Subject: Evaluating CFA Program, L1 cheat sheets, CPA 2026

And free YT CFA lessons ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
300Hours CFA Blog

8 articles • 21d to Feb'26 • 120d to May'26 • 218d to Aug'26

  • Is CFA useful (for me)? Here's a good framework to start evaluating if the CFA Program works for you: we explore whether being a CFA charterholder can help with your job search, what careers it is particularly good for, and how it comes with alternative designations (like FRM).
  • CFA Level 1 cheat sheets: All 10 topics are updated for 2026, just in time for your exam revisions! We have listed Derivatives, FSA and Fixed Income here, you can find the rest of the series linked at the bottom of the articles.
  • CPA in 2026: This week, we explore the various US state requirements for becoming a Certified Public Accountant, as well as analyse the recent pass rate trends by sections.

Read, and remember to comment!
Zee Tan, 300Hours

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Does CFA Help? Maybe, But It

Does CFA Help? Maybe, But It's Not A Golden Ticket To Jobs

Zee Tan • Career Advice

You've put in the hours. But does the CFA actually help you land that dream job? We explain how recruiters and firms view the CFA designation, and how it can give you a significant edge in a competitive market.

How CFA helps your job search ➔

What Is CFA Good For? A Quick Look At Job Roles & Sectors

What Is CFA Good For? A Quick Look At Job Roles & Sectors

Zee Tan • Career Advice

Wondering if the CFA charter is worth the grind? It's more than just a credential; it's a mark of expertise and dedication in the investment industry. We break down the practical benefits, from opening doors to new career opportunities to enhancing your professional credibility globally.

What is it good for ➔

Get a Jump on Your Next CFA Exam

AdGet a Jump on Your Next CFA Exam

Kaplan Schweser • Prep Providers

November CFA exam results are out, increase the odds of passing your next exam with a Schweser Study Package. Includes our PassProtection guarantee.

Continue Your CFA Journey ➔

Study Smarter for the CFA Exam

AdStudy Smarter for the CFA Exam

UWorld Finance • Prep Providers

Join thousands of CFA candidates who trust UWorld. Now 15% off for 300Hours readers.

Claim ➔

CFA Vs FRM: Which Is Better For Me?

CFA Vs FRM: Which Is Better For Me?

Sophie Macon • Career Advice

Finance certifications such as CFA and FRM are a cost effective way (compared to an MBA) to give your finance career a boost.

We do receive a lot of questions from our readers trying to understand the core differences between them in deciding whether to pursue CFA or FRM.

Hence, for those still on the fence, or particularly new to these designations: here’s a helpful, straight-to-the-point summary guide comparing CFA vs FRM.

CFA vs FRM guide ➔

CFA Level 1 Derivatives: Our Cheat Sheet

CFA Level 1 Derivatives: Our Cheat Sheet

Sophie Macon • CFA

Derivatives can be a confusing part of the CFA Level 1 curriculum. This cheat sheet provides a clear and concise overview of the essential concepts. It's the perfect tool to help you understand and master this challenging topic.

Master Derivatives now ➔

Fixed Income Instrument Features for the 2026 CFA L1 Exam

AdFixed Income Instrument Features for the 2026 CFA L1 Exam

Let Me Explain • Prep Providers

One of the most popular videos on Let Me Explain, covering Lesson 2, Learning Module 1 of CFA L1 Fixed Income 2026: describe the features of a fixed-income security. This includes the fundamental parameters of all debt securities: issuer type, maturity, principal or par/face value, seniority, and, contingency provisions.

Fixed Income Instrument Features ➔

Credit analyst training with the CBCA certification

AdCredit analyst training with the CBCA certification

Corporate Finance Institute • Other Qualifications

Full access to 18 courses and certificates. Gain a competitive edge in commercial banking with advanced knowledge, real-world analysis skills, and career confidence.

Special rate for 300Hours readers ➔

CFA Level 1 Fixed Income: Our Cheat Sheet

CFA Level 1 Fixed Income: Our Cheat Sheet

Sophie Macon • CFA

Fixed Income is a central topic in finance, and not only is it crucial to CFA Level 1, but it increases in importance (topic weight wise) as you advance to CFA Level 3. Master it with our Cheat Sheet!

Fixed Income cheat sheet ➔

CFA Level 1 FSA: Our Cheat Sheet

CFA Level 1 FSA: Our Cheat Sheet

Sophie Macon • CFA

Financial Statement Analysis (FSA) is fundamental to the CFA Program. Our cheat sheet distills the most important formulas and concepts into an easily digestible format. Use it to solidify your FSA knowledge and prepare for exam success.

Ace FSA today ➔

CESGA, ESRS Compliant & Integrated into the HKMA Framework

AdCESGA, ESRS Compliant & Integrated into the HKMA Framework

EFFAS • Other Qualifications

CESGA now the first certification accredited by EFRAG as ESRS Compliant and integrated into the HKMA framework

Learn More ➔

CPA Requirements By State: A Quick & Complete Guide

CPA Requirements By State: A Quick & Complete Guide

Sophie Macon • CPA

Becoming a CPA means navigating a patchwork of rules, as each U.S. state has its own specific twists on the core education, exam, and experience requirements. Don't get caught off guard by state-specific nuances, from differing exam eligibility hours to ethics exam mandates. Our comprehensive guide cuts through the complexity, laying out exactly what you'll need to earn your CPA license in any U.S. jurisdiction.

Find your state's rules ➔

CPA Pass Rates: How Hard Is The CPA Exam?

CPA Pass Rates: How Hard Is The CPA Exam?

Sophie Macon • CPA

Are CPA exams significantly more difficult than others? We analyze the pass rates to find out.

CPA pass rates ➔

More guides, tips and stories ➔

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