CFA® Program Chartered Financial Analyst Course Complete Guide!

In today’s competitive financial landscape, standing out requires more than just experience—it demands globally recognized expertise. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation is the most respected and sought-after credential in investment management, with more than 200,000 chartered financial analysts globally recognized for their commitment to ethics and professionalism. 

At Abeel School of Accountancy, we’re committed to guiding ambitious finance professionals like you through this transformative journey.

What Makes the CFA® Charter the Gold Standard?

The CFA designation represents the pinnacle of achievement in investment management. Once you achieve the status of Chartered Financial Analyst, you’re qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more. This isn’t just a certification—it’s your passport to global career opportunities and professional excellence.

A Curriculum Built by Industry Leaders

The CFA Program curriculum is developed through an Education Advisory Committee that includes industry practitioners, security market regulators, university faculty, and policymakers. This ensures every concept you master is directly applicable to real-world investment challenges.

What sets the CFA curriculum apart? We update the CFA Program curriculum regularly to reflect modern financial practices, guided by our ongoing practice analysis that ensures it stays aligned with the latest industry trends. You’ll learn precisely what’s needed to thrive in today’s dynamic investment industry.

Learn from the Best: Sir Zargham Zohaib

At Abeel School of Accountancy, your CFA preparation is guided by Sir Zargham Zohaib, a distinguished CFA charterholder with a proven track record of helping candidates achieve success. With extensive experience in both the investment industry and education, Sir Zargham brings real-world insights and strategic teaching methodologies that transform complex financial concepts into understandable, applicable knowledge.

Teaching Excellence That Delivers Results

Sir Zargham’s teaching philosophy combines theoretical rigor with practical application, ensuring you not only understand the curriculum but can apply it confidently in professional settings. His comprehensive approach has helped countless students successfully navigate the demanding CFA examination process and advance their careers in finance.

Flexible Learning Options Tailored to Your Schedule

Understanding that CFA candidates come from diverse backgrounds with varying commitments, Sir Zargham offers two distinct learning formats:

PRE-RECORDED Program Perfect for self-paced learners who need maximum flexibility:

  • Comprehensive pre-recorded lectures covering the complete syllabus
  • Full syllabus coverage with detailed topic explanations
  • Practice and revision sessions to reinforce learning
  • Flexible 6-8 month course duration that adapts to your schedule
  • Strategic study guidance to optimize your preparation
  • Access content anytime, anywhere—ideal for working professionals

LIVE + PRE-RECORDED Program Ideal for those who thrive with structured interaction and personalized guidance:

  • LIVE 1-1 sessions (10 hours per week) for real-time engagement
  • Combined live and pre-recorded lectures for comprehensive coverage
  • Full syllabus coverage with detailed topic explanations
  • Interactive practice and revision sessions with immediate feedback
  • Flexible 6-8 month course duration
  • Personalized study strategy guidance based on your progress
  • Direct access to Sir Zargham for clarifying doubts and discussing concepts

Both programs include Sir Zargham’s signature approach: breaking down complex investment principles, providing exam-focused strategies, and offering continuous support throughout your CFA journey.

Understanding the CFA® Program Structure

Three Levels, Progressive Mastery

The CFA Program is made up of three exams that test the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. Each level builds systematically on the previous one, deepening your expertise at every stage.

Level I: Foundation of Investment Knowledge

Multiple choice questions test your knowledge of key terms, concepts, and formulas that are the foundation of the investment industry. This level introduces you to essential investment tools, asset valuation basics, financial reporting and analysis, and portfolio management fundamentals. The Level I exam lasts 4.5 hours, consisting of two 135-minute content sessions.

Level II: Asset Valuation and Analysis

Level II takes your knowledge deeper. Exam vignettes with multiple choice questions test how you analyze situations and provide solutions using the knowledge you have accumulated. You’ll apply quantitative methods, economics, and financial analysis to real-world asset valuation scenarios, sharpening your analytical edge.

Level III: Strategic Portfolio Management

The pinnacle of the CFA journey focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning. Here’s where it gets exciting: For 2025, we have made significant enhancements including the introduction of specialized pathways in Private Wealth, Private Markets, and Portfolio Management. You can now customize your education to align with your career aspirations, choosing the pathway that matches your professional goals.

Practical Skills That Matter

Beyond traditional exams, the CFA Program emphasizes real-world application. To ensure you thrive in your current or future role, the CFA Program curriculum has been expanded to include practical, relevant skills training through Practical Skills Modules (PSMs.

A Practical Skills Module uses a combination of videos, multiple-choice questions, guided practice, and case studies to develop your practical skills, with each PSM taking 10-20 hours to complete. You’ll complete at least one PSM at each level, ensuring you can immediately apply your learning to professional situations.

