One thing for which CFA institute deserves a pat on its back, is the way the curriculum for CFA course has been designed. In depth knowledge about finance with the tiniest details and umpteen examples. It also gives candidates content to practice and ace their exam preparations. Anyone who wishes to learn about finance can take a plunge in the CFA curriculum and emerge with a good knowledge about it.
Is this advantageous for the aspirants for CFA course? Knowledge front definitely yes; but exam front it may be a problem. A CFA candidate is expected to plan his/her preparation for the exam very meticulously. 300 hours of commitment is what the CFA course demands of its aspirants. CFA institute helps the candidates with this by allotting clear weights to the subjects for each level and practice tests. But is that enough to guarantee a candidate’s flawless preparation for the exam?
It works for a few, but for others they need someone to help them process the extensive curriculum. Along with studying for the exam, one needs a correct approach to attempt the CFA exam. The right approach and guidance, equips the candidate with an appropriate tool kit to attempt and clear the exam. This is when CFA coaching institutes come into picture. They help the candidates hand in hand to overcome all the difficulties pertaining the attempt and guide them through the way. But what can these hurdles possibly be?
Self-discipline: One of the essentials of self-study is self-discipline. One should stay committed to his/her planned schedule and try to pin down whatever they had decided at the beginning of planning their preparation. But not everyone has that quality. CFA coaching institutes help candidates to adhere to their timelines.
Face-to –face interaction: A communication is said to be complete when both parties hear and say what they have to. But when you study on your own, you only listen what the book has to say. You cannot raise a doubt or throw more light on a particular concept or share your opinion om the same. In a CFA coaching institute a healthy debate, or a detailed explanation to the concept you are stuck in, can help you gain a better perspective on the topic under review.
Slow-Evolution: Reading a concept alone gives one a free hand in its interpretation. They perceive the concept as they think right and proceed to apply the same. But that’s not the correct way to evolve. In a group discussion by listening to the perspectives and arguments of others, one can make his findings about a concept more holistic and acceptable. This is exactly how CFA coaching institutes help you evolve.
Peripheral benefits: A few CFA coaching institutes like ours, arrange guest lectures by industry experts, who come in and divulge the knowledge of how things work in the real world. These sessions let one earn an edge above the others as they enter the job market more confidently and prudently. Apart from these the CFA coaching institutes helps its candidates to find a suitable job for selves, by making the appeal in the right forum.
An extra bit: CFA institute gives you abundant material to practice and excel your preparation for the exam. But what’s the harm in a little extra? The extensive mock tests and practice questions that CFA coaching institutes equip you with, further polishes your exam skills and make you completely ready to face any challenge threw at you during your exams.
Thus although the CFA curriculum is regarded as a self-study course, it is always beneficial to enroll into study centers if time and resources permit you to do so. With the right combination of regularity, dedication, and hard work, one can easily crack the CFA exam. Enrolling yourself in a coaching class can ensure that you have the right mentors and guidance to help you perform better.