CFA Exam Dates - Complete Schedule for Applicants

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) exam is an extremely difficult test, and it’s coming up quickly. That’s why it’s important to start scheduling for it early so you don’t end up missing out on key deadlines. Luckily for you, I’ve included all of the important dates related to the 2025 CFA® exam dates below.

This exam is given four times a year by the CFA® Institute in February, May, August, and Novemeber and each level comes with separate deadlines. Read on to find out about each one!

2024 CFA Exam Schedule and Key Deadlines

February 2024 (Level 1 & 3)

  • Registration Opens: May 16, 2023
  • Early Registration Deadline: July 13, 2023
  • Final Registration Deadline: November 8, 2023
  • Scheduling Deadline: November 21, 2023
  • Rescheduling Deadline: January 18, 2024 (Level 1), January 17, 2024 (Level 3)
  • CFA Exam Dates: February 19-25, 2024 (Level 1), February 15-18, 2024 (Level 3)

May 2024 (Level 1 & 2)

  • Registration Opens: August 15, 2023
  • Early Registration Deadline: October 12, 2023
  • Final Registration Deadline: February 6, 2024
  • Scheduling Deadline: February 14, 2024
  • Rescheduling Deadline: April 15, 2024 (Level 1), April 22, 2024 (Level 2)
  • CFA Exam Dates: May 15-21, 2024 (Level 1), May 22-26, 2024 (Level 2)

August 2024 (All Levels)

  • Registration Opens: November 14, 2023
  • Early Registration Deadline: January 23, 2024
  • Final Registration Deadline: May 14, 2024
  • Scheduling Deadline: May 21, 2024
  • Rescheduling Deadline: July 22, 2024 (Level 1), July 29, 2024 (Level 2), July 18, 2024 (Level 3)
  • CFA Exam Dates: August 20-26, 2024 (Level 1), August 27-31, 2024 (Level 2), August 16-19, 2024 (Level 3)

November 2024 (Level 1 & 2)

  • Registration Opens: February 8, 2024
  • Early Registration Deadline: April 16, 2024
  • Final Registration Deadline: August 7, 2024
  • Scheduling Deadline: August 13, 2024
  • Rescheduling Deadline: October 10, 2024 (Level 1), October 17, 2024 (Level 2)
  • CFA Exam Dates: November 13-19, 2024 (Level 1), November 20-24, 2024 (Level 2)

Be aware that just because you’ve missed the opening, you’re still able to sign up for the test. For example, the registration for an August exam opens in November the year before but doesn’t close until May. Thankfully, that’s just enough time to prepare with a CFA® exam review course!

CFA® Registration Fees and Costs

Bear in mind that the cost of signing up for the exam costs is based on when you register. Early registration costs $940, but the late registration fee is upward of $1450, which is more than twice the cost. 

Ultimately, the standard registration fee costs $1,250 and is probably the one you’ll want to shoot for if you’re not an “early bird” who knows exactly when you want to take the exam many months before.

There is also a one-time registration fee of $350.



When To Get Your CFA® Admission Ticket

CFA Exam admission

Admission tickets to the CFA® exam will be made available on your CFA® account about a month before the exam itself. These tickets are the only thing that will allow you access to the test, so make sure all of the information is correct as soon as possible. Additionally, tickets must be printed out ahead of time— so don’t waste time and get this done as soon as possible.

When do CFA® exam tickets become available?

  • For the February CFA® exam, tickets become available in January. 
  • For May, CFA® tickets become available in April. 
  • For August, CFA® tickets become available in July. 
  • For November, CFA® tickets become available in October. 

There’s no specific announced date for these, so keep your eyes open when each month rolls around. Seriously, you don’t want to procrastinate when it can lead to you missing the exam you already paid for!

Change of Date/Conditions

There are a few different deadlines for CFA® exam test date substitution that depend on the reason for doing so. Each potential reason will get you a different date, so it’s important to make sure you have the right one in the event that you need to switch.

Religious Change of Date

The first way to switch your exam day is if it falls on a date with religious significance. For this, simply submit a religious alternate exam date request before the deadline. Doing so will allow you to easily find a new test date for the CFA® exam.

Disability Change of Date

The second way to change your test conditions is by submitting a disability accommodations request. Doing so requires you to submit documentation for your disability and fill out some forms on the CFA® website. Afterward, you’ll be given the necessary accommodations for the exam.

Change of Venue

Finally, the last way to switch your test conditions is by switching which test center you’ll be taking the exam at. Test centers can be changed by picking the Change Test Area option under the CFA® Program tile on your CFA® account.

However, be aware that test centers have limited seating; hence, you’ll want to make this request as soon as possible.

When Are CFA® Exam Results Posted?

After completing the exam, you’ll receive your test results a few months later. Level I and Level II test results are released about 60 days after your test date, and Level III results are released around 90 days after. That means results will first start to come in around May and continue through July and October. Don’t panic if you don’t immediately receive them on those dates, as it may take a little longer.

Breathe Deep, You Can Create A Solid CFA® Exam Schedule

Now you know everything you need to start building a CFA® exam schedule. Make sure to sign up and submit all forms as early as possible so you can save time and money while prepping for the exam. If you do this, you’ll find yourself working on a far easier and less stressful schedule!

Get Discounts On CFA® Review Courses

Kenneth W. Boyd is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the author of several of the popular "For Dummies" books published by John Wiley & Sons including 'CPA Exam for Dummies' and 'Cost Accounting for Dummies'.

Ken has gained a wealth of business experience through his previous employment as a CPA, Auditor, Tax Preparer and College Professor. Today, Ken continues to use those finely tuned skills to educate students as a professional writer and teacher.