You are in a good position. You do not need to go through every reading again.
Instead, these last two months should be dedicated to intense practice, concept reinforcement, and exam-style thinking.
Here is how you should ideally allocate your time:
- 🔸 70% of your time: Focus on solving questions – start with topic-wise question sets and gradually move to full-length mock exams.
- 🔸 30% of your time: Use this for revising important formulas, reviewing concept summaries, and going through your error log (if you have been maintaining one).
This phase is not about covering more material – it is about solidifying what you have already studied and training yourself to perform under exam conditions.
If You Are Starting From Scratch
You might have seen some forum posts claiming that 250 to 300 hours are enough to pass CFA Level 1.
But you need to ask yourself –
Do I want to just barely pass (with no guarantee) or actually understand and master the concepts?
That is the difference between just surviving the exam and truly learning finance.
💡 This is why I strongly recommend 500 to 600 hours of preparation for each level of CFA.
It is not just about the exam – it is about building the foundation of your professional credibility and confidence.
If you are starting now with just two months in hand, the journey will be extremely challenging. You will need a very structured study plan, 6 to 8 hours daily, and zero distractions – and even then, it might be risky.
What Your Final 2 Months Should Look Like
Whether you are in a good position or playing catch-up, your final 60 days should be structured around these priorities:
1. Take at least 3 full mock exams
Start around 5 to 6 weeks before the exam. Space them out so you have time to review mistakes and plug concept gaps.
2. Create and stick to an error log
Note down every mistake you make, especially in practice questions. Track whether the issue was conceptual, silly, or due to pressure.
3. Revise formulas and Ethics weekly
Some parts of the curriculum (especially Ethics) require continuous revisiting. Make it a weekly ritual – even if for 1–2 hours.
4. Keep the intensity high
The last stretch is all about momentum. This is not the time to relax or spread out your effort. Focused, time-boxed study sessions will help you retain more and build exam-day endurance.
Final Words
The CFA exam is not just a test of knowledge – it is a test of discipline, consistency, and decision-making under pressure.
Two months can be enough – but only if you use them wisely. Whether you are polishing what you have already learned or pushing through a massive catch-up, remember: the effort you put in now will echo through your career.