CFA® Level 2 Exam
Congratulations! You have most likely passed the first phase of the CFA® exam and are now ready to begin studying for CFA® Level 2. The Level 2 exam, the second of the three levels of the CFA exam, expands on the concepts covered previously, emphasizing analyzing and applying what you have learned so far. According to the CFA Institute (CFAI), Level 2 will occur three times in 2024: May, August and November.
What Is the CFA Level 2 Exam Format, Structure, and Duration?
Level 2 is similar to Level 1 in the time allotted and the number of sessions on exam day but differs in the number of questions and weighting for each topic. Level 2 offers 11 item sets for each session, for a total of 22 on the exam. Each item set consists of a case statement followed by four or six multiple-choice questions. Multiple-choice questions in each item set must be answered based on the information in the vignette. Hence, the items are not free-standing, as in the Level 1 exam, but rather you will need to refer to the vignette before answering each item.
The Level 2 exam is divided into two equally timed sessions as follows:
- SESSION 1: 2 hours 12 minutes with 44 questions
- SESSION 2: 2 hours 12 minutes with 44 questions
CFA Level 2 Topics Overview
The CFA Level 2 exam is more or less an extension of the concepts studied in the Level 1 exam. For Level 2, the focus shifts more toward asset classes, although the investment tools are still weighted relatively high.
| Topic | New Readings / Readings with Significant Changes |
|---|---|
| Financial Statement Analysis | Employee Compensation: Post-Employment and Share-Based |
| Equity Valuation | Private Company Valuation |
| Alternative Investments | Hedge Funds |
CFA Level 2 Exam Curriculum Updates for 2024
Like the Level 1 exam, the CFA Level 2 exam curriculum hasn't changed much since 2022. Adding back Testing and Simulation and removing Publicly Traded and Real Estate Securities highlight just a few minor changes.
Here are some CFA Level 2 curriculum changes for 2024 (revisions, additions, and major updates):
|
Topic
|
Readings
|
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Methods
|
Revised: Multiple Regression
Dropped: Introduction to Linear Regression
|
| Economics
|
Revised: Economic Growth
Updated: Currency Exchange Rates: Understanding Equilibrium Value
|
|
Financial Statement Analysis
|
Revised: Financial Statement Modeling
|
|
Corporate Issuers
|
Revised: Corporate Restructuring
Added: Cost of Capital: Advanced Topics
Updated: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Considerations in Investment Analysis
Dropped: Capital Structure, Capital Budgeting
|
|
Equity Valuation
|
Revised: Industry and Company Analysis
Dropped: Return Concepts
|
|
Alternative Investments
|
Revised: Real Estate Investments
|
|
Ethics
|
Revised: Application of the Code and Standards: Level II
|
In 2024, the Level 2 curriculum will see some significant changes in terms of additional practical skill readings as part of the newly introduced PSMs. For Level 2 candidates will have the following readings:
- Python Programming Fundamentals: A fundamentals course to demonstrate the basics of Python and how to use Jupyter Notebook for developing, presenting, and sharing data science projects related to finance. (if not taken at Level I)
- Analyst Skills: Focuses on the skills equity and credit analysts need using insights gained from hundreds of successful analysts.
- Python, Data Science & AI: Introduces candidates to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science to understand financial statements, reporting, and analysis using Python.
Note: The content from the Practical Skills Modules (PSMs) is not directly tested on the CFA exam. The PSMs are designed to help candidates develop practical skills in investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethics. The PSMs can be a valuable supplement to the CFA exam curriculum, and may help candidates develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the investment profession.
While the content from the PSMs is not tested on the CFA exam, the knowledge and skills gained from completing the PSMs can be useful in preparing for the exam and in performing well in the investment profession.
CFA Level 2 Exam Eligibility, Registration, and Scheduling
You must first pass the Level 1 exam to register for the CFA Level 2 exam. Beyond passing, the registration process and exam cost (no one-time fee) is consistent with Level 1.
Eligibility and Registration
The requirements for CFA Level 2 exam eligibility are similar to those for CFA Level 1 exam. The primary distinction is that final-year candidates may take the CFA Level 1 exam, whereas Level 2 candidates must have completed their degree and have work experience. Moreover, the registration process of Level 2, with the exemption of the one-time enrollment fee, is the same as that of Level 1.
Some basic eligibility requirements are:
- CFA exams are only administered in English. As a result, candidates must be fluent in English to read a comprehension and respond to a variety of complex financial scenarios.
