When did you first sit for the Level 1?

I’m a slow one. 2012

June 2015

2015: L1 Pass

2016: Skip

2017: L2 Pass

2018: L3 ???

June 2010: CFA L1 miserable fail

Dec 2015: CFA L1 pass

June 2016: CFA L2 pass

June 2017: CFA L3 pass

Sept 2017: CAIA L1 pass

March 2018: CAIA L2 pass

I took the L1 exam for granted in 2010 and was super discouraged upon realizing just how much effort it took; hence, the 5 year gap between L1 attempts. However, I brushed trepidation aside and went all in on my study efforts and managed to steam roll my way through both CFA and CAIA in a short span.

Feels gooooood, man!!!

Dec 2015: CFA L1 pass

June 2017: CFA L2 pass

June 2018: ?

Does CAIA was an easy walk after CFA Institute exams?

It was easy because I found it much more interesting topically. Not as rigorous quantitatively speaking; much more high level around a bunch of broad alts topics. That noted, still some deep quant curriculum whereby having CFA exam background helps tremendously. I think it’s certainly a good primer around a broad swathe of alternative investment types, but by no means an end-all review. I suggest those that are interested in furthering their knowledge base and credentials give it a go following the CFA exams. Nowhere near as deep material-wise, and certainly more entertaining from a pure finance-geek perspective.

Good stuff!

If y’all want some inspiration, PM cpk123 and ask him to post his timeline here.

He’s one tenacious charterholder.

I know a guy who sat for CFA Level I before the year 2000…and is hoping he passed Level III in 2018.

#notkidding

Not something I’d be able to do. I’ve told people that since I’ve made it to Level 3 I’ll keep going until I pass, but realistically I don’t think I have more than 2 tries in me.

Eeeeek!!! Good luck to your buddy!!

i’m a slow one too…

2012: Level 1 Fail, Band 10

2013: Level 1 Pass

2014: break

2015: Level 2 Fail, band 5

2016: Level 2 Pass

2017: Level 3 Fail, Band 10

2018: Level 3 ???

I think I have everyone beat.

2003, December: Level 1 Pass (very confident afterwards, will obtain my CFA in 18 months)

2004: Level 2 Fail (before bands were calculated)

2005: Level 2 Fail (before bands were calculated)

2006: skipped year - Army War College

2007: skipped year - Army War College, received Master in Strategic Studies

2008: skipped year - life

2009: skipped year - life

2010: skipped year - life

2011: skipped year - life

2012: skipped year - life

2013: skipped year - life

2014: Level 2 Fail, band 6

2015: Level 2 Fail, band 10

2016: Level 2 Pass

2017: Level 3 Fail, band 4

2018: ???

2015, June: Level 1 Pass

2016: Level 2, Band 8

2017: Level 2, Pass

2018: Level 3, ???

Dec 16 for me

For this crew… what’d you think of the difficulty of the quick turnaround to L2 relative to the difficulty of study period for L3? Harder or easier?

June 2014 - Level 1, Band 7 (attempted just out of school, no study)

December 2015 - Level 1, Pass (actually studied, lol)

June 2017 - Level 2, Pass (studied, blood, sweat, and tears)

June 2018 - Level 3, ? (hopefully studied enough)

Level 1 Dec 2015, pass

Level 2 June 2016, pass

Level 3 June 2017, pass

CFA Instructor for Level 1 course, spring 2018

I did some detailed calculations from available data and about 3% of the people who take Level 1 finish in 18 months. Similar amount in 24 months. Of those who actually pass all 3 levels, around 12-15% do it in 18 months. In order for the numbers to work, there are a lot of people who pass every attempt, but take a break and skip an exam.

june 2015 failed for the first time at level 3 last year, so close but yet so far. shook my self-belief alot but i was worn out by the start of the programme. should have taken a break. missed about 3 questions spending too long on some questions. this year was much better, finished on time. felt manageable, hoping for the best

June 2016

sh@t Never Quit. You’re really living up to your name.