{"id":1977,"date":"2023-07-03T08:53:59","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T03:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/?p=1977"},"modified":"2023-07-03T08:53:59","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T03:23:59","slug":"cfa-level-2-exam-structure-syllabus-fees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/cfa-level-2-exam-structure-syllabus-fees\/","title":{"rendered":"CFA Level II: Exam Structure, Syllabus, Topic Weightage &#038; Fees"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CFA Level 2 exam is a significant milestone in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme. It builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in Level I and delves deeper into investment analysis and valuation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CFA Level 2 course details<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are essential for candidates preparing for this challenging examination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding these critical details can help candidates plan their study approach effectively and make informed decisions about pursuing the CFA Level II certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What Is the CFA Exam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cfainstitute.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CFA Institute<\/a> offers the CFA professional designation to individuals who pass its three-part exam.<\/strong> The exams increase in difficulty progressively and cover diverse topics such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Held annually in June at various global centres, candidates must achieve a minimum score to pass each level. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If unsuccessful, candidates receive comparative information and can attempt the exam again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Why Is the CFA Course in Demand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b>India&#8217;s prominence in the accounting field:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As a hub for multinational financial corporations, India offers significant opportunities and broad scope for individuals holding a CFA certificate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Global recognition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The CFA certification provided by the CFA Institute is internationally recognised and accepted in more than 165 countries worldwide.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>High-profile career prospects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> CFA graduates are recruited for esteemed positions in the financial sector. Leading global financial organisations, including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America ML, Wells Fargo, HSBC, and JP Morgan Chase, actively hire CFA professionals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Expansion of stock brokering operations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A CFA qualification proves advantageous, especially for Indian stockbrokers eyeing operational expansion beyond national boundaries. The CFA curriculum equips candidates with knowledge of primary and secondary markets, enhancing their expertise in this area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rapid wealth management growth:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> India&#8217;s wealth management industry is experiencing a significant year-on-year increase of 20%. CFA graduates are in demand to provide investment and financial planning services for individual investors in this expanding sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/cfa-coaching-program\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3692\" src=\"https:\/\/thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CFA-Level-1-by-Karan-Singh-1.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1584\" height=\"396\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Skills That Every CFA Must Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top skills CFAs must have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Financial Analysis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Possess expertise in evaluating financial statements, assessing company performance, and analysing investment opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Risk Management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excel in understanding and effectively managing risks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Time Management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Demonstrate exceptional time management skills, balancing study, work, and personal commitments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Quantitative Proficiency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Exhibit solid mathematical and statistical abilities to tackle financial problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Data Analysis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Proficiently collect, analyse, and interpret extensive data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Modelling:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use models to analyse financial markets and make informed investment decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Risk Identification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Identify and manage potential risks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Investment Research:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Conduct thorough research on companies and securities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Portfolio Management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Skillfully manage investment portfolios.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Registration Process for CFA Level 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b>Step 1:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Go to the CFA Institute&#8217;s official website for registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 2:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Select Level 2 of the CFA programme after logging in using the registered ID and password created during CFA Level 1 registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 3:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For verification, provide the required details, such as CFA Level 1 exam results and work experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose the preferred exam cities from the available options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 5:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Select the mode of delivery of study material from the institute.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 6:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pay the registration fee using options like cheque, credit card, ACH, money order, postal, or wire transfer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Step 7:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Review the form, submit it, and print the CFA Level 2 registration for future reference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CFA Level 2 Course Fees<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of 2023, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CFA Level 2 course fees<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are stated in the table below:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Fees<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compulsory one-time enrolment fee (one-time fee for first-time registrants of the Level I Exam)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$350<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enrollment Fee<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zero (Paid during registration)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early Registration Fee<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$900<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard Registration Fee<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$1200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no additional cost for scheduling the CFA Level 2 exam by the deadline. However, if you need to change your exam date within the same session, a rescheduling fee of $250 will be charged.