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CFA · Action guide

How to study for the CFA exams

Study for CFA with a repeatable learn-practise-review loop. Pair every topic with closed-note questions, record why you missed an answer, and retest the error before adding more reading.

A useful study session, in three moves*

  1. 01

    Learn one idea

    Connect the rule, formula, or framework to a decision.

  2. 02

    Practise without notes

    Use standalone questions, item sets, or written prompts for your level.

  3. 03

    Review and retest

    Log the cause of the miss, repair it, and schedule a retest.

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Build my weekly loop

TOTAL CAPACITY

288 hours

LEARN

5 h/week

PRACTISE

5 h/week

REVIEW

2 h/week

The 300-hour figure is reported average context, not a required total or pass prediction. The weekly split rounds to your exact entered capacity without promising extra hours.

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What to do next

  1. ACTION 01

    Start from available time

    Successful candidates report more than 300 hours on average, but that is a planning reference, not a guarantee or a personal requirement.

    Official guidance ↗

  2. ACTION 02

    Use official learning outcomes

    Read toward one learning outcome, answer related questions without notes, then revisit the exact misconception that caused each miss.

    Official guidance ↗

  3. ACTION 03

    Reserve a final review block

    Leave at least four weeks for mixed review when possible. Adapt the sequence to your level and actual exam date instead of copying a generic calendar.

    Official guidance ↗
Sources

Policies, dates and results can change; the official source and registered account control.

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Notes

  • * A useful study session, in three moves: Use your available weekly hours to size the loop. The level-specific plans own the detailed study order and schedule. ↩ Return to content