

EXAM PREP

MRKT-17498

STUDY PACKAGESCFA® EXAM REGISTRATION EXPERT INSTRUCTIONCFA® PROGRAM OVERVIEW CFA® EXAM DETAILS

Level I Topic AreaEthical and Professional Standards 15%

Quantitative Methods 12%

Economics 10%

Financial Reporting and Analysis 20%

Corporate Finance 7%

Equity Investments 10%

Fixed Income 10%

Derivatives 5%

Alternative Investments 4%

Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning 7%

Total 100%

Level II Topic AreaEthical and Professional Standards 10–15%

Quantitative Methods 5–10%

Economics 5–10%

Financial Reporting and Analysis 15–20%

Corporate Finance 5–15%

Equity Investments 15–25%

Fixed Income 10–20%

Derivatives 5–15%

Alternative Investments 5–10%

Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning 5–10%

Total 100%

Level III Topic AreaEthical and Professional Standards 10–15%

Quantitative Methods 0%

Economics 5–15%

Financial Reporting and Analysis 0%

Corporate Finance 0%

Equity Investments 5–15%

Fixed Income 10–20%

Derivatives 5–15%

Alternative Investments 5–15%

Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning 40–55%

Total 100%

Important: New CFA candidates are encouraged to read all of the testing policies set forth by CFA Institute.

Level IBody of Knowledge™ Candidates concentrate on the tools and concepts related to investment valuation and portfolio management, as well as an overview of how these processes fit within the guidelines of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Exam> Format: multiple-choice; each question has three answer choices

> 240 equally weighted questions> Morning: 120 questions; Afternoon: 120 questions > On average, 1.5 minutes should be allocated for each question

Level II (offered for the June exam only)Body of Knowledge™ Candidates are expected to demonstrate a greater depth of understanding of the tools and techniques that were introduced in the Level I curriculum, in addition to applications in asset valuation within the context of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Exam> Format: item set or “mini cases” — each item set contains a vignette

(with an average length of 1.5 pages)

> 20 item sets, each with 6 multiple-choice questions

> Morning: 10 item sets; Afternoon: 10 item sets > Exam is graded for 360 points; 360 minutes on the exam

Level III (offered for the June exam only)Body of Knowledge™ Candidates are required to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of the materials tested at Levels I and II, as well as display effective knowledge of the entire portfolio management process.

Exam> Format: essay, item sets, and multiple-choice

> Morning: 12–15 essay questions Afternoon: 10 item sets, each with 6 multiple-choice questions

> The exam is graded for 360 points; 360 minutes on the exam

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877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa

2015CFA®

EXAM PREP

MRKT-17498

CFA® EXAM DETAILS STUDY PACKAGES EXPERT INSTRUCTIONCFA® PROGRAM OVERVIEW CFA® EXAM REGISTRATION

Don’t miss Kaplan Schweser’s CFA® Mock ExamAs close to the actual CFA exam in content and difficulty as we can make it, and fully proctored to replicate the pressure of exam day! Attend the 3-hour morning and 3-hour afternoon sessions (live or online) for a true test of your readiness for the real CFA exam. Exam Tutorial included.

November

2015

To enter into the CFA Program, candidates must pay a one-time registration fee and the required enrollment fees for each level. Exam registration, the CFA curriculum, partial sample exam, and a full-length mock exam are included in the candidate enrollment and registration fees.

*To obtain a printed version of the CFA exam registration and enrollment forms in the mail, call CFA Institute’s Information Central Department at: 800.247.8132 or 434.951.5499 or email [email protected].

Enroll and Register in the CFA Program

Test CentersThe CFA exam is administered in testing centers located all over the world. For a complete, up-to-date list of centers, please click here >>.

Important DatesSeptember 16, 2015Final deadline for new CFA enrollments and exam registrations to be received

November 2015Examination admission ticket available on the CFA Institute website

December 5, 2015Examination day

Late July: Levels I & IIMid-August: Level IIIDecember 2015 exam results available online

* Exam results are compiled and released by CFA Institute. Result release times may vary.

March 18, 2015> Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – $450

> Exam Registrations* (all candidates) – $630

December 2015 CFA® Exam Fees

Enrollment and registration fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Exam registration and fees must be received on or before the dates listed for prices to apply.

* The registration fee also includes the assigned CFA curriculum, one partial sample exam, and a full-length mock exam. CFA curriculum options may affect total fee.

August 19, 2015> Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – $450

> Exam Registrations* (all candidates) – $825

September 16, 2015> Program Enrollment (first-time candidates only) – $450

> Exam Registrations* (all candidates) – $1,210

TOTAL = $1,080

TOTAL = $1,275

TOTAL = $1,660

REGISTER NOW

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877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa

2015CFA®

EXAM PREP

MRKT-17498

CFA® EXAM DETAILS CFA® EXAM REGISTRATION EXPERT INSTRUCTIONCFA® PROGRAM OVERVIEW STUDY PACKAGES

Instruction Packages• PremiumPlus™ Package: Our Our most

comprehensive CFA® study package includes everything you need to effectively prepare, practice, and perform on the CFA exam. This complete package combines efficient, effective CFA study materials, expert instruction and guidance, plus a final review to reinforce everything you’ve learned in the final weeks before exam day. The PremiumPlus™ Package comes with your choice of Live or Online Weekly Classes PLUS Live or Online Review Workshops. For a live class location listing, click here >>.

