BERKELEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS & SCIENCES

Overview

The CFA Level 2 exam builds on the foundational knowledge from Level 1, focusing on the application of investment valuation and financial analysis. It consists of item set (vignette-style) questions covering topics such as equity valuation, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, corporate finance, portfolio management, and ethics. The exam emphasizes more in-depth analysis, real-world scenarios, and application of financial concepts, preparing candidates for advanced investment decision-making.

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is a globally recognized credential, designed for finance and investment professionals aspiring to excel in areas such as portfolio management, investment analysis, and wealth management. Regarded as the gold standard in the investment industry, the CFA program equips candidates with a comprehensive understanding of financial analysis, ethical standards, and global investment practices.

Offered by

Awarded by the CFA Institute.

Head office

Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

Members

With over 200,000 members, CFA Institute is a leading global association for investment management professionals.

Founded in

The CFA Institute was founded in 1947 as the Financial Analysts Federation (FAF). It later merged with the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts (ICFA) in 1990 to form what is now known as the CFA Institute. The organization has since grown into a globally recognized leader in advancing the investment management profession.

Vision & Mission

CFA Institute aims to be a global leader in advancing the investment profession by emphasizing ethical standards, quality education, and professional excellence to benefit society. It focuses on supporting investment professionals through initiatives that uphold ethical practices, provide access to top-tier educational resources, and build a global network dedicated to improving outcomes for investors and the industry.

What is the eligibility?

To sit for Level 2 of the CFA exam, you must have passed the CFA Level 1 exam. And candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education:

Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or
Be in the final year of their bachelor’s degree program at the time of registration, or
Have a combination of professional work experience and higher education totaling at least four years.

Work Experience:

If not meeting the educational criteria, candidates can qualify with a minimum of four years of professional work experience, which does not have to be investment-related but should involve decision-making and critical thinking skills.

Who can do?

Anyone who is interested to learn about following concepts can pursue CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst - Level 2:

Ethical and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Issuers, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management.

Individuals with the following designations:

Investment Banker, Investment Analyst, Investment Advisor, Investment Manager, Investment Counselor, Chief Investment Officer, Investment Firm Manager, Equity Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Analyst, Portfolio Strategist, Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst, Investment Banker, Investment Consultant, Risk Manager, Corporate Financial Analyst, Chief Executive Officer – CEO, Sales/Marketing Professional, C-suite, Credit Structurer, Managing Director, Senior Vice President.

Course structure

The CFA Level II curriculum emphasizes the application of financial tools and concepts to asset valuation and investment analysis.

CFA Level 2:

It builds on the foundational knowledge from Level I, diving deeper into topics such as Equity and Fixed Income Investments, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management. The curriculum features a case-based approach, with item set questions that test candidates' ability to analyze complex scenarios and apply concepts to real-world financial problems. Key focus areas include financial modeling, valuation techniques, and investment decision-making, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding how to evaluate assets in diverse market conditions.

✔ Ethical and Professional Standards (10–15%)
✔ Quantitative Methods (5–10%)
✔ Economics (5–10%)
✔ Financial Statement Analysis (10–15%)
✔ Corporate Issuers (5–10%)
✔ Equity Investments (10–15%)
✔ Fixed Income (10–15%)
✔ Derivatives (5–10%)
✔ Alternative Investments (5–10%)
✔ Portfolio Management (10–15%)

CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst - Level 2