Award-Winning CFA Test Prep in Chicago, IL

If you're looking to take your Chicago CFA preparation to the next level, Varsity Tutors offers two powerful options to help you reach for your academic potential. First, we provide a comprehensive Chicago CFA prep course that allows students like you to study for the test in a structured learning environment. Alternatively, we can set you up with a private Chicago CFA tutor who can provide individualized attention as you work toward your academic goals. Each service has fantastic benefits, and many students utilize both in order to feel as prepared as possible.

The CFA (or Chartered Financial Analyst) is a credential granted by the CFA Institute to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree, have at least four years of professional experience, and pass a series of three standardized tests. The tests are numbered (CFA Level I, II, and III), and you must pass the previous test in order to take the next. If you find the prospect of preparing for all of these exams stressful, keep reading to learn more about how we can help you out.

What concepts can I review during Chicago CFA prep?

All three CFA exams cover the same topics, with the higher levels going into greater detail on each. As such, the test you're studying for determines what you should review. If you're taking the Level I exam, you'll answer 240 multiple-choice questions split into two testing sessions (morning and afternoon) each lasting three hours. There are only three possible answer choices per question, so your instructor can show you how to leverage the exam against itself and deduce the correct answer even if you don't know it. There's no penalty for guessing, so you should try to respond to every item.

The Level II exam is structured similarly, except that questions are tied to vignettes or case statements like a reading comprehension test. If you could remember more of the information in the vignettes you read, your instructor can show you active reading techniques such as note-taking to try and improve your retention. You might also consider reading the questions before their corresponding vignette so you know what specific information to look for.

The Level III exam includes constructed response items in the three-hour morning session and more vignette-based items in the afternoon. If you tense up at the prospect of composing an essay on an exam, your instructor can teach you helpful outlining techniques to make it easier to commit your thoughts to the page.

What are the benefits of each of the Chicago CFA prep options available to me?

As noted above, we can either enroll you in a Chicago CFA prep class or find you a private instructor. If you opt for a class, you'll study with a group of like-minded students and an expert instructor who can handle any questions you have. Our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions through powerful features such as video chat and a virtual whiteboard, giving you an in-person experience without the hassle of commuting anywhere.

You can also interact with your classmates on our platform, allowing all of you to work together. For example, explaining portfolio management to one of your peers can be a great way to reinforce your own understanding of the subject. This kind of collaboration can make it easier to understand difficult concepts. Furthermore, working in a group gives you great value for your money.

If you would rather receive individualized instruction, a private instructor may be a better fit for you. We can find you an instructor who can work with you online, giving you a face-to-face study experience without the logistical headache of trying to get somewhere at a particular time. If you prefer to study the old-fashioned way, your instructor can meet you at the campus library of a local college such as the University of Illinois at Chicago or Chicago University, your favorite neighborhood coffee shop, or even your home for added convenience.

Regardless of where you meet, an academic mentor can design study sessions around your preferred learning style to enhance their efficiency. If you're a visual student, your instructor can use visual aids such as infographics to illustrate key concepts. If you're more of an auditory learner, your instructor can adopt a discussion format with plenty of oral repetition of the most important points instead.

How do I sign up for Chicago CFA prep today?

Simply reach out to an educational consultant using the information provided on this page for a step-by-step tutorial on how to enroll in your Chicago CFA prep program of choice. A friendly consultant would also be happy to help you figure out which Varsity Tutors service is right for you, so please contact us with any questions you have!