- Candidates who do not have a valid international travel passport will be unable to register or sit for the CFA Level 2 exam.
- It is mandatory for all candidates to attest "Professional Conduct Statement Form," which states that they are in compliance with the requirements.
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university.
Exam Fees
The cost to register for each exam will increase from $900 to $940 for early registration and from $1,200 to $1,250 for standard registration, starting from the February 2024 window.
| Type of Registration | May 2024 | Aug 2024 | Nov 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Registration Due Date | CLOSED | 23 Jan, 2024 | 16 April, 2024 |
| Standard Registration Due Date | 6 Feb, 2024 | 14 May, 2024 | 7 August, 2024 |
Scheduling and Rescheduling Your CFA Level 2 Exam
The CFA Level 1 and Level 2 exam scheduling and rescheduling processes are nearly identical, with Level 2 having a slightly longer rescheduling period and an additional $250 fee per rescheduling. The entire process is aided by a dedicated platform known as ProScheduler.
In 2024, the CFA Level 2 exam will be administered three times a year. It is important to note that registering for the exam is a two-step process. You must first register, then schedule your appointment. You will see test center options from among 400 locations during the registration process, with confirmed available seating. If you don't see your preferred location listed, keep checking back because the CFAI regularly updates the appointment availability.
Exam Center Locations
CFA exams are administered in over 400 locations worldwide. Candidates will see test center options during the scheduling procedure with confirmed available seating. Remember that you must first register before scheduling your appointment. If you don't see your preferred location listed, try checking back since the CFAI updates the appointment availability routinely.
CFA Level 2 Exam-Day Requirements
For the CFA Level 2 exam, you may only bring the following items to the test center:
- A CFA exam calculator (including the case and loose batteries)
- A valid international travel passport
- Eyeglasses (without the case)
Please Note:
- Additional personal items are allowed in the test center (if applicable), e.g., earplugs, medication, etc
- Personal baggage and food items aren't allowed inside the test center
Calculators used for the Level 2 exam
Only two calculator models are authorized for use during the tests:
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)
- Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th-anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige)
Practice Level 2 Exam with UWorld
In addition to the readings, a proper practice strategy replicating the actual exam is imperative to your success. UWorld's Mock Exams closely simulate the actual CFA Level 2 exam experience to help you prepare and boost your confidence on test day.
Like the actual exam, our CFA Level 2 mock exams consist of two 2-hour and 15-minute sessions, each with 44 multiple-choice questions, allowing you to identify your development areas and compare your relative ranking with other UWorld users. Plus, when you select CFA Mode, your screen will simulate the real Prometric interface, preparing you for the actual test day environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the CFA Level 2 exam?
The CFA Level 2 exam is divided into two equal sessions, each lasting 2 hours and 12 minutes, plus an optional break.
How hard is the CFA Level 2 exam?
Since all levels of the CFA exams are difficult, determining which CFA exam is the hardest can be tricky. The CFA Level 2 exam is relatively challenging because it requires you to apply concepts rather than simply understand their basic meaning. To increase your proficiency, spend time practicing QBank questions and taking mock exams to identify and address weak areas that need additional preparation.
Are there any scholarships available for the CFA exam?
- Access Scholarship – Exam registration reduced to $300
- Women’s Scholarship – Exam registration reduced to $400
- Student Scholarship – Exam registration reduced to $400
- Professor Scholarship – Exam registration reduced to $400
- Regulator Scholarship – Exam registration reduced to $400
How many questions are on the CFA Level 2 exam?
The CFA Level 2 exam consists of 88 multiple-choice questions—including vignette-based item sets—divided into two sessions of 44 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) each.
How much does taking the CFA Level 2 exam cost?
How often can you take the CFA Level 2 exam?
Candidates can take the exam a maximum of two times a year and six times in total (for each level). The CFA Level 2 exam is currently administered three times a year.
How soon do I get my CFA Level 2 exam results?
Like the CFA Level 1 exam, candidates can access their results after just two months of the CFA Level 2 exam. Candidates will receive periodic messages to keep them up to date on the status of their CFA exam results, and new information will be added to the CFAI page as it becomes available.
Where can I get CFA Level 2 exam practice questions?
UWorld’s Mock Exams closely replicate the actual CFA Level 2 exam experience to help you prepare and boost your confidence on test day. Like the real exam, it consists of two 2-hour, 15-minute sessions, each with 44 multiple-choice questions spanning multiple subjects. Even better, after completing the mock exam, the performance graphs will identify areas for improvement and compare your results with other users.