I'm still not planning on taking the Level 2 exam, but last night I read over the outline. Lots of new stuff, some I saw before in my MSF courses. I think I'm going to pass though and wait until 2010.
Another option is the CAIA exam. They give both tests in one year so you can obtain the charter much faster. The material doesnt look too bad and there's a lot of overlap with the Level 1 material it seems. I'm going to take the holiday season to rest up and think about what I want to do next year, I may try to pursue this charter.
Another option is the CAIA exam. They give both tests in one year so you can obtain the charter much faster. The material doesnt look too bad and there's a lot of overlap with the Level 1 material it seems. I'm going to take the holiday season to rest up and think about what I want to do next year, I may try to pursue this charter.
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I would be interested in reading your notes, good or bad on how you see the CHA Designation compared with the CAIA. Have you already looked into this option?
Hi, I like how you detailed everything about your CFA adventure! haha... I am going to start preparing for CFA L1 June 2009. Your blog is really use to me. It motivates me to prepare early..
after reading your latest few posts, and also the initial few posts, I am concerned as to whether I need to sign up for courses, and buy extra study materials from Stalla and Schweser too. They will definitely burn a hole in my pocket. So, I would to get your opinion, whether the materials are really necessary?
Btw, all in all, how much did you spend on these extra materials other than the CFAI registration fees and textbooks?
Thanks. Looking forward to your reply. :)
Hi Richard, I will do a comparison and post it on the blog.
Veggie, necessary is a relative term, I think you need as much supplementary material as you can afford and use it all. If you have the time to go thru the CFAI readings alone be my guest but study guides are more than sufficient to learn the required material. I'll definitely be using one or both for L2 and 3 going forward.
You can safely say I spent about 2 grand total on the exam plus all supplemental materials. I just added it to the cost of my grad education.
Veggie,
I've had friends study for 150 hours for the exam and not pass. They wish they had spent an another $1-2k on materials to help them pass because now they have to study again or it was all a waste. I would buy a comprehensive study package or not study at all.
Hope that helps.
Thank you very much James and Richard.. :)
Is it advisable to study from the additional materials only? Or both additional material and CFAI textbooks? I am afraid I might not have enough time to study all of them since I have a full time job.
The study guides are good enough. Make sure you answer the questions at the end of each reading in the CFAI material though. Also, if you don't understand something the way its presented in one set of materials, having the other handy is helpful.
Thanks for your advice again James :)
As a CFA L2-candidate I can only add that real-life experience definitely complements the supplemental materials. Actually, if you know the basic staff already (from experience, etc.) and/or have very good teachers/lecturers, you can pass fairly easy, w/ schweser only. Otherwise, all the materials on earth won't help you swallow it by yourself alone. As a matter of fact, I don't find Schweser lecturing that good. I think they comprehend themselves as "talking heads" mainly. It helps to some extent, but is far from enough.
Good luck from me!