Chartered Financial Analyst. Level I, II and III June 2010 training courses offered by BPP Professional Education

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1 Chartered Financial Analyst Level I, II and III June 2010 training courses offered by BPP Professional Education

2 The CFA Program is designed to equip you with the investment knowledge and ethical principals to excel in the financial markets. As a measure of its global recognition, more than 119,000 CFA candidates from 165 countries sat the CFA exam in June Without a doubt, earning your CFA charter will enhance your credibility and competitive advantage in the global workplace, as well as connecting you to a global network of over 80,000 charterholders. At BPP we understand that, as a busy investment professional, you will want flexible study solutions to help you make effective use of the time spent preparing for your CFA exam. That s why you can choose from a range of weekday, Friday or evening and Saturday classroom courses available at either our London (City), Edinburgh or NEW Canary Wharf training centres that you can mix and match to suit your lifestyle. We ve also developed a comprehensive distance learning package, should you prefer to study at your own pace. Both classroom and distance learning study solutions are built around three key elements knowledge, application and practice which we believe are critical for first time exam success. About BPP 1 Choose BPP to train for the CFA exams 2 About the CFA Program 3 Your classroom study solution 6 Course overviews 8 Your distance learning study solution 11 How will BPP support you? 12 Book your course with BPP 14 What our delegates say about us 15 Important information 16 Inserts Course booking form with dates and prices CFA candidates receive the CFA Program curriculum as part of their exam registration fee. Our study solutions will allow you to complement these original readings with study materials from Kaplan Schweser, the world s leading supplier of CFA study materials and BPP Online Learning TM, our proprietary online study resource. We know what it takes to succeed in the CFA Program, as many of our tutors are charterholders and all of them have sat and passed the exams they teach towards. Their experience will be invaluable to you, from the moment you contact us right up to the day of the exam. With a thorough programme of study, a lot of hard work and the support of an experienced training provider you can realise your ambition of becoming a CFA charterholder. Come to one of our open evenings, visit us online or call us today to find out more about our study solutions and unique training approach. Phil Morey CFA BPP Professional Education

3 About BPP Professional Education BPP Professional Education trains people for the qualifications they need to become business professionals and provides professional development training and support throughout their careers. Our strength derives from high quality courses and study support materials, which meet the requirements of delegates and companies who choose to train with us. We are the trainer of choice for many of the world s leading organisations. Our course structures incorporate the use of innovative learning materials and teaching and are carefully designed around the needs of both the client and delegate. Our authors and presenters are all qualified in the professions for which they write and teach. We lead the field in our unsurpassed investment in technology, course materials and targeted publications. We aim to empower delegates and qualified professionals to succeed, whatever learning environment they choose: classroom learning supported distance learning e-learning blended learning and published products for self study BPP stands for quality and innovation in professional education and training, providing a service to support businesses and career aspirations. BPP Professional Education follows CFA Institute Prep Provider Guidelines 1

4 10 reasons why you should look no further than BPP for your CFA training 1. We have already helped over 15,000 CFA candidates through their CFA exams. 2. Our courses are taught by our team of permanent tutors, ensuring you consistent approach and high quality standards of tuition. All have passed the exams they teach towards. 3. All delegates can access the full classroom course material, BPP practice exams, progress tests, study session overview diagrams and essential formula sheets, all written from the official CFA Institute syllabus materials. 4. We provide the user-friendly Kaplan Schweser Essential Solution pack to allow you to focus on what is important and access thousands of practice questions online. 5. Classroom students can choose from Evening, Saturday, Friday, Weekday classes at our London centre, all flexible and interchangeable should you not be able to make a particular phase. Weekday classes are also available at our Edinburgh centre and you can now book evening courses for CFA Level 1 at our Canary Wharf training centre. 6. We include 3 day intensive revision classes as part of the classroom and Distance Learning Plus option, ensuring that your focus is firmly on exam success. 7. Included in all classroom and distance learning courses is a final mock which can be sat at our premises in London followed by a debrief session by our experienced tutors. 8. Through BPP Online Learning TM we offer online tuition, with over 30 online tutorials (available in MP4 format for downloading and watching on the move), classroom recordings (available to view online or MP4) and all the BPP class material available to download. We also include exclusive BPP introductory material on maths, accounts and economics for Level 1 delegates. 9. Your tutors will be in regular contact by and you will receive weekly s to keep your studies on track. 10. We are so confident that you will pass, that we offer the BPP Pass Assurance scheme allowing you to attend a course for free if you do not pass on your first attempt. 2

