CFA® Exam Dates: Registration Deadlines, Fees, and Tips

Preparing for the CFA® exams is no small feat, but it’s made a lot worse when you don’t have a solid plan.

Whether you’re registering for the Level 1 CFA® exam or gearing up for Levels II or III, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 CFA® exam dates. I’ll guide you through key deadlines, fees, and some prep tips to help you succeed.

Key Takeaways

• Stay Ahead With Deadlines: Register early to save money and secure your preferred exam window. The early registration fee is $300 less than the standard registration fee.
• Plan Around Exam Windows: November is open for CFA® Level I and Level II exams, while Level III is only offered in February and August.
• Understand Fees: You only pay the $350 enrollment fee once when entering the CFA® Program. After that, you’ll pay exam registration fees for each level.
• Flexibility Exists: You can reschedule your exam for a $250 fee or defer to a future window in emergencies.
• Prep Smart: Aim for 300+ study hours per level and take advantage of CFA Institute resources like practice questions and mock exams.

CFA® Exam Windows and Schedule

The CFA Institute offers the exams multiple times a year, depending on your level. Here’s a quick overview of the CFA® exam schedule for 2026 , and the windows for each level:

• CFA® Level I: February, May, August, and November
• CFA® Level II: May, August, and November
• CFA® Level III: February and August

Each exam window typically lasts about a week, giving candidates flexibility to choose the date that works best for them. Be sure to select your exam appointment early—it’s first-come, first-served, and popular time slots fill up fast!

CFA® Level I Exam Dates

CFA® Level II Exam Dates 2025

CFA® Level III Exam Dates 2025

CFA® Exam Fees Breakdown

Here’s how the CFA® exam fees stack up:

• Enrollment Fee: $350 (one-time fee for first-time candidates).
• Early Registration Fee (I & II): $990
• Standard Registration Fee (I & II): $1,290
• Early Registration Fee (III): $1,090
• Standard Registration Fee (III): $1,390
• Rescheduling Fee: $250

These fees cover the cost of the exam and access to the CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem, which includes the curriculum, practice questions, and mock exams. Keep in mind, fees are non-refundable, so double-check your dates before committing!

Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Deferrals

After you register, you’ll need to schedule your exam appointment in your selected exam window. It’s a straightforward process via your CFA Institute account, but remember:

• Appointment Scheduling: Opens shortly after registration and is available until a week after the exam window closes.
• Rescheduling Deadline: If you need to change your exam date within the same window, you can reschedule for a $250 fee—but you must do it before the rescheduling deadline.
• Standard Deferral: If you need to reschedule your exam beyond your selected exam window, a CFA® deferral allows you to delay your exam for up to 12 months for a $399 fee.
• Emergency Deferral: In cases where candidates experience deaths of close family members, life-threatening conditions, mandatory military deployment, or pregnancy, you can access discounted deferral with supporting documentation. Emergency deferral requires a $100 fee.

Access Scholarships

For candidates who need financial assistance, the CFA Institute offers Access Scholarships, which reduce exam costs significantly.

If you qualify, the registration fee drops to $400, and the enrollment fee is waived. Scholarships open on a rolling basis, so check early and apply through your Institute account.

Why Timing and Planning Matter

If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, it’s this: stay ahead of the deadlines. Missing a registration or rescheduling cutoff can cost you extra money or, worse, delay your progress through the CFA® Program.

Here’s a quick summary of key actions to keep in mind:

• Register Early: Save money by registering early. This is also a great way to make sure you study because you’ll get a motivation boost once you have some monetary skin in the game.
• Wait for the Next Window: If you missed the early registration deadline, there’s no harm in waiting for the next exam window if you’re on a tight budget.
• Schedule Early: Lock in your preferred test center and time, as they’re given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Check Deadlines: Avoid missing registration or rescheduling dates. Set reminders in your Google Calendar or your phone’s alarm system so you won’t forget!
• Check Scholarship Eligibility: If you’re going through a hard time financially, see if you’re eligible for a scholarship. If you are eligible, apply!

By following these steps, you’ll minimize stress and keep your focus on passing the exam—exactly where that focus belongs.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the CFA® exams in 2025 is a major milestone, and staying ahead of deadlines is crucial to success. Early registration deadlines, such as July 9, 2024, for the February exam or October 16, 2024, for the May exam, can save you money and secure your preferred exam window. Final registration deadlines, like November 7, 2024, for February or February 6, 2025, for May, ensure you don’t miss your chance to take the next step in earning your CFA® charter.

With exam dates spanning February, May, August, and November, careful planning will allow you to balance preparation and scheduling. Whether you’re tackling Level I, II, or III, investing time in a solid study plan, leveraging the CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem, and practicing with mock exams will help you feel confident and prepared.

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