• Premium Instruction Package: The Premium Instruction Package combines expert instruction with our most popular CFA study materials to give you a strong foundation for you to prepare, practice, and perform on the CFA exam. If you prefer the guidance and expertise of experienced instructors to make the best use of your study time, then the Premium Instruction Package is right for you. The Premium Instruction Package comes with your choice of Live or Online Weekly Classes. For a live class location listing, click here >>.

Self Study Packages• Essential Self Study Package: The Essential Self

Study Package is an excellent choice for candidates who want a comprehensive CFA® study program, but would prefer to prepare, practice, and perform on their own. If you have the commitment and motivation to study and learn at your own pace, choose the Essential Self Study Package for your CFA exam preparation.

• SchweserNotes™ Package: The SchweserNotes™

Package, based on our proven learning strategy of prepare, practice, and perform, provides a solid framework for a successful CFA® exam study program. Our basic study package combines candidates’ favorite study tool, SchweserNotes™, with three full-length practice exams and the go-anywhere QuickSheet. Connect with expert CFA instructors and use your Study Calendar to create a detailed study plan.

Instruction Packages Self Study Packages

Study Packages

PremiumPlus™ Package

Starting at $1,399

Premium Instruction

Package

Starting at $1,099

Essential Self Study Package

$649

SchweserNotes™ Package

$379

Choice of Final Review Online 3-Day Exam Review Workshop (included)∤ Live 3-Day Exam Review

Workshop (+$100)

InstructionOnline Weekly Classes (included) OR Weekly Classroom (+$300, Select U.S. and Canada locations) Includes Weekly Class Workbooks, Volumes 1 & 2

• •

Schweser’s Secret Sauce®* •

SchweserPro™ QBank (online) • • •

SchweserNotes™ Volumes 1–5* • • • •

Practice Exams, Volume 1 (3 exams)* • • • •

Practice Exams, Volume 2 (3 exams)* • • •

Schweser’s QuickSheet* • • • •

Schweser Study Calendar (online) • • PDF PDF

Instructor-Led Office Hours • •

Ask Your Instructor • •

Schweser Online Resource Library • •

Schweser PassProtection™† 50% 50%

All packages listed are available as a printed version or an online version. You may also customize your package with print and online components by calling 877.599.2659 (U.S.) or +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) and ordering through Customer Service.

* Option for printed or electronic version is available for SchweserNotes™, Schweser’s Secret Sauce®, Schweser’s QuickSheet, Weekly Class Workbooks, Schweser Practice Exams, and Review Workshop Workbooks.

† Receive up to 50% off 2016 Premium and PremiumPlus™ packages if you do not pass the 2015 exam. PassProtection™ cannot be combined with any other discount. You must call Customer Service to redeem.

Page 5: EXAM PREP… · 2015 CFA ® EXAM PREP ... • Each level of the CFA exam is offered once each year in June. The Level I exam is also offered in December. • The CFA curriculum is

877.599.2659 (U.S.) | +1 608.779.8327 (Int’l.) | www.schweser.com/cfa

2015CFA®

EXAM PREP

MRKT-17498

CFA® EXAM DETAILS STUDY PACKAGESCFA® EXAM REGISTRATIONCFA® PROGRAM OVERVIEW EXPERT INSTRUCTION

Here’s why Schweser’s instructors make the difference:

• Nearly half hold multiple designations (CFA®, FRM®, CAIA®)

• More than half are MBAs

• More than 80 percent have some type of master’s degree

• More than one-third are PhDs in Finance

Late-Season CFA® Instruction and Mock Exams:In the last weeks leading up to the exam, a final review of the CFA® curriculum is exactly what you need to drive home the CFA material and key concepts, as well as identify any weak areas you still may have. With a balanced mix of CFA curriculum review and problem solving, Schweser’s seminars will:

• Provide you extensive practice with exam-like questions• Reinforce your knowledge and get you exam-ready• Help improve your exam-taking skills and speed to perform effectively on the CFA exam

3-Day Exam Review Workshop (Live or Online)With a balanced mix of CFA® curriculum review and problem solving, Schweser’s 3-Day Exam Review Workshop is just the thing to get you exam-ready. After reviewing each topic of the CFA curriculum, instructors use problems and exam-like questions to help reinforce your knowledge, practice your exam techniques, and improve your exam-taking skill and speed. It’s exactly what you need during the final weeks of preparation in order to build your confidence and perform effectively on the CFA exam.

Schweser Mock Exam (Live or Online) Now that you have prepared and practiced for the CFA® exam, you are ready to perform and put your skills and knowledge to the test. The Schweser Mock Exam is as close to the actual CFA exam in format, difficulty, and length as we can make it. The Mock Exam helps develop your test-taking skills, identify your weak areas, and demonstrate your mastery of the CFA curriculum.

• Fully proctored (live only) and timed 6-hour exam (two 3-hour sessions) • CFA Institute topic weightings • Printed answer key and online answer explanations• Online scoring and performance tracking with a comparison to other Mock Exam takers • LOS and CFA curriculum page references for every question • Offered live in select cities around the globe or online

After taking the Mock Exam, view answer explanations, check your score compared to those of other candidates, and drill deeper into each question with our Mock Exam Tutorial.

Note: 3-Day Exam Review Workshop can be purchased individually or added to the PremiumPlus™ Package.

Required Disclaimer: “CFA Institute does not endorse or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by Kaplan Schweser. CFA Institute, CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.”

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