Introduction to CFA® Level II Exam

The CFA Level II exam is the second exam you need to pass to become a CFA charterholder. Pass Level II to reach Level III.

Setting Expectations

Set aside the time

According to the CFA Institute, the 10-year average pass rate for the CFA Level II exam is 45%. In total, candidates report investing more than 300 hours into their studies for each level of the CFA exam.

  • Important Dates

    Registration Opens: Aug 9, 2022
    Registration Closes: Jan 31, 2023
    Exam Dates: May 1 - 2, 2023
    Results are provided 6-8 weeks after exam

  • Exam Format

    88 multiple choice questions
    Evenly divided into 2 sessions
    Approx. 132 minutes per session
    Computer-based testing

  • Enrollment Information

    Requirements for the Level II exam

    Enroll at the CFA Institute website

  • Question Format

    Each question will have up to 3 answer choices to select from

Level II 2022 Curriculum

Topics, Weights, and Content Offerings

The Level II 2022 curriculum is broken into the following 10 topics, uniquely weighted according to their importance.

Quantitative Methods

5% - 10%

A look at financial technology's impact on the investment industry. Examine linear regression with independent variables and time-series analysis. Explore machine learning techniques and their application. Discuss big data projects.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 24,300+ Words in manuals
  • 265+ Minutes of video
  • 40+ Assignments questions
  • 80+ Quiz and Exam questions

Economics

5% - 10%

A discussion of currency exchange rates. Explore international parity conditions and the carry trade. Consider direct/indirect exchange rate influencers; theories of economic growth and its relationship to investment returns; and economic regulations.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 14,000+ Words in manuals
  • 170+ Minutes of video
  • 20+ Assignments questions
  • 55+ Quiz and Exam questions

Financial Reporting and Analysis

10% - 15%

A discussion of financial reporting and analysis for company investments, post-employment benefits, and foreign currency transactions. Learn to evaluate financial institutions and financial reports. Conclude with case studies on financial statement analysis.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 21,700+ Words in manuals
  • 240+ Minutes of video
  • 40+ Assignments questions
  • 100+ Quiz and Exam questions

Corporate Issuers

5% - 10%

Discuss capital structure and the classic Modigliani-Miller capital structure theories. A look at dividend and share repurchases policies. Discuss ESG considerations in investment analysis as well as mergers and acquisitions. Conclude with the capital budgeting process.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 23,300+ Words in manuals
  • 235+ Minutes of video
  • 20+ Assignments questions
  • 55+ Quiz and Exam questions

Equity

10% - 15%

A discussion of value and equity valuation techniques, covering key return measures. Learn to forecast model inputs and consider discounted cash flow valuation models, focused on the dividend discount model. Conclude with company valuation.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 28,400+ Words in manuals
  • 375+ Minutes of video
  • 60+ Assignments questions
  • 135+ Quiz and Exam questions

Fixed Income

10% - 15%

An introduction to the yield curve and an arbitrage-free framework for valuing bonds. Use the binomial valuation method for bonds with embedded options, consider credit analysis models, and conclude by discussing credit default swaps.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 25,600+ Words in manuals
  • 280+ Minutes of video
  • 40+ Assignments questions
  • 95+ Quiz and Exam questions

Derivatives

5% - 10%

An introduction to valuation concepts and models for forward commitments (forwards, futures, swaps) and contingent claims (options). Discuss option Greeks, which measure sensitivity to a change in valuation inputs. Conclude with option strategies.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 12,200+ Words in manuals
  • 165+ Minutes of video
  • 15+ Assignments questions
  • 30+ Quiz and Exam questions

Alternative Investments

5% - 10%

An examination of methods for analysis and evaluation of private and public real estate investments, as well as private equity valuation, commodities, and commodity derivatives.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 18,400+ Words in manuals
  • 165+ Minutes of video
  • 25+ Assignments questions
  • 65+ Quiz and Exam questions

Portfolio Management

10% - 15%

A discussion of portfolio management, multifactor models, value at risk, and risk measurement and management. Analyze active portfolio management. Consider ties between the economy and financial markets. Conclude with algorithmic and high-frequency trading.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 27,300+ Words in manuals
  • 300+ Minutes of video
  • 55+ Assignments questions
  • 115+ Quiz and Exam questions

Ethical and Professional Standards

10% - 15%

An exploration of ethics in the investment profession. Through case studies, we illustrate practical application of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Conclude with real-world violations with resulting regulatory actions.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 17,100+ Words in manuals
  • 190+ Minutes of video
  • 5+ Assignments questions
  • 35+ Quiz and Exam questions

Level II 2023 Curriculum

Topics, Weights, and Content Offerings

The Level II 2023 curriculum is broken into the following 10 topics, uniquely weighted according to their importance.

