Reminiscences of a Candidate Analyst

I spent $6000 and 5 years of my life passing the 3 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams. How did I do it? What did I learn? How did I study? What would I recommend to future CFA Program candidates?

Shortly after finding out that I had passed the third and final level, I sat down to write a brief document to answer such questions. The more I wrote, the longer it got. I combined both questions I remembered having before and during the program, as well as those I received through my blog (luminouslogic.com). In the end, I ended up with almost 100 questions and answers, which comprise this book.

Just so we€re clear, the book is not a study guide for any particular CFA level. Rather it€s a long Q&A about various aspects of the program with a seasoned veteran. You can view the table of contents by clicking on the book graphic above, so that you can see what€s covered before you buy.

And also to be clear, I am not a Chartered Financial Analyst, despite passing the exams. There€s a work experience requirement too that I can€t fulfill while choosing to remain a freelance consultant.

The book is in an informal Q&A format and is separated into five main sections.

(I) The Preliminaries: My background and how I ended up in the program.

(II) The Content: A quick overview of what you learn in the program.

(III) The Method: How I prepared for the exams and what I'd recommend.

(IV) The Proving Ground: All about the exams and exam day.

(V) The Fallout: After completion of the program.

I also included a couple appendices containing what I believe are the most important Dos and Don'ts (The 10 Commandments and The 7 Deadly Sins, respectively).

Before I began the program, I saw Chartered Financial Analysts as the Navy SEALs of the investing world. Elite. Accurate. Usually very short hair. Do I still feel that way after passing through the crucible myself? Read on!