5 BPP Pass Assurance We are confident that the study solution put together by our tutors will help you fully prepare for the exam. Nobody wants to fail their exam, so we promise that if you do, and provided you signed up for and completed our comprehensive study solution package (teaching phase + revision phase) we will let you attend the equivalent classroom course again free of charge*. *New learning materials not included but available at a discounted price. Proof of exam result required. A full attendance record is required. A deferral is not eligible for Pass Assurance. Pass Assurance can only be redeemed once per each participated training course. The BPP Promise must be completed within the next available sitting by applicable delegates. About CFA Program Established in 1962, the CFA Program sets the global standard for investment, knowledge, standards and ethics. Passing the CFA examination can help career advancement and highlights to clients, employers and colleagues that the charterholder has mastered a broad range of investment topics and is committed to the highest ethical standards in the profession. The CFA examinations are administered by CFA Institute, whose headquarters are in Charlottesville, USA, with offices in London, New York and Hong Kong. The CFA Institute is composed of more than 100,000 individual voting members and 135 non-voting member societies who believe in setting a higher standard for the investment profession. Who takes the exam? Analysts, Equity & Fixed Income CEO/Chairman/Partner/Principal/CIO/CFO Accountants/Auditors Investment Bankers Investment Firm Managers Portfolio Managers Trader/Securities Sales/Marketing Managers Investment Counsellors (Source: CFA Institute website) 3

6 Who is eligible to register? To enrol for the CFA Program, a delegate must fulfil the entrance requirements. You must: have a bachelor s degree, be in the final year of your bachelor s degree, or have four years of qualified, professional work experience or a combination of work and college experience that totals at least four years meet the professional conduct admission criteria be prepared to take the examinations in English Registering for your first exam also enrols you as a candidate on the CFA Program. A one-off enrolment fee is required in addition to the exam registration fee. To preserve your candidate status you must maintain a commitment to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct a commitment that demands you put the interests of your clients first. CFA charter requirements Gaining the charter takes a minimum of 2 to 3 years and you will need to: Pass each of the Level I, II and III exams CFA Institute recommends a minimum of 250 hours of study per exam level with substantially more depending on individual circumstances. Meet the work experience requirements If you became a candidate in the 2005 exam cycle or thereafter, you will need four years of acceptable professional work experience for regular membership. Become a regular member of CFA Institute Receive your official status CFA Institute will notify you when you have completed all requirements and can begin using the CFA designation. Maintain your status Follow the CFA charterholder guidelines. For full details on the CFA charter requirements, please visit CFA Institute s website at 4

7 What will the exam cover? The CFA exams are based on the Candidate Body of Knowledge, which is organised into ten major areas: Curriculum Breakdown Financial Reporting & Analysis Ethical & Professional Standards Fixed Income Investment Level I (%) Level II (%) Level III (%) Quantitative Methods Economics Equity Investments Corporate Finance Derivatives Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning Alternative Investments Source: CFA Institute Each year the CFA Program curriculum consisting of assigned readings and Learning Outcome Statements is released, which highlights what you will be expected to know in the exam. Your exam registration fee will include the cost of the CFA Program curriculum and access to a free printable PDF version of the mock exam on the CFA institute website. What do the exams involve and when do they take place? Entrants must pass three levels of examinations sequentially. Candidates face 6 hours of examination, broken down into two 3 hour sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Level I Level II Level III Length 2 papers, each 3 hours 2 papers, each 3 hours 2 papers, each 3 hours Format 120 individual multiple choice questions per paper. 240 questions in total. Item set. 10 scenarios per paper. 6 multiple choice questions per scenario. 120 questions in total. Constructed response in the first paper, comprising short form written answers to scenario questions. 10 item sets (as per level II) in the afternoon paper. Date 5 June June June

