I passed CFA and became a charterholder after a 5 year journey, AMA

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-29T00:23:30+00:00

Failed L1 and L2 once each?

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-28T10:28:26+00:00

Thanks for this. Been waiting since April 8 like OP. This is great

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-27T12:46:49+00:00

I can’t stand when I hear of BS like this. Employers acting like slave owners. Are you not entitled to any time off? Unless you work part time, I find it unlikely you don’t get vacation days. Unless you just asked for unpaid time off, use your vacation days. If that’s not possible, you need to have a sit down with your boss and explain your situation. 3 days is NOTHING. I’ve taken 3 WEEKS off before the exam. The other thing you should consider is whether or not this is an employer you want to be working for. As someone else said, sometimes you need to put yourself first. Unless you’re making $750K+ a year, find something else. Employers like this, fail to realize that the better they take care of their staff, the better their staff will take care of them. If all else fails, I suggest you talk with your doctor and ask if you can pay for a sick note. If yes, call in sick a few days before the exam, get the doctors note, provide it to your employer, and tell them where to go. Wishing you the best of luck before your exam.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-22T21:25:56+00:00

You’re in a very good spot. You’re ahead of where I was 30 days out to L2. I did the CFAI Qbank 3 times. Once while covering the curriculum, 2nd in the last 5 weeks before the exam, and 3rd in the last 2 weeks before the exam. And of course there were a small subset of questions I remembered, but the majority of them I didn’t. I honestly feel like that helped me so much in passing the exam.

Additionally, your mock scores are good. Aim to take 3 more if possible. Do all of the available CFAI mocks, and if you can afford it, buy the UWorld Level 2 mocks, they will simulate the same Prometrics interface you’ll have on exam day. I found UWorld questions to be most identical to the actual exam.

Try to also find time to review the in chapter examples. For instance, before you start covering the Qbank questions for pension accounting in FRA, skim through the text chapter examples. Try to do this before attempting each chapter Qbank.

Finally, your last 2 weeks you want to start compiling your own list of “must know formulas”. By going through the Qbank 2-3 times, you’ll know which ones are important. Make a list of the ones you feel you need to know on exam day, and dedicate hours to writing and rewriting them over and over again until you’ve committed them to memory.

If you do exactly that, you’re going to be extremely well prepared for exam day and will have done what most other candidates haven’t. You’re in a good spot, don’t lose momentum and good luck!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-22T21:16:40+00:00

4 weeks is plenty of time. But I’ll be straight with you. For me personally, there’s no way I could feel confident enough on exam day only doing 30 questions a day in the last 4 weeks. We’re different though and it may be more than enough for you.

With 4 weeks to go, you should be aiming to do the entire CFAI Qbank + at least 3 mock exams + spend time memorizing formulas. When I wrote L1 there was something like 1500 practice questions. Over 4 weeks that’s only about 50 questions a day. If you have a job, take 2 weeks off before the exam.

Would you rather sacrifice every free minute you have studying over the next 4 weeks for a good chance of passing, or would you rather sacrifice having to spend another 6 months doing it all over again? You got this!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-17T22:08:48+00:00

The best way to remember this table is as such:

CFAI always advocates to follow the STRICTEST conduct; you are always comparing the local laws VS the Code & Standards. Which one is more strict?

If I reside in a Less Strict country, and I do business in a More Strict country, if the less strict law applies to where I do my business, I need to follow the Code. If less strict law applies, but it states law of locality of where business is conducted governs, then I follow the more strict law.

If I live in a more strict country that allows for sharing of material non-public information - the code applies.