Comprehensive Coverage of Investment Topics

The CFA curriculum encompasses ten critical topic areas that form the backbone of investment expertise:

Core Investment Knowledge

Ethics and Professional Standards A topic dedicated to ethical and professional standards and the role they play in the investment industry, forming the ethical foundation of every investment professional’s career.

Quantitative Methods Explore quantitative concepts and techniques used in financial analysis and investment decision-making, including descriptive statistics, probability theory, and its application in quantifying risk.

Portfolio Management and Risk Learn the fundamentals of portfolio and risk management, including return and risk measurement, portfolio planning and construction, and examine the needs of individual and institutional investors along with the range of available investment solutions.

Alternative Investments This topic defines and explores alternative investments, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, commodities, and infrastructure, learning about their common characteristics and use for diversification and higher returns.

Corporate Issuers Be introduced to corporate governance as well as investing and financing decisions, gaining an overview along with a framework for understanding and analyzing corporate governance and stakeholder management.

Additional Essential Topics

  • Economics – Macroeconomic analysis, business cycles, and market structures
  • Financial Statement Analysis – In-depth company analysis and valuation
  • Equity Investments – Stock analysis, industry evaluation, and valuation models
  • Fixed Income – Bond markets and portfolio strategies
  • Derivatives – Risk management and hedging strategies

Your Path to the CFA® Charter

Requirements for Success

Earning your CFA charter requires dedication across multiple dimensions:

  1. Complete All Three Exams You need to pass all three levels, alongside modules that build your practical skills, to complete the program.
  2. Demonstrate Professional Experience Your work experience must either be directly involved with the investment decision-making process or producing a work product that informs or adds value to that process. You need to document 4,000 hours of qualified work experience over a minimum of 36 months. The good news? You can carry out your work experience before, during, or after you participate in the CFA Program.
  3. Achieve Membership You need to be a regular member of CFA Institute to achieve the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, submitting 2-3 professional references alongside documentation of work experience.

Time Investment

Timeline It takes three to four years to complete all three levels of the CFA Program, taking into account the recommended study time of 300 hours per level. While challenging, this investment in yourself pays dividends throughout your entire career.

Financial Support Available Scholarships are available to make the program accessible, including options for individuals who may face financial constraints.

Who Should Pursue the CFA® Designation?

The CFA Program is designed for:

  • Aspiring Finance Professionals – University students looking to launch careers in finance, investment banking, or asset management
  • Career Advancers – Existing industry professionals seeking to enhance credentials and move into senior roles
  • Career Changers – Professionals transitioning into investment management from related fields
  • Global Careerists – Those seeking internationally recognized credentials for worldwide career mobility

Why Choose Abeel School of Accountancy?

At Abeel School of Accountancy, we understand that preparing for the CFA exams requires more than just reading materials—it demands structured guidance, expert instruction, and unwavering support. Our CFA preparation program offers:

Expert-Led Instruction

Learn from Sir Zargham Zohaib, an experienced CFA charterholder who understands both the curriculum and the examination strategies that lead to success.

Comprehensive Study Resources

Access extensive practice materials, mock exams, and up-to-date curriculum materials aligned with the latest standards.

Flexible Learning Options

Whether you’re a working professional or full-time student, our program adapts to your schedule while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Choose between pre-recorded or live + pre-recorded formats based on your learning style and availability.

Community and Networking

Join a community of ambitious finance professionals, creating connections that extend beyond exam preparation into your professional career.

Proven Track Record

Our structured approach and dedicated faculty have helped numerous candidates successfully earn their CFA charter and advance their careers.

The Abeel School Advantage

What distinguishes Abeel School of Accountancy in CFA preparation?

Structured Study Plans – Customized roadmaps that break down the 300+ hours of study per level into manageable, focused sessions.

Regular Assessments – Continuous evaluation of your progress through practice questions, topic tests, and full-length mock exams that mirror actual exam conditions.

One-on-One Support – Individual consultation available to address your specific challenges and optimize your study strategy.

Updated Materials – Always current with the latest curriculum changes, ensuring you’re studying exactly what will appear on your exam.

Personalized Guidance – Direct access to Sir Zargham for strategic advice tailored to your unique learning needs and career goals.

Begin Your CFA® Journey Today

The path to becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your professional future. Show employers you have the knowledge and commitment to thrive in today’s complex and continually evolving investment industry, opening up new pathways into a wide range of investment decision-making careers. 

Ready to Transform Your Career?

Don’t let another year pass without taking the step that could define your professional trajectory. At Abeel School of Accountancy, we’re ready to support you through every stage of your CFA journey—from initial registration through charter conferment.

Contact us today to:

  • Schedule a consultation with Sir Zargham Zohaib
  • Learn about our PRE-RECORDED and LIVE + PRE-RECORDED programs
  • Discover scholarship opportunities and payment plans
  • Join our next cohort of successful CFA candidates

Your future in investment management starts here.

    Start your finance journey, connect now

    or enroll online by visiting asaacca.com/enroll-now