By Quick answer: How do I pass the CFA Program?
- Plan — 24 weeks.
- Exam — see the official exam page.
- Fee — Check the official page.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
the CFA Program rewards a structured plan. This 24-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CFA ProgramCFA Institute | Check the official page1 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)Corporate Finance Institute | Paid subscription2 | Self-paced | Free test |
| 3 | Financial Risk Manager (FRM)GARP | Check the official page3 | Two parts; Part I is 100 multiple-choice questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CFA Level 1 Practice QuestionsPractise for CFA Program before you pay.Start free test →
- Financial Modeling Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) before you pay.Start free test →
- FRM Part 1 Practice ExamPractise for Financial Risk Manager (FRM) before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- CFA InstituteCFA ProgramThe examCheck the official page
- Corporate Finance InstituteFinancial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)ModellingPaid subscription
- GARPFinancial Risk Manager (FRM)Risk alternativeCheck the official page
CFA Program
- Cost
- Check the official page1
- Entry
- Three exam levels; CFA Institute suggests 300+ study hours per level
Check the official page. Format: see the official exam page. Three exam levels; CFA Institute suggests 300+ study hours per level. The CFA Program is the leading investment credential, with three exam levels; CFA Institute suggests 300 or more study hours per level. Many candidates take several years, and passed levels are often listed on CVs.
Best forthe exam
Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
- Cost
- Paid subscription2
FMVA. Corporate Finance Institute's FMVA teaches financial modelling and valuation in Excel through practical, self-paced courses. It suits FP&A and corporate finance analysts and is sold by subscription; see CFI for pricing.
Best formodelling
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Cost
- Check the official page3
- Format
- Two parts; Part I is 100 multiple-choice questions
FRM. GARP's Financial Risk Manager is a two-part credential for risk professionals; Part I has 100 multiple-choice questions. It's quantitative and demanding; check GARP's page for fees.
Best forrisk alternative
A 24-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–22 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 23 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 24 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for the CFA Program, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for the CFA Program?
About 24 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does the CFA Program cost?
Check the official page.
What is the the CFA Program exam format?
See the official exam page.
How many hours per level?
CFA Institute suggests 300+.
Is there a free the CFA Program practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CFA Institute — CFA Program, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Corporate Finance Institute — Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- GARP — Financial Risk Manager (FRM), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free CFA Level 1 Practice Questions. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.