The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a well-known qualification for aspiring finance professionals. It is ideal for students looking to build strong careers in investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management.
The CFA journey begins with Level 1, an essential first step that tests your knowledge of core financial concepts. It sets the stage for advanced learning and allows you to join over 2 lakhs of recognised financial analysts who are committed to their professions globally.
For those planning to appear for the tests, CFA Level 1 exam dates 2025 have already been announced. However, if you are still unaware of other specificities, such as fees, any changes in pricing, and other important information, this blog will guide you. Let’s get started!
CFA Level 1 Exam Dates 2025
The CFA exams are conducted at over 400 testing centers worldwide. You can attempt the exam twice in a calendar year. However, you cannot take it in consecutive exam windows or within six months.
The CFA Level 1 exam is held four times a year. It takes place in February, May, August, and November. All the important dates for the February 2025 exams of CFA Level 1 Course details are listed below in the following table:
Events | February window exam dates 2025 |
Scheduling and registration opens | 09 May 2024 |
Early registration deadline | 09 July 2024 |
Invoice payment deadline | 28 September 2024 |
Registration closes on | 07 November 2024 |
Scheduling deadline | 12 November 2024 |
Rescheduling deadline | 18 January 2025 |
Exam window | From 17 to 23 February 2025 |
If you have missed your chance to take the February 2025 exams, no worries. CFA will give you the next chance in May 2025. All the important dates for the May 2025 window of CFA Level 1 exams are listed below in the following table:
Events | May 2025 window exam dates |
Scheduling and registration opens | 08 August 2024 |
Early registration deadline | 16 October 2024 |
Invoice payment deadline | 28 December 2024 |
Registration closes on | 06 February 2025 |
Scheduling deadline | 11 February 2025 |
Rescheduling deadline | 14 April 2025 |
Exam window | From 14 to 20 May 2025 |
After May, CFA will open another exam window in August 2025. The important CFA Level 1 exam dates 2025 for the August window are:
Events | August window 2025 exam dates |
Scheduling and registration opens | 06 November 2024 |
Early registration deadline | 29 January 2025 |
Invoice payment deadline | 27 March 2025 |
Registration closes on | 06 May 2025 |
Scheduling deadline | 13 May 2025 |
Rescheduling deadline | 21 July 2025 |
Exam window | From 20 to 26 August 2025 |
Finally, there will be one last November window for the year 2025. The important CFA Level 1 exam dates 2025 for November are listed below:
Events | November window 2025 exam dates |
Scheduling and registration opens | 12 February 2025 |
Early registration deadline | 09 April 2025 |
Invoice payment deadline | 26 June 2025 |
Registration closes on | 05 August 2025 |
Scheduling deadline | 12 August 2025 |
Rescheduling deadline | 01 November 2025 |
Exam window | From 12 to 18 November 2025 |
CFA Level 1 Fees 2025
The fees of the CFA Level 1 program have been slightly changed from the last year. This applies to every window available for the exams throughout the year. Here is an updated structure of CFA Level 1 fees 2025:
Specifications | Fee in USD | Fee in INR |
Early registration fee | USD 990 | INR 84,821 |
Standard registration fee | USD 1,290 | INR 1,10,524 |
One-time enrollment fee | USD 350 | INR 29,987 |
Exam rescheduling fee | USD 250 | INR 21,419 |
CFA Level 1 Exam Registration 2025
After you fix your mind on taking CFA exams on a specific window, the first thing you need to do is the proper registration and scheduling of your Level 1 exam. Registering for the CFA exam is a two-step process:
- Step 1: Enroll in the CFA exam on the CFA website.
- Step 2: After registration and payment, you will see the ‘schedule your exam’ option in your CFA Program tile. This will direct you to the Prometric scheduling tool, where you can choose a testing center, date, and time.
You need to make sure to complete this step by the scheduling deadline. Without a confirmed date and time, you are not scheduled for the exam.
Schedule your exam quickly to get your preferred test center. The seats are first-come, first-served. During scheduling, you can search by address, city, or zip code. If in case you need to reschedule, there is a non-refundable fee of USD 250 (INR 21,419) plus any taxes.
Conclusion
As you prepare for the 2025 CFA Level 1 exam, remember to stay focused and stay consistent in your studies. Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and use available resources wisely. Keep track of your progress and adjust your study plan if needed. Stay positive and confident in your abilities.
You’ve got this! Best of luck with your studies and the exam!
FAQs
- What is the CFA Level 1 exam format?
The CFA Level 1 exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions split into two sessions with occasional breaks. Each session has 90 questions, and each of them is 135 minutes long.
- How much time should I dedicate to studying for CFA Level 1?
It is recommended to study for at least 300 hours over six months. Create a schedule, stay persistent, and avoid cramming to ensure thorough preparation.
- Is there a passing score for CFA Level 1?
CFA Level 1 does not have a fixed passing score. However, you can aim for an overall 70% score to be confident about passing the Level 1 exam.
- Can I use a calculator during the CFA exam?
Yes, you are allowed to use specific models of calculators. The CFA Institute recommends the Texas Instruments BA II Plus or the Hewlett-Packard 12C, during the CFA Level 1 exam.