CFA® Exam Dates: What You Need to Know

So, you’ve signed up for the CFA Program—or you’re thinking about it—and now you’re wondering: When exactly are these exams happening, and how do I not screw this up?

Good news: I’ve got you.

Whether you’re mapping out your entire CFA® journey or just trying to avoid missing a deadline, this guide covers everything you need to know about CFA® exam dates, registration windows, scheduling, and more. No jargon, no filler—just the good stuff.

Key Takeaways

• Plan Around Exam Windows: Each CFA® level has specific exam months, so picking the right window early helps you stay on track.
• Register Early, Save Money: Early registration comes with a lower fee and more scheduling flexibility—don’t wait until the last minute.
• Use Your CFA® Institute Account: This is your central hub for everything—registration, scheduling, mock exams, and more.
• Appointments Fill Up Fast. Exam slots are first-come, first-served, so schedule as soon as you register.
• Prep Time Matters: With around 300 hours of study recommended per level, giving yourself enough runway is key to passing.

When Are the CFA® Exams?

Let’s start with the big picture.

There are three levels of the CFA® exam—Level I, II, and III. Each one has its own exam windows throughout the year. You don’t get to pick any day you want, but you do get a range of options within each window.

Here’s how it usually breaks down:

📅 CFA® Level I Exam Windows

• Offered 4 times a year: February, May, August, and November
• Most popular entry point into the CFA Program

📅 CFA® Level II Exam Windows

• Offered 3 times a year: May, August, and November
• Gets tougher here, so planning is key

📅 CFA® Level III Exam Windows

• Offered 2 times a year: February and August
• The final boss—almost there!

👉 Pro Tip: These windows aren’t just random—they affect your entire timeline. If you fail or miss one, you’ll usually have to wait 6+ months to retake it. So don’t sleep on those dates.

CFA® Registration Deadlines: Don’t Miss These

The CFA Institute gives you two ways to register for each exam window:

🟢 Early Registration

• Cheapest option (save $300 or more)
• Closes 6 to 8+ months before the exam (don’t wait too long!)
• You’ll need a CFA Institute account to register

🟡 Standard Registration

• More expensive (because you didn’t commit early—classic)
• Last chance to sign up before the window closes

Here’s an example using the May 2025 Level I exam:

• Registration opened on August 8, 2024
• Early registration closed on October 16, 2024
• Standard registration ends on February 6, 2025

👉 Bonus Tip: When you register, you’ll also see the CFA® registration fees. Expect about $990 early or $1,290 standard, plus a one-time $350 enrollment fee if you’re new to the program.

Scheduling Your CFA® Exams

Once you’re registered, you’ve gotta book your exam appointment—this is when you lock in your test day and test center location.

✅ Go to your CFA Institute account
✅ Pick your date within the available CFA® exam window
✅ Choose your test center or remote option (depending on availability)

Appointments are first-come, first-served. If you’re hoping for a weekend date or the test center closest to home, don’t wait.

What About CFA® Exam Rescheduling?

If something comes up—work, life, alien invasion—you can reschedule your exam, but it’ll cost you a $250 fee. You also can’t push it into a different exam window unless you qualify for a formal deferral (like a medical emergency).

So, if you’re booking your exam date, do your best to ensure it works for you the first time.

Let’s Talk Exam Day

Here’s what to expect when you roll up to take your exam:

🕘 Arrive at least 30 minutes early
🛂 Bring a valid international travel passport (your standard ID will not work)
📵 Leave the phone and snacks behind—seriously, don’t even try
🧠 Get ready to focus for two sessions, each around 2 hours and 15 minutes

This is your moment! Double-check your materials and plans the night before, and don’t let a forgotten ID or late arrival blow your chances.

Tips for Staying Ahead of the Game

Want to avoid CFA® chaos? Here’s how to keep your prep (and sanity) on track:

🧠 Use Mock Exams

Mock exams are your best friend. They’ll help you manage your time, spot weak spots, and give you a feel for the real thing.

📅 Keep a CFA® Exam Calendar

Seriously—mark every registration deadline, exam window, and study milestone. Whether you use Google Calendar or old-school sticky notes, do what works. Personally, I like using Google Calendar and phone alarms for extra reminders (because I will forget otherwise!).

💼 Plan Around Work + Life

If you’re working full-time or juggling life stuff, make sure the exam window you pick gives you enough breathing room. No one wants to cram 300 hours of study into three weeks. Maybe this is obvious, but you’d be surprised how many candidates underestimate what it takes to study for that long.

CFA® Exam Dates TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Here’s your quick checklist:

• CFA® Level I: 4 exam windows (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• CFA® Level II: 3 windows (May, Aug, Nov)
• CFA® Level III: 2 windows (Feb, Aug)
• Register early to save cash
• Schedule your exam ASAP after registering
• Bring your passport on exam day (not a joke)
• Rescheduling = $250 fee
• Plan your timeline like your future depends on it—because it kinda does

Final Thoughts

The CFA® journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying on top of your CFA® exam schedule can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a total panic spiral, and choosing the right exam dates (and booking them early) can make a big difference in your peace of mind.

So set your reminders, take a mountain of mock exams until your scores get in the 70s and 80s, and treat your CFA Institute account like your study HQ. You’ve got this!

Now that you’re ready to schedule your exam dates, check out tips on how to study for the CFA® exam to get the tips and tricks you need to pass. Also, check out my top CFA® review courses.

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