The CFA study program covers many areas of the financial industry and a strong emphasis on ethics and professional responsibility. As we discussed briefly CFA candidates must pass three levels of examination. The CFA Institute recommends that each candidate spend at least 250 hours of preparation for each level. The curriculum is self-study, which means that the candidates can pace him or herself according to her own comfort level. However, as the exams are given only in certain dates, the applicant must create the pace to fit in time. From an organizational perspective, the fact that the program is individualized is very important. The candidate must be concluded successfully all three levels will prove that he or she is dedicated, determined and goal-oriented. From an education perspective, we know that any self-paced this program requires dedication and determination, not to mention the discipline to study a part of everyday life.
The important next CFA curriculum that determines the thematic areas such as the fields are chosen, and writes the content for these topics. First, the curriculum changes from year to year, due to the changes that constantly occur on a global scale in the investment world. The main changes are performed every five years – and only after a detailed analysis of the practice global scale. In terms of curriculum development, a committee of active CFA charterholders determines the content and then the content is written under his supervision by staff of the Office of the ICC. From a training and development prospects, many companies would like to have a committee of practicing professionals who are actively seeking the curriculum to keep it fresh. And because of the changing nature of the financial markets, the curriculum CFA should be changing, too. This combination of practice Matter Experts as well as analysis to the field strong CFA curriculum, current and constantly changing with the financial world.
The themes that are currently covered in the CFA curriculum are varied, including ethical and professional standards, statistics, analysis, economics, financial reporting, corporate finance, capital investment, fixed income and derivative markets, alternative investments, portfolio management and wealth planning. Because CFA practice to develop the curriculum, the content tends to be on the practical side, against more theoretical knowledge that a person can get into a university training program. Moreover, the broad-based, the general approach allows the candidate CFA absorbing themes in a way that prevents them from being too specific product or market. This approach also allows the organization to create a pool of talents with extensive knowledge that can be applied in various contexts, locations and designs.
The CFA curriculum is divided into several study sessions on topic areas. Each of these sections contain readings from the Institute of content, books, journals, analyst reports, and case studies, together with sets of issues that relate to reading and require the practical application of information. In addition, each session of reading and contains goals learning specific to the candidate can understand what he or she will be expected to do even before the lesson begins. The CFA Institute includes several additional features, such as contours and comprehensive indexes and a glossary.
Tests are almost textbook-perfect examples of Bloom's taxonomy in action. Examinations, as mentioned, are given in June and December in various locations. Each exam is divided into three levels that vary in both the test method and the levels of taxonomy. For example, a level exam questions are usually multiple choice and covers the knowledge, understanding, and some analysis. Level Two cases are issues of study involving analysis and application, and Level Three are both testing and case-based in nature, covering synthesis and integration. From the perspective of adult education, the fact that each test has three levels covering various test methods and levels of taxonomy is impressive. This shows that the CFA Institute is dedicated to ensuring that each CFA leaves the program with not only knowledge but the skills needed to apply this knowledge in multiple situations.
One of the other benefits in terms of learning is that the exams are given only in English. This may seem difficult to some, but the institute argues that this is a method of ensuring fairness and accuracy, both the delivery of material for examination and classification. From the point of view consistency, the only English tests also ensure a high level of learning and application to the applicant.
Before moving on, we look at the CFA curriculum and the structure of the examination with regard to organizational benefits. We have determined that a self-study course requires a dedication and discipline that some people simply do not have. But as regards the content itself, a CFA candidate will receive the most up-to-date data available from practitioners to compile it. This seems to have the charge out of the organization to ensure that the CFA is constantly updated. With a network of professionals in addition to the CFA curriculum, your organization can focus on training in other functional areas or behavioral. This is a definite benefit if you are planning to build a department composed of CLS. Finally, the exam ensures that every professional has a detailed knowledge – but is able to apply that knowledge. As professionals organizational development, we often see that there is a gap between knowledge and execution. In case of CFA, this gap is probably very small.
Next, we will spend the curriculum for the recognition and pattern of the CFA program as a benefit for both the organization and the individual.
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Bryant Nielson – President of Financial Training Solutions – assists executives, business owners, and top performing performers in taking the leap from the ordinary to extraordinary. Bryant is a trainer, business & leadership coach, and strategic planner fo those in the capital markets. Nielson’s 27 year business career has been based on his results-oriented style of empowering the individual.
Learn more about Financial Training Solutions and our various offerings at: http://www.FinancialTrainingSolutions.com. For CFA information, check out our site: http://www.CFAfx.com.
FOREX Training | FOREX Trading – February 23, 2007