8 Teaching phase (knowledge) Teaching enables you to learn and gain knowledge + Revision helps your understanding and application + Mock exams build confidence and provide realistic exam practice = Full preparation for the exam Our complete study solution, containing teaching, revision and mock exams has been specifically put together to meet the needs of our delegates by our experienced professional Tutor Team, who have already sat the level they teach towards. The CFA exams are unlike any other and involve gaining knowledge, applying what you ve learned and practising to achieve a greater depth of understanding to ultimately succeed. See page 8 for a more detailed breakdown of the study program for each level. knowledge success practice application Your classroom study solution Level I (8 days or 16 evenings) You can choose from weekdays (four phases of two days; can be combined to two sets of four days). In addition we offer introductory one-day courses in financial maths and accounting, aimed at building confidence for those new to these topics. Level II (7 days or 14 evenings) You can choose from weekdays (three days + two days + two days), Saturdays or Evenings. The core course covers the key elements of the syllabus, prioritising what is important for exam success and building in question practice and exam focus. The various course options available for each level are detailed below. In addition you can add on optional courses to tailor the training to your particular needs. These are detailed on the next page. All daytime courses run from 0900 to 1700 and evenings from 1800 to See the booking form or the BPP website for dates and prices. In addition we offer a one-day refresher course to ensure that the foundations of Level 1 knowledge are solid before moving on to Level II. Level III (5 days or 10 evenings plus an essay workshop) You can choose from weekdays (three days + two days), Saturdays or Evenings. All delegates will be eligible to attend a free essay workshop focusing on the skills needed to tackle the written style questions. In addition we offer a one-day refresher course covering the Level I and Level II areas of assumed knowledge. 6

9 Revision phase (application) By the time you reach this phase you will have grasped a thorough understanding of the key subject areas and will be ready to apply some of your knowledge. The revision phase pays particular attention to focused exam preparation and improving your exam technique. This is important because one of the main reasons why so many candidates struggle to get through the exam is due to a lack of exam technique, rather than a lack of knowledge. Our tutors will provide you with an overview of key points followed by question practice to assist you in preparing for the exam. Step by step, our tutors will show you how to apply your knowledge and answer exam questions to gain maximum marks and achieve success. Structure: Level I: 3 consecutive Weekdays, Fridays or Saturdays Level II: 3 consecutive Weekdays or Saturdays Level III: 3 consecutive Weekdays Our revision phase is designed to help you: strengthen your knowledge of key curriculum areas focus your studies on the subject areas you feel are your weakest reinforce your exam technique with question practice and analysis Facebook Join our BPP CFA delegate group on Facebook to meet and chat with other CFA delegates and to receive additional study support. We will also let you know about the latest updates on the CFA syllabus and course training programme. To join the CFA discussion group, visit and search for BPP CFA delegate group. Mock exam (practice) Included in all classroom and distance learning courses is a final mock day where you can sit a 3 hour mock under exam conditions. The mock exam reflects conditions similar to the real exam in terms of format and difficulty. Our mock exam is designed to: build self confidence test your understanding of key subject areas perfect your exam technique... and that s not all visit our weekday post mock exam surgeries where tutors will be available to provide exam review, advice and further guidance. The Level III mock will be marked with personal feedback. Supplementary Learning You can tailor your CFA training course to your particular needs by choosing from the following additional course options: Level 1: Financial Maths Booster course This is an excellent introduction to the financial maths used throughout the course and provides an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the workings of the Texas BAII Plus calculator. Introduction to Accounts course An opportunity to learn the basics of accounts in this 1 day introductory course aimed at those with no prior accounting knowledge. Level II and III Refresher courses These one-day courses recap key areas of the syllabus that you are expected to be familiar with. A great way to build confidence before starting on the new material. The revision session was very useful to consolidate the knowledge and gain tips and shortcuts to aid the studying! 7

