2026 CFA Exam Dates: Your Complete Guide
Discover exam windows, registration deadlines, and tailored study timelines for CFA Levels I, II, and III in 2026. Stay on track with our suggested study plans and prepare effectively for your CFA journey.
Knowing your CFA exam dates is key to effective planning. This guide provides an overview of exam windows, registration deadlines, and suggested timelines for when to start studying for all three levels of the CFA exams.
CFA Exam Frequency
- Level I: Offered 4 times a year (February, May, August, November)
- Level II: Offered 3 times a year (May, August, November)
- Level III: Offered 2 times a year (February, August)
CFA Level I Exam Dates
2026 February
- Registration Window: Apr. 29, 2025–Oct. 29, 2025
- Exam Dates: Feb. 2–8, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Early Nov. 2025
2026 May
- Registration Window: Aug. 12, 2025–Feb 12, 2026
- Exam Dates: May 12–18, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Early Feb. 2026
2026 August
- Registration Window: Nov. 11, 2025–May 6, 2026
- Exam Dates: Aug. 18–24, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Mid May 2026
2026 November
- Registration Window: Feb. 11, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026
- Exam Dates: Nov. 11–17, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Mid Aug. 2026
CFA Level II Exam Dates
2026 May
- Registration Window: Aug. 12, 2025–Feb. 12, 2026
- Exam Dates: May 19–23, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Early Feb. 2026
2026 August
- Registration Window: Nov. 11, 2025–May 6, 2026
- Exam Dates: Aug. 25–29, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Mid May 2026
2026 November
- Registration Window: Feb. 11, 2026–Aug. 11, 2026
- Exam Dates: Nov. 18–22, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Early Aug. 2026
CFA Level III Exam Dates
2026 February
- Registration Window: Apr. 29, 2025–Oct. 29, 2025
- Exam Dates: Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Mid Oct. 2025
2026 August
- Registration Window: Nov. 11, 2025–May 6, 2026
- Exam Dates: Aug. 13–17, 2026
- Suggested Study Start: Early May 2026
How We Calculated Suggested Start Timeframes
The CFA Institute recommends dedicating 300 hours of study for each exam. To make this manageable for working professionals, we used the following study assumptions:
- Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Study 2 hours per day.
- Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Study 5 hours per day.
This schedule totals 20 hours per week, meaning you’ll need about 15 weeks (3.5 months) to complete your study plan. The suggested start timeframes are approximate and designed to provide flexibility while ensuring enough preparation time.
Don’t forget to adjust your study schedule to accommodate personal and professional commitments!
Final Thoughts
CFA exams require significant preparation, but with clear milestones and structured study plans, success is within reach. Good luck with your CFA journey!