* This article discusses the recommended waiting period before taking the next CFA level. For information on the waiting period before retaking the same CFA level, please refer to the article "CFA ® Level I Results : what should I do if I failed
The stress of waiting for the results, the wait for the email from the CFA Institute... the waiting continues and finally the email arrives!
And you see the word "Congratulations"!!
You then ask yourself the question: should you continue immediately with the next level or take a break?
The question is quite natural given the efforts made and the answer is unambiguous: yes, we must continue with the CFA level.
Build upon acquired knowledge
The exam curriculum is a logical continuation of the previous level. You will find the same themes (with a few exceptions at level III) with a focus on in-depth exploration and practical application of the concepts.
It is important that the knowledge that has just been validated is as fresh as possible in your mind to facilitate preparation for the next level.
Don't risk losing what you've gained by postponing until the following year.
Don't lose your rythmn
One of the challenges of each CFA® exam is the pace of revisions, finding the balance between professional life, personal life and CFA® preparation.
By taking your exams quickly, you share the advantage of already having an effective work methodology in place.
Conversely, the longer you wait to move to the next level, the more difficulty you will have in getting back into an adequate revision rhythm.
Get certified faster
By passing your exam between six and nine months after the previous one, you are taking the shortest route to certification.
Benefit from the positive outcomes of certification (salary, network, credibility...) by completing the last two steps as quickly as possible.
Do not receive program updates
As you probably know, the CFA® curriculum is updated annually.
If you take a year off, changes in content may penalize you and add extra work.
Postpone it, but until when?
Extending your CFA® "course" over an additional year is always a risk.
Indeed, you do not control all your future constraints and unforeseen personal or professional changes may add difficulties.
Delaying is also the best way to postpone indefinitely and never pursue certification.