10 Your classroom study program: Level I Introductory online learning resources Introduction to Economics Maths refresher modules Introduction to Financial Statements BPP optional introductory courses. Useful for those new to these subjects. Financial Maths Optional Introductory 1-day course Financial Statements Optional introductory 1-day course Core BPP classroom course (recordings available online) Phase 1 Days: 1 2 Evenings: 1 4 Covers study sessions: 1 Ethics (overview) 2, 3 Quants 15, 16 Fixed Income Progress tests and regular s Phase 2 Days: 3 4 Evenings: 5 8 Covers study sessions: 7 10 Financial Statement Analysis Halfway There Mock (3 hours, self marked) Phase 3 Days: 5 6 Evenings: 9 12 Phase 4 Days: 7 8 Evenings: Covers study sessions: 13, 14 Equity 17 Derivatives Covers study sessions: 4 6 Economics 11 Corporate Finance 12 Portfolio Management Progress tests and regular s Revision Course 3 days All study sessions covered. Exam focus and final practice and preparation Distance Learning can be upgraded to include Revision Course Final Mock Day Invigilated 3 hour mock, followed by tutor debrief Open to all distance learning and classroom course students Optional introductory courses 8 You can attend the following courses to complement and maximise your learning on the CFA Level I course: Financial Maths Booster course Introduction to Accounts course

11 Your classroom study program: Level II BPP online refresher modules and introductory guidance. All delegates have access to refresher material and tutorials covering the key Level I syllabus content that is fundamental for Level II Optional Refresher course (1 day) Covers: Quantitative Methods Fixed Income Derivatives Financial Statements Porfolio Management Core BPP classroom course and recommended distance learning study plan (recordings available online) Phase 1 Days: 1 3 Evenings: 1 6 Phase 2 Days: 4 5 Evenings: 7 10 Covers study sessions: 5 7 Financial Reporting & Analysis 8, 9 Corporate Finance 4 Economics 1, 2 Ethics (overview) Covers study sessions: 14, 15 Fixed Income 16, 17 Derivatives 3 Quantitative methods Progress tests and regular s Halfway There Mock (3 hours, self marked) Phase 3 Days: 6 7 Evenings: Covers study sessions: Equity 13 Alternatives 18 Portfolio Management Progress tests and regular s Revision Course 3 days All study sessions covered. Exam focus and final practice and preparation Distance Learning can be upgraded to include Revision Course Final Mock Day Invigilated 3 hour mock, followed by tutor debrief Open to all distance learning and classroom course students Optional introductory courses You can attend the following course to complement and maximise your learning on the CFA Level II course: CFA Level II Refresher course 9

12 Your classroom study program: Level III BPP online refresher modules and introductory guidance. All delegates have access to refresher material and tutorials covering the key Level II syllabus content that is fundamental for Level III Optional Refresher course (1 day) Covers: Fixed Income Equity Derivatives Porfolio Management Economics Core BPP classroom course and recommended distance learning study plan (recordings available online) Phase 1 Days: 1 3 Evenings: 1 6 Covers study sessions: 1, 2 Ethics (overview) 3 Behavioural Finance 4 Private Wealth Management 5 Institutional Investors 6 Capital Market Expectations 7 Economic Concepts 8 Asset Allocation 9, 10 Fixed Income 11, 12 Equity 13 Alternatives Progress tests and regular s Halfway There Mock (3 hours, self marked) Phase 2 Days: 4 5 Evenings: 7 10 Covers study sessions: 14 Risk Management 15 Derivatives 16 Execution, monitoring and rebalancing 17 Performance evaluation and attribution 18 Global Investment Performance Standards Progress tests and regular s Revision Course 3 days All study sessions covered. Exam focus and final practice and preparation Distance Learning can be upgraded to include Revision Course Final Mock Day Invigilated 3 hour mock, marked with individual feedback Open to all distance learning and classroom course students Optional introductory courses You can attend the following courses to complement and maximise your learning on the CFA Level III course: CFA Level III Refresher course 10

