CFA Institute
CFA Level I
The most respected investment credential globally. Tests knowledge of ethics, analysis, and portfolio theory across all asset classes.
Course curriculum
Quantitative Methods
10% of exam · 4 sections
Economics
10% of exam · 5 sections
Financial Reporting & Analysis
15% of exam · 5 sections
Corporate Finance
10% of exam · 3 sections
Equity Investments
11% of exam · 4 sections
Fixed Income
11% of exam · 3 sections
Derivatives
6% of exam · 4 sections
Alternative Investments
6% of exam · 4 sections
Portfolio Management
6% of exam · 4 sections
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About the Chartered Financial Analyst — Level I Exam
The Chartered Financial Analyst — Level I (CFA Level I) is administered by CFA Institute, with roughly ~100,000/yr candidates sitting it. The exam has 180 questions and a 4 hours 30 minutes time limit. The most respected investment credential globally. Tests knowledge of ethics, analysis, and portfolio theory across all asset classes.
AskBoudin covers all 10 exam areas with an AI tutor and unlimited AI-generated practice questions. Start free — the first chapter is on us. Study at your own pace and take full-length mock exams that mirror the real CFA Level I weighting.
Exam topics & weighting
- Ethics & Professional Standards15%
- Quantitative Methods10%
- Economics10%
- Financial Reporting & Analysis15%
- Corporate Finance10%
- Equity Investments11%
- Fixed Income11%
- Derivatives6%
- Alternative Investments6%
- Portfolio Management6%
CFA Level I — Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CFA Level I exam?
The Chartered Financial Analyst — Level I has 180 questions and a 4 hours 30 minutes time limit. AskBoudin generates unlimited fresh practice questions across all 10 exam topics, so you never run out of material.
What topics does the CFA Level I cover?
The exam covers 10 areas: Ethics & Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management. Each is weighted toward the real exam blueprint.
Is CFA Level I prep free to start?
Yes. The first chapter is always free — study with the AI tutor and take practice questions before paying anything.
How does the AI tutor help me pass the CFA Level I?
Ask the tutor any concept in plain English and get an instant explanation, then generate a fresh practice set on the same topic. It is available 24/7, so you are never stuck waiting for an instructor.
Aligned to the CFA Institute Level I curriculum.
Free CFA Level I cheat sheets
Quick-reference summaries for each CFA Level I topic — key facts, formulas, and rules at a glance. Free to read.
- Ethics & Professional Standards cheat sheet
- Quantitative Methods cheat sheet
- Economics cheat sheet
- Financial Reporting & Analysis cheat sheet
- Corporate Finance cheat sheet
- Equity Investments cheat sheet
- Fixed Income cheat sheet
- Derivatives cheat sheet
- Alternative Investments cheat sheet
- Portfolio Management cheat sheet