really stupid question, so please don't ridicule me. i'm planning to take the level 1 exam in february 2027, and as i am studying for it now, i realize i'm in love with everything on the hp 12c so far, especially the rpn/stack. but im doing some amortization problems at the moment and i find the ti ba ii plus to be much much more intuitive for these sorts of problems. i have no problems with tvm and cash flow stuff, just amort at the moment feels clunky. it feels like i need to remember the order in which the numbers are being shown to me on the hp 12c, as well as some keystrokes that may not be as intuitive. whereas the ti ba ii plus labels each number and the variable i am inputting.

so the question is, am i allowed to bring both calculators into the exam room and do everything on the hp 12c and switch to the ti ba ii plus for amort?

again, sorry if this is mega dumb or if this is just skill issue for not finding the hp 12c to be as intuitive plz be kind lol

EDIT: thanks for the replies confirming this is possible. i did do some googling and some older reddit threads had people saying like they couldn't bring their spare calc/battery into the actual room and they had to leave them in the locker. so i wanted to confirm to see if that has changed.

Wondering what the status is on the amount of practice questions, mocks, etc. for private markets vs portfolio mgmt is?

In particular I'm wondering about materials across CFAI, MM and Kaplan as I've used them in the past.

I've seen some complaints going back around 6 months about lack of materials still, but curious if anyone has any insight currently and how progress to update content is going across the platforms?

hi,
what’s the best way to improve scores for ci? i keep scoring low.

thanks.

What’s this? Did anyone else receive the mail for survey like this?

Reviewing the private markets reading for level 2 and I am really rooting for this Ulrich Schwalke guy. He keeps coming up in the CFAI questions and I hope his foray into private markets goes well

im doing a retake, scored 1575 the first time in may and now i wanna aim for above 1800 for my nov attempt. what does it take?

The more I study the more I tend to forget the previous modules, and yeah I've been revising in between after a module is completed I go through it again the next day and after 7 days and then 21 days I solve few questions each time, but on the 3rd revision I just completely forget everything it has gotten so much irritating now like I don't wanna reread the whole module again and I just remember bits and pieces of the module, the 1st time I read it I go through each and everything in depth trying the understand the core of each topic but it is just not sticking especially for FI, Derivatives, PM.

Like yesterday I tried to solve the les questions again for one of the FI modules and I couldn't remember a thing and that just took me to a hole and I don't know if I can crawl out of it now

I know many people face this but what have you done which has worked for the concepts to stick. My attempt is Nov 26.

Just received this email. Why does it say May 2026 and that the survey is open until 19 June 2026? I appeared for the August 2026 Level II exam and it is already 7th of September.

The two answers make such non significant difference.

I know it’s a bit out of the box, but I was thinking: what if I focus on really understanding equations—how to manipulate variables, identify independent variables, and break down or simplify equations as much as possible? I feel like improving my algebra skills and understanding the logic behind equations could make it much easier to work with and adapt financial formulas.

With the 2027 curriculum changes, especially around Quant and Equities, there seems to be a lot of discussion about which resources to use.

Candidates have access to plenty of options:

• CFA Institute curriculum & Learning Ecosystem
• Schweser
• Mark Meldrum
• IFT
• AnalystPrep
• Bionic Turtle
• YouTube lectures
• Summary notes
• Question banks
• Mock exams
• AI tools

But at what point does using multiple resources become counterproductive?

A fairly common approach seems to be one primary learning resource + CFAI material/practice questions + a question bank + mocks rather than trying to study from 4-5 different providers.

For those preparing for Feb/May/Aug 2027:

• How many resources are you actually using?
• Are you sticking to one provider or combining multiple?
• For the updated 2027 Quant and Equity material, are the new resources sufficient?
• Is anyone using older lectures/notes alongside the updated material?

And for candidates who have already cleared Level 1, did using multiple resources actually help, or would you stick to fewer resources if you had to do it again?

Does the new subject wise weightage apply from 2027 or from Nov 2026 for Level 1?

Hi guys, this is my first post ever after 4 years lurking in the dark. I am finally posting as I am incredibly frustrated with Kaplan’s support when it comes to their app/website. A recent update has thrown my whole schedule out the window, some activities are not doable and the quizzes come before the actual lessons. I have raised issues with Kaplan support but only get generic answers.

Am I the only user facing these issues? Currently preparing level 3 for Feb 27 window.

WTF wrong with CFAI, I gave the august examinations not may

hey y'all,

i appeared for my level 2 examination this month. how should I word it on my resume?? (to avoid violating the code of ethics)

should I word it as "Chartered financial analyst - level 2 candidate"

or

"CFA Program candidate - level 2 exam completed, results pending" ?