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CFA Level 2 Course Syllabus<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When preparing for the CFA Level 2 exam, candidates should begin by acquainting themselves with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CFA Level 2 course syllabus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It enables them to grasp the covered topics and their respective weightage percentages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates must have passed the Level 1 CFA exam and fulfilled the CFA programme enrollment criteria to qualify for Level 2. It introduces more challenging calculations and emphasises analytical aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CFA Institute does not impose an extra fee for the Level 2 curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Core Curriculum Topics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Details CFA Level 2 Course Topics along with weightage are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Study Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Aim of Study<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Weightage %<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethical and Professional Standards<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding ethics and related challenges<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15-20%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial Reporting and Analysis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explanation of financial reporting procedures<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13-17%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equity Investments<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding equity investments, markets, and analysis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10-12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fixed Income<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning about fixed-income securities and valuation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10-12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corporate Issuers\/Finance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduction to corporate governance and environmental\/social considerations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8-12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quantitative Methods<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring quantitative concepts in financial analysis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8-12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analysing supply and demand, market structures, and macroeconomics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8-12%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fundamentals of risk and portfolio management<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Derivatives<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valuation concepts and derivative market framework<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative Investments<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowledge of hedge funds, commodities, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5-8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><strong>CFA Level 2 Study Sessions and Exam Format<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chartered Financial Analyst Level 2 exam covers various functional areas through its study sessions and follows a specific exam format as described below:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Functional Areas (Study Sessions)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ethical and Professional Standards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quantitative Methods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial Reporting and Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Exam Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22 item sets with vignettes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">88 multiple-choice questions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morning Session: Covers ethics, quantitative methods, economics, and financial statement analysis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Afternoon Session: Covers corporate issuers, equity, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each session lasts approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An optional break between sessions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CFA Career Scope<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given its widespread recognition and strong demand in the corporate and finance sectors, individuals holding the CFA designation secure various positions, ranging from entry-level to top-tier management positions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following are some of the job roles a certified Financial Analyst may have:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Financial Analyst<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Financial Analyst is crucial in aiding organisations with strategic decision-making by analysing financial data. While the exact responsibilities of a Financial Analyst may vary, they typically perform the following vital functions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop financial models to forecast future economic outcomes, evaluate business scenarios, and conduct data analysis for informed decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analyse economic and market trends to provide valuable insights and contextual understanding for business decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assist in organisation budgeting processes, contributing to effective financial planning and resource allocation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare comprehensive written reports on financial status and offer recommendations based on in-depth analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Salary Range: The starting salary of Financial Analyst is around 5 Lacs Per Annum. Source:\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/IN\/Job=Financial_Analyst\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payscale<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Risk Analyst<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Risk Analyst identifies, assesses, and monitors an organisation&#8217;s potential risks. They use historical data analysis to evaluate the impact of hazards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk Analysts specialise in various types of risks, such as credit, liquidity, market, and operational risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key responsibilities of a Risk Analyst include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducting reviews of financial and accounting documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring industry developments and relevant resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researching and analysing current events to anticipate their impact on the economy and the financial industry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances like market crashes or changes in government policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing risk hedging strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Salary Range: The salary of Risk Manager is around 5.5 Lacs Per Annum. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/IN\/Job=Risk_Analyst\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payscale<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Chief Finance Officer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the Chief Financial Officer, the CFO guarantees the company&#8217;s financial stability. They are responsible for managing teams, planning and analysing finances, accurately reporting, analysing data, and making strategic recommendations on many business-related topics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Salary Range: The salary of Chief Financial Officer is around 35 Lacs Per Annum. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/IN\/Job=Chief_Financial_Officer_(CFO)\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payscale<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CFA programme is highly regarded in investment and finance, attracting individuals aspiring to work with prestigious institutions such as investment banks, hedge funds, portfolio management firms, mutual funds, commercial banks, and brokers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The programme offers flexibility, allowing candidates to pursue it alongside their job or while attending college for other full-time programmes, all at an affordable cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider enrolling in The WallStreet School\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/cfa-coaching-program\">CFA coaching classes<\/a> to kickstart your career.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Can a student from non-math background appear for CFA?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although having maths in either 10+2 or graduation is not necessary for appearing in the CFA exam, having a basic understanding of the subject can smoothen the learning process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b><\/b> <b>How many attempts do I get at clearing CFA Level 2?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Candidates have ample time to complete the CFA programme. Each level can be attempted twice yearly, with a maximum of six attempts per level. Any participation in the exam, even if incomplete, counts as one attempt.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b><\/b> <b>Is CFA better than MBA?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CFA programme delves deeper into investment management, while traditional MBAs cover a broader range of subjects like management, marketing, and strategy. The choice between the two depends on one&#8217;s career aspirations in finance.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CFA Level 2 exam is a significant milestone in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme. It builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in Level I and delves deeper into investment analysis and valuation. The CFA Level 2 course details are essential for candidates preparing for this challenging examination. Understanding these critical details can help candidates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":9040,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[688],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cfa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1977"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1977\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/stg-new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}