13 Your distance learning study solution Distance learning programmes have become increasingly popular over the last few years. They are ideal for people who have full-time jobs or have other commitments and therefore cannot take time off to study. To successfully complete a distance learning programme while doing a full-time job requires dedication, drive and determination. That s why at BPP our experienced tutors and authors have developed a unique distance learning programme, that enables you to study effectively and efficiently, keeping you motivated every step of the way and meeting your study requirements. Our programme offers the same level of support that you would receive by attending a BPP classroom course, but with the added flexibility of fitting your study around your lifestyle. Distance learning study materials All course materials including classroom recordings and online tutorials included on the classroom course are available to distance learning students. (Please see following page for descriptions.) Tutor support As a distance learning delegate you will be fully supported by our tutors who you can contact by whenever you need help. Distance learning plus Contains all the above PLUS the revision phase, and perfectly complements your distance learning study programme as it is geared to: strengthen your knowledge focus your studies reinforce your exam technique Distance learning plus is available for all three levels. 11

14 How will BPP support you? Your comprehensive study package includes: 1. BPP Study Support 2. BPP Online Learning 3. BPP Learning Media Study Material 4. Kaplan Schweser Essential Solution BPP Study Support Our study support is designed to pull the CFA Program Curriculum and Kaplan Schweser materials together giving you a comprehensive and easy to follow study package. Tutor Support Our tutors have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed and therefore are the best people to guide you through the CFA exams. Contactable via , they are always on hand to answer queries or pass on study and exam tips. Tutor Progress s Our tutors will contact you during your studies to help you stay on track with your exam preparation. You will also receive a programme of weekly s as you progress through the study sessions. Invigilated Mock Exams and Post-Mock Surgeries Our mock exams will ensure you are completely comfortable with the exam process. They are a great way to identify your weakest areas and refocus your revision efforts for first time exam success practice makes perfect. To help refine your exam preparation visit our tutors at our weekday post-mock surgery sessions. You can discuss exam techniques and any other concerns that you may have. Our tutors will be on hand to provide one-toone support and calm last minute exam nerves. Study Rooms You can use our study rooms during weekdays and evenings for quiet and comfortable study. To enquire about study rooms contact reception on or [email protected] BPP Online Learning Our BPP Online Learning TM Facility provides flexibility for you to study at a time that suits you and at a pace that you are comfortable with. Classroom recordings You will be able to view recordings of the classroom sessions, to view online or to download in MP4 format. Online Tutorials You will have unlimited access to our library of over 30 audiovisual tutorials (both in online and MP4 format), covering key syllabus areas at all levels to study at your leisure. In addition we have a series of MP3 introductory podcast style tutorials. a tutor Our tutors are here to help you them with your questions and queries and they will aim to get back to you within one business day. In the run up to the exam our team will be exclusively focusing on responding to your queries and at all other times are there to help keep your studies on track. Full online access to Classroom Slides and Handouts You will receive comprehensive PowerPoint TM handouts to help you study when you want. Introduction to Financial Maths and Economics Great online tutorials to introduce the basics of these key syllabus areas. 12