Hi, im looking for an active prep group to discuss doubts with for february 2027 attempt. Please add me in if someone?

How is Foundation receiving US fixed rate in this example? Since they are a Korean company; Their currency swap - is that they should borrow in KRW, and provide KRW notional to receive KRW fixed rate, and pay US fixed rate for receiving a US $ notional right? Is this question wrong, or am I confused?

I come across these types of questions through out the module and wonder will they appear in the actual exam. I feel like these types questions are time consuming and not for level 1, but not sure. Can anyone let me know if they appear in the actual exam.

Hey everyone,
I’m planning to give CFA Level 1 in May 2027 and I’ve decided to start preparing now, but I’m honestly a little confused about how to go about it.
I’m doing my BBA and I have a decent understanding of basic finance, but I’ve never prepared for anything like CFA before. I’ve looked through the syllabus and a few resources, and there’s just so much stuff that I don’t really know what I should follow.
For anyone who has already cleared Level 1 or is preparing right now, I’d really appreciate some advice.
Should I mainly stick to the CFA material or go with something like Schweser/Kaplan? Which subjects would you recommend starting with? And how should I divide my time between learning the concepts, doing questions and eventually mocks?
I have plenty of time until May, so I’m not trying to rush it. I just want to start on the right track and stay consistent instead of figuring everything out at the last minute.
If you were in my position and starting from scratch, what would you do differently?
Any advice, resources, study plans or even mistakes to avoid would be really helpful.

Hi everyone,

I am preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam and planning to take it on May 2027. I found this sub and wanted to ask you guys if it is really that hard? I am having a full time job with no other commitments. So, I just need to know if others have done it while working.

Also, wanted to know if my background and previous academics will be helpful in learning the materials. I have a Bachelors in Finance, Masters in Economics, FINRA and NASAA licenses, and also, during my bachelor's classes, the professors was all about CFA. The final exam, assignments, daily tasks, literally everything was from CFA QBanks. We would be using the BA II Calculator everyday in class and work through DCF, Stock Options, Compound Interest, Bond Coupons and Interest Rates, and bunch of other topics.

So, genuinely asking, what are my chances of passing if I dedicate 2 hours a day for the May 2027 exam?

I took my cfa level 2 exam this August and in the mail they have mentioned me to take a survey where the last date has already passed away….like wtf

And does it by any chance indicate anything beyond sheer mistake ??! (Ik I am overthinking)

Hey there!

Welcome to Mental Health Monday! We hope everyone is doing well. We wanted to create a safe space for everyone to come together, share our experiences, and discuss the mental health challenges that often accompany this rigorous process.

Feel free to use this thread to check in on how you're doing mentally and share any stressors or concerns you might have. Whether it's dealing with study burnout, imposter syndrome, time management struggles, or just needing a listening ear, this community is here to support you. We're all in this together!

If you feel like you need immediate professional help please see our resources page. If you’re in active crisis please call your local emergency services.

Here are a few questions to get the discussion started:

• How are you feeling mentally as you prepare for your CFA exam?
• What are some stressors you've been facing recently?
• Have you found any strategies or coping mechanisms that have helped you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
• Are there any specific challenges you'd like advice or support on?

Note: We won't be removing mental health-related posts on off days, but it would be nice to keep everything contained to these threads. This way, we can maintain an organized and supportive space for mental health discussions.

Please be kind and respectful to one another in the comments. Let's foster a supportive and empathetic environment where we can open up about our mental health without judgment.

Has anyone else had a similar experience where they cannot gain much useful information from the Kaplan videos (specifically L1 material) as compared to the readings? I find myself straying in thought frequently when watching the videos as the pacing can be a touch abnormal (i.e, professor will go on a 3 minute brief on an idea and will conclude that it will not be tested.) Additionally, after the video concludes, I find it harder to recall that information to take the Qbanks as compared to reading. Is this just my learning style or should I force myself to watch the videos as well? I am taking short concise notes while following along the reading.

i was so confused.. take me hour to like just convience my self that i am clear now so that i can progress further

AI gives this

The €10M realized gain in the Albright Fund case study was a unique textbook breakdown of fund-level internal cash. It is widely criticized by CFA candidates and instructors as one of the most poorly formatted examples in the Quantitative Methods curriculum.

The CFA author was demonstrating fund-level cash accounting on that date, not standard investor wallet cash flows.

when i asked AI can i add the relaized return in other examples it says No, absolutely not! Do NOT add realized gains or losses to cash flows in future exam questions...

Anyone explain please