6 Things You Need to Know Before Your CFA Exam [Updated in 2026]

CFA is recognized in over 165 countries and helps you secure a position in prestigious finance firms. This program is the gold standard of finance, and for good reason. The position of Chartered Financial Analyst is becoming more and more commonplace.

While this popularity has led us to some lesser-known facts we weren’t aware of earlier, there are still some facts that are yet to be discovered. If you are planning to embark on a journey towards becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst, these interesting facts are sure to leave you feeling astounded. Wondering what they are? Here’s a list you shouldn’t miss.

Read on to find out the six interesting facts you didn’t know about the Chartered Financial Analyst qualification.

1. The CFA Exam is no Cake-Walk

The CFA exam is one of the most challenging exams in the world. However, the key to clearing this particular exam is a lot of practice and conceptual clarity. You may have heard some rumours regarding the Chartered Financial Analyst course being a comparatively easier course because the level 1 exams are easier.

But the truth is, CFA exams are difficult to crack right from the start. These exams test your understanding of each concept and your ability to apply these concepts and solve real-world problems through them.

2. Developing a Study Plan Will Take you a Long Way

While practice is important when it comes to the CFA examination, making sure that your practice is going in the right direction is also equally important. Create a study plan which includes attending coaching lectures, practising through the end-of-chapter questions, and taking breaks in between to freshen up your mind.

3. The CFA Exams are Now Fully Computerized

Gone are the days of writing your exam on paper for hours together. The CFA exams are now fully computerized. The importance of being extremely familiar with your calculator cannot be understated.

Now, it is extremely essential to be familiar with the exam environment and hence it is always advisable to practice on similar systems. To get hands-on experience of working on these systems, you can get enrolled with training institutes Zell Education that extensively coach you for the exam environment and not just the curriculum.

4. You Need to Keep your Calculators Handy

The Chartered Financial Analyst course does include some mathematical subjects. However, the good news is that most of these concepts just require basic math with an understanding of statistics and algebra. So before appearing for your CFA exams, you must keep your calculator handy beforehand. And to avoid last-moment mishaps ensure that you carry extra calculator batteries with you, in case the power runs out just when you need it.

5. The CFA institute’s Learning Material is Quite Dry

Many students who have taken the Chartered Financial Analyst course would agree that the study material given by the institute is painfully boring. Therefore, you need a coaching institute like Zell Education which provides its own studying material, developed by industry experts who understand challenges in the real world and have the solutions to these challenges.

Moreover, Zell also delivers its lectures through case studies and relevant examples. This makes it easier for you to prepare for your CFA exams and ace all three levels.

6. You can Complete CFA in Just 18 Months

We understand that this may be somewhat difficult to accept; however, it is a fact. The period of a Chartered Financial Analyst course generally varies between two and three years. Nevertheless, you can still opt for an accelerated-learning and examination route to get the degree much sooner.

Contrary to belief, the CFA course can be completed in 18 months. The institute requires you to keep a minimum of 6 months between each exam. If you are someone who has time on your hands to practise thoroughly, you can complete the course within 18 months! 

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CFA Exam Checklist

Source for CFA Exam Checklist – CFA exam day guide by CFA Institute

The Chartered Financial Analyst course is the most well-recognised financial course in the world and is often considered to be the gateway into investment banking and other finance domains. This course is globally accepted in well over 165+ countries and can land you a job across all top finance companies. 

CFA is often considered the gold standard of finance and covers absolutely everything you need to know to create a career in finance. We know that becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you’ve made your choice, we assure you, you’re going places with this highly prestigious degree on your resume.

So keep these facts in mind as you make your final decision. If you have recently completed your graduation or are appearing for your final semester, you may be eligible to become a CFA. To know more about the Chartered Financial Analyst course, click on the WhatsApp icon at the side of this blog and get in touch with our experts directly.

Latest CFA Exam Trends and Updates

As the finance world rapidly evolves, the CFA Institute continues to adapt its curriculum and exam structure to match industry demands. If you’re preparing for the CFA exam in 2025, here are the latest trends and updates you should know:

• Fully Computer-Based Testing (CBT): All three levels of the CFA exam are now computer-based, allowing more flexibility with exam scheduling and a smoother exam-day experience. This change also allows the CFA Institute to hold multiple testing windows each year, making it easier for candidates to plan their exam journey.
• Shorter Exam Duration: The exam now spans approximately 4.5 hours with optional breaks, rather than the older 6-hour structure. This has been done to reduce candidate fatigue and improve focus.
• Updated Curriculum Focus: Recent updates to the CFA curriculum include deeper emphasis on data science, AI in finance, ESG investing, and Python basics — ensuring candidates are equipped with knowledge that’s relevant to today’s financial landscape.
• More Testing Windows per Year: With four annual windows for Level 1 and two each for Levels 2 and 3, candidates have more flexibility than ever. This opens up the possibility to fast-track completion, provided they meet the minimum six-month gap between exams.
• Pass Rate Stabilisation: After a sharp drop in pass rates during the pandemic years, recent pass rates have begun to stabilise. This may be due to improved preparation resources, awareness about the exam’s difficulty, and more strategic study approaches by candidates.

It is very important to keep track of these changes if you want to plan a successful CFA journey; therefore, it is advisable to check the official website of the CFA Institute or get in touch with professional coaching institutes like Zell Education for the most recent preparation methods.

Conclusion

Becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst is not just about clearing exams — it’s about transforming the way you think and solve problems in the financial world. With its global acceptance, relevance across finance domains, and a curriculum that adapts to real-time industry trends, the CFA course truly lives up to its title as the gold standard in finance.

Yes, the journey is rigorous — but with the right preparation strategy, consistent effort, and guidance from experienced mentors, it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you’re fresh out of college or a working professional aiming for a career leap, the CFA charter can open doors to high-impact roles in investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, and beyond.

So if you’ve got the drive and the dedication, take the plunge — and remember, you’re not just preparing for an exam, you’re preparing for a world-class career.

FAQs on Things You Need to Know Before Your CFA Exam

What should I do in the final days before my CFA exam?

Focus on practice questions, review your notes, and get plenty of rest. Don’t try to cram new material, as it can cause burnout.

What are the most important things to bring on the CFA exam day?

You must bring a valid international passport and an approved calculator. Everything else, like study materials or a phone, must be left outside.

What are the approved calculators for the CFA exam?

Only two calculators are allowed: the Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the Professional) and the HP 12C (including its Platinum versions).

Are there specific exam rules and policies I should know about?

Yes, you can’t have food or drink in the exam room, and there’s a strict policy against any personal belongings or unauthorised calculators.

How should I manage my time during the CFA exam?

Each multiple-choice question on the CFA exam is designed to be answered in about 90 seconds. Don’t get stuck on one question; it’s better to make an educated guess and move on.

Can I take a break during the CFA exam?

Yes, there is an optional 30-minute break between the two exam sessions. You can use this time to grab a snack and stretch your legs.

Do coaching institutes like Zell Education provide exam-day tips?

Yes, many institutes, including Zell Education, offer a complete study plan and guidance on what to do before and on the day of your CFA exam.

Current Role

Co-Founder & CEO at Zell Education

Education

• ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Finance (2011 – 2014)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Financial Markets from H.R. College Of Commerce & Economics (2010 – 2013)

Location

Mumbai, India

Expertise

ACCA Certified