15 BPP Learning Media Study Material Exam Approved Calculator All our CFA Level I delegates will receive the exam approved Texas Instruments BAII Professional calculator with their study pack. We will also provide a user-friendly calculator guide to ensure you use it in the most efficient way. Introduction to accounts To help the non-accountants we provide you with an introductory accounts workbook Comprehensive Formula Sheet The sheet consists of key definitions and formulas for easy reference when studying and revising. Study Session Overviews We have condensed the syllabus into visual summaries to help you focus on the essential areas. Progress tests You will receive progress test on each section of the syllabus Halfway There Mock To see how much you ve learned and keep you on your toes, you will receive an exam halfway through the course, on the syllabus areas that have been covered. Final Mock You will receive a final mock with the opportunity to come in to our London office and sit this under invigilated conditions, followed by a tutor debrief. This is included in all classroom and distance learning packages. Kaplan SchweserNotes TM The study notes consist of five books that summarise the assigned readings and Learning Outcome Statements (LOS). To make your study more effective, the notes include: complete coverage of all LOS enhanced problems at the end of each session topic formula sheets professor s notes containing tips and strategies Kaplan Schweser QuickSheet key definitions, graphs and formulas for easy reference Kaplan Schweser Practice Exam Books Volume I & II A range of sample questions have been designed to let you assess your knowledge and develop your test-taking skills. The practice exam books are helpful when used under simulated exam conditions. Each practice exam book consists of three full-length mock exams with online performance tracking Kaplan SchweserPro TM QBank Online To aid your revision you will be able to access thousands of test questions with links back to the LOS at a time that suits you, enabling you to: test yourself to identify weak areas pick the topics you want to be tested on and improve your knowledge choose how difficult you want the questions to be and learn at your own pace 13

16 Book your course with BPP BPP has made booking your CFA training course simple and straightforward. If you have any further questions, our dedicated Course Booking Team is on hand to help you from the moment you contact us. Four simple ways to book onto a course: us at [email protected] book online at complete and fax back the enclosed Booking Form on +44 (0) call our Course Booking Team on +44 (0) Flexible course transfers Subject to availability our course structure is designed to allow you to switch between phases of courses to give you extra flexibility. BPP open evenings To reassure you that BPP is the perfect training partner for you, come along to one of our complimentary open evenings where you can: meet our experienced tutors who teach the CFA study courses have your questions and queries answered personally by them view our training literature and state of the art facilities near Liverpool Street station, London Where are we located? Our training centre is conveniently situated in the city of London between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations. Underground Liverpool Street (Central line) Moorgate (Northern line) Bank (Central line, Northern line, District line, Circle line, Waterloo & City line & DLR) Overground Liverpool Street Moorgate Cannon Street London Bridge Airport City Airport via Docklands Light Railway is just 30 minutes away. Please reserve your place online at 14

17 What our delegates say... BPP is a very professional firm and I would globally recommend them to anyone. Wilhelm Venter Very engaging and enthusiastic managed to turn a fairly hard to digest subject into something interesting. Carl Fredrik Pollack I highly appreciated the help of the tutors with my queries. Their responses and clarifications were extremely useful. Jandova Jana BPP Online Learning TM is a fantastic tool. Extremely useful for an explanation on issues I found hard to grasp. Sep Nadimi Really good material. Mind maps were excellent. John Parker The tutors were incredibly helpful especially answering questions the week before the exam. Nicola Fallon The course slides were excellent. I used them as a basis for my study plan. Alun Honeybone 15

18 Important information CFA disclaimer CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by BPP Professional Education. CFA Institute, CFA and Chartered Financial Analyst are trademarks owned by the CFA Institute. BPP s courses, materials and Kaplan Schweser study materials are developed to complement the core curriculum and to facilitate the learning process and are not to be used as a substitute for study of the prescribed curriculum. Equal opportunities As an Equal Opportunities group, we aim to comply with all anti-discrimination legislation and provide appropriate support to all our students. If you require any special assistance with your studies, please contact our Customer Services Team on +44 (0) For general enquiries, you can contact either their US or UK offices: CFA Institute 560 Ray C Hunt Drive Charlottesville VA USA Tel: +1 (434) Fax: +1 (434) [email protected] Website: CFA Institute 10th Floor One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5AB Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) [email protected] Website: 16

19 BPP Professional Education helps people and businesses build their skills. We train for recognised professional qualifications and offer related development training to management and staff at all levels. Accountancy (national) (London) Actuarial +44 (0) Financial Services +44 (0) Human Resources +44 (0) Insolvency Law +44 (0) Professional Development Taxation +44 (0) st Floor Aldine House Uxbridge Road Shepherds Bush London W12 8AA Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) BPP Learning Media 1st Floor, BPP House Uxbridge Road London W12 8AA Tel: (within the UK) Tel: +44 (0) (from overseas) Fax: +44 (0) CFABR201006