Quantitative Methods

5% - 10%

Examine linear regression with independent variables and time-series analysis. Explore machine learning techniques and their application. Discuss big data projects.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 26,800+ Words in manuals
  • 240+ Minutes of video
  • 40+ Assignments questions
  • 140+ Quiz and Exam questions

Economics

5% - 10%

A discussion of currency exchange rates. Explore international parity conditions and the carry trade. Consider direct/indirect exchange rate influencers; theories of economic growth and its relationship to investment returns; and economic regulations.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 14,400+ Words in manuals
  • 170+ Minutes of video
  • 20+ Assignments questions
  • 90+ Quiz and Exam questions

Financial Statement Analysis

10% - 15%

A discussion of financial reporting and analysis for company investments, post-employment benefits, and foreign currency transactions. Learn to evaluate financial institutions and financial reports. Conclude with case studies and financial statement modeling.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 26,900+ Words in manuals
  • 275+ Minutes of video
  • 55+ Assignments questions
  • 220+ Quiz and Exam questions

Corporate Issuers

5% - 10%

Discuss dividend and share repurchases policies. Discuss ESG considerations in investment analysis as well as mergers and acquisitions. Learn to estimate the cost of capital. Conclude with the corporate restructuring process.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 19,800+ Words in manuals
  • 145+ Minutes of video
  • 20+ Assignments questions
  • 50+ Quiz and Exam questions

Equity Valuation

10% - 15%

A discussion of value and equity valuation techniques, covering key return measures. Learn to forecast model inputs and consider discounted cash flow valuation models, focused on the dividend discount model. Conclude with company valuation.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 22,900+ Words in manuals
  • 295+ Minutes of video
  • 45+ Assignments questions
  • 165+ Quiz and Exam questions

Fixed Income

10% - 15%

An introduction to the yield curve and an arbitrage-free framework for valuing bonds. Use the binomial valuation method for bonds with embedded options, consider credit analysis models, and conclude by discussing credit default swaps.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 26,400+ Words in manuals
  • 280+ Minutes of video
  • 40+ Assignments questions
  • 185+ Quiz and Exam questions

Derivatives

5% - 10%

An introduction to valuation concepts and models for forward commitments (forwards, futures, swaps) and contingent claims (options). Discuss option Greeks, which measure sensitivity to a change in valuation inputs. Conclude with option strategies.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 12,500+ Words in manuals
  • 165+ Minutes of video
  • 15+ Assignments questions
  • 55+ Quiz and Exam questions

Alternative Investments

5% - 10%

An examination of methods for analysis and evaluation of private and public real estate investments, as well as private equity valuation, commodities, and commodity derivatives.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 20,300+ Words in manuals
  • 170+ Minutes of video
  • 30+ Assignments questions
  • 80+ Quiz and Exam questions

Portfolio Management

10% - 15%

A discussion of portfolio management, multifactor models, value at risk, and risk measurement and management. Analyze active portfolio management. Consider ties between the economy and financial markets. Conclude with algorithmic and high-frequency trading.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 28,100+ Words in manuals
  • 300+ Minutes of video
  • 55+ Assignments questions
  • 160+ Quiz and Exam questions

Ethical and Professional Standards

10% - 15%

An exploration of ethics in the investment profession. Through case studies, we illustrate practical application of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Conclude with real-world violations with resulting regulatory actions.

We Prepare You With Over

  • 17,300+ Words in manuals
  • 190+ Minutes of video
  • 5+ Assignments questions
  • 50+ Quiz and Exam questions

Learn From CFA Experts

Study Tips From Our Instructors

Mike Carmody
Mike Carmody CFA, FSA, MAAA Lead Instructor

Just Keep Moving

The vignettes will likely have a lot of extraneous information. Don't let that slow you down. Read the question first, so you know what you are looking for in the passage. That can save you time on the exam, and make it more likely you'll answer the questions correctly.

Marc Coward
Marc Coward CFA, MBA, MPhil Lead Content Manager

Answer the Right Question

Be sure to answer the question that has actually been asked. Read the questions carefully all the way through. Don't just read a few words and assume that you know what's being asked because you answered a similar question when you were studying. The correct answer to a question that wasn't asked is an incorrect answer to the question that was asked.

Tong Teh
Tong Teh CFA, FSA Vice President of Product

Invest the Time

Level II is a more computationally intensive CFA exam than Level I. The material is also more complex and requires more in-depth analysis than Level I. Thus, make sure to invest sufficient time learning, practicing, and reviewing the material. Be proficient with your calculator.

Get Started on Level II Today

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