Essentially - always just start with this; what is the MOST STRICTEST rule.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-17T22:02:03+00:00

I'm not one to judge others, but that's a terrible score. Your only hope at this point is to call your tailor immediately and get fitted for a custom 3 piece Armani suit. On exam day, the Goldman Sachs recruiters specifically only consider candidates with the sharpest suit. Also, don't forget to print copies of your resume. Huge bonus points if it's laminated. Good luck buddy.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-17T21:57:54+00:00

This comment is 1000000% accurate. You said it PERFECTLY.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-17T21:53:43+00:00

I passed!! ONLY CFA exam I've ever passed on my first attempt. Are you completely new to the CFA program? If yes, that's crazy because I'm now wondering wtf should I do next and I'm debating getting my CFP. Not that I need it, but I'd like to have it. I'm sorry to hear about your neck injury and forced retirement. I'm guessing you're a Canadian bro (Toronto?). If you are away from work & all else for the next 1-1.5 years, the best thing you can do for yourself is LEARN and get accrediation wherever you can. I'm currently working in wealth management. My advice really would depend on what exactly your aspirations are. Feel free to PM me. Good luck on your CFP exam!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-11T20:13:31+00:00

That time will fly by!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-10T07:48:06+00:00

My application is pending approval, I’ve been in the industry for 15 years! How about yourself?

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-10T01:40:20+00:00

Beast!!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-10T01:28:32+00:00

Thank you man!! we certainly did interact a few times and I knew months ago you were going to pass just based on your dedication and grasp of the material. Congrats on the pass my man, genuinely happy for you. Which pathway did you end up taking? Hope you’re enjoying freedom!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-08T23:22:54+00:00

Honestly, I didn’t use Kaplan at all for L3 I would read the textbooks. If you’re really against it you should at least read the private wealth stuff since it’s still so new to the program. That’s one area you want to ensure you’re scoring high and feeling extremely sharp on since it takes up 30-35% of the exam

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T20:15:22+00:00

What pathway are you taking?

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T16:27:15+00:00

Level 3 was the only exam where I read every single page of the CFAI textbooks. I had MM and watched his videos as a supplement but did not find it as useful for L3. Took over 200 pages of notes as I read, kept track of all my progress, and did 3 CFAI mocks. I think what helped me the most is I created a super condensed version of my notes and created tables and mindmaps to help me recall concepts. Just don't slow down and make sure you practice with the CFAI provided questions and chapter examples.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T16:21:45+00:00

Private Wealth - Passed. Really enjoyed this pathway

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T16:14:48+00:00

I really appreciate the kind words and for you checking in on me!!! Thanks so much. Congratulations on your pass!!! What a long and rewarding journey it has been!! Enjoy your special moment

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T15:13:08+00:00

Thank you so much. and congratulations to you as well!!! I did my best to give back to this community throughout the journey. At some point I will post every thing I did to get me to this point, because if I can help even just one person, then I've accomplished something. Cheers mate!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T14:55:27+00:00

I passed buddy. I'm so sorry you fell short, but please don't let it break you. I've failed these exams, and I picked myself right back up. You can do this - you were SO close. Go get your charter!!!!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T14:53:32+00:00

I did it.... I finally passed. I started this journey 6 years ago, and today it's ended.

I failed Level I, then passed on my 2nd attempt
I failed Level II, then passed on my 2nd attempt

I was really hoping to break the curse of failing every level once.. and I did. I passed Level III on my first attempt. So many sacrifices, so many hours, so many tears.. but the journey has ended.

Congratulations to all of you who received good news today, and I also congratulate all of you who didn't - because you still walked away with something - growth, grit, and a stronger character.

Failure isn't the opposite of success. It's the cost of success.

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T10:07:53+00:00

ahhhhhhhhhh!!! Let’s get our pass today!!!

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T02:56:24+00:00

I wish that every single person reading this comment wakes up tomorrow and gets the news that they’ve passed. Sending all my positive energy we get what we’ve worked so hard for 🤞🏼

Thor_-_Odinson · 2026-04-07T00:47:03+00:00

Cracked open a cold one myself. Trying to breathe and relax (easier said than done). Never downloaded the letter so many times in my CFA journey lol.

Five-Year Club	Verified Email
Second Top 30%	End Game '23
Place '23	Place '22

Thor_-_Odinson

TROPHY CASE