CFA® Exam Dates: 2026 Breakdown

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) exam is an extremely difficult test, and the best CFA® exam dates fill up fast.

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 2026 CFA® exam below.

This exam is given four times a year by the CFA® Institute in February, May, August, and November, with different availability for each level. Read on to find out about each one.

2026–2027 CFA® Exam Dates and Key Deadlines

Note: CFA Institute states registration windows open at 9:00 AM ET and all deadlines are 11:59 PM ET. A $250 fee applies to reschedule within the same exam window.

February 2026 (Level I & III)

• Registration Opens: April 29, 2025
• Early Registration Deadline: July 7, 2025
• Final Registration Deadline: October 29, 2025
• Scheduling Deadline: November 5, 2025
• Rescheduling Deadline: January 22, 2026 (Level I), January 18, 2026 (Level III)
• CFA Exam Dates: Jan 29–Feb 1, 2026 (Level III); Feb 2–8, 2026 (Level I)

May 2026 (Level I & II)

• Registration Opens: August 12, 2025
• Early Registration Deadline: October 14, 2025
• Final Registration Deadline: February 12, 2026
• Scheduling Deadline: February 18, 2026
• Rescheduling Deadline: May 1, 2026 (Level I), May 8, 2026 (Level II)
• CFA Exam Dates: May 12–18, 2026 (Level I); May 19–23, 2026 (Level II)

August 2026 (All Levels)

• Registration Opens: November 11, 2025
• Early Registration Deadline: January 21, 2026
• Final Registration Deadline: May 6, 2026
• Scheduling Deadline: May 13, 2026
• Rescheduling Deadline: Aug 7, 2026 (Level I); Aug 14, 2026 (Level II); Aug 3, 2026 (Level III)
• CFA Exam Dates: Aug 13–17, 2026 (Level III); Aug 18–24, 2026 (Level I); Aug 25–29, 2026 (Level II)

November 2026 (Level I & II)

• Registration Opens: February 11, 2026
• Early Registration Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Final Registration Deadline: August 11, 2026
• Scheduling Deadline: August 18, 2026
• Rescheduling Deadline: Oct 31, 2026 (Level I); Nov 7, 2026 (Level II)
• CFA Exam Dates: Nov 11–17, 2026 (Level I); Nov 18–22, 2026 (Level II)

February 2027 (Level I & III)

• Registration Opens: May 5, 2026
• Early Registration Deadline: July 7, 2026
• Final Registration Deadline: November 5, 2026
• Scheduling Deadline: November 10, 2026
• Rescheduling Deadline: Feb 11, 2027 (Level I); Feb 7, 2027 (Level III)
• CFA Exam Dates: Feb 18–21, 2027 (Level III); Feb 22–28, 2027 (Level I)

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

Bear in mind that exam costs are based on the time when you register. Early registration can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than on-time and late registration. So, plan ahead to save potentially over $1,000.

Fees / Levels	Level 1 and 2	Level 3
Early Registration Fee	$1,140	$1,240
Late Registration Fee	$1,490	$1,590

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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 5-7 weeks after your test date, and Level III results are released around 8-10 weeks after. 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!

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