CFA Exam Dates and Testing Windows
CFA Institute schedules exams in defined testing windows throughout the year rather than a single annual sitting, but the number of windows and their exact dates differ by level and can change from year to year.
How Testing Windows Work
Instead of one fixed exam day for everyone, CFA Institute opens a multi-week testing window during which you book a specific appointment at a Prometric test center (or, in some regions, a Pearson VUE center) close to your preferred date. Within that window, seats are limited and tend to fill up, so registering and scheduling early gives you a much better shot at your preferred date and location.
Level 1 Windows
Level 1 has historically been offered more frequently than Levels 2 and 3, giving candidates more flexibility to choose a sitting that fits their schedule.
Level 2 and Level 3 Windows
Levels 2 and 3 are generally offered fewer times per year than Level 1, which means the planning horizon for these levels tends to be longer and retake opportunities come around less frequently.
Why the Exact Schedule Isn’t Listed Here
CFA Institute updates its testing calendar periodically, and specific windows for upcoming years are only published once finalized. Rather than risk giving you outdated dates, the best practice is to check the official CFA Program testing calendar directly before you commit to a study timeline.
Booking Your Appointment
Once you register for an exam window, you’ll separately schedule your specific test date and location through the testing provider’s scheduling portal. Popular test centers and popular dates within the window (often the very first available days) fill up fastest.
Regional Availability
Not every test center offers every date within a window, and availability varies significantly by city. If you’re flexible on location, you may find earlier openings by considering a nearby test center rather than waiting for your first-choice location to free up.
Planning Around Testing Windows
Because seats are limited, many candidates recommend registering as soon as the window opens and scheduling your specific appointment shortly after, even if your test date itself is still months away — you can typically reschedule later if needed, within CFA Institute’s rescheduling policy.
Quick Tip
Register and book your specific test date as early as possible within your chosen window — popular test centers and early dates fill up first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common candidate questions about this topic
How many times a year can I take CFA Level 1?
CFA Institute has offered several testing windows per year for Level 1 in recent cycles, though the exact number can change. Confirm the current schedule on the official CFA Program testing calendar.
Can I choose my exact exam date?
You choose a specific date within your registered testing window, subject to seat availability at your preferred test center.
What test centers administer the CFA exam?
CFA exams are typically administered at Prometric test centers, with Pearson VUE used in some regions — availability depends on your location.