CFA Training Components for General Level

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – Complete Exam Pathway

Master investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards to advance your global finance career

​The CFA (General Training) – Test Overview outlines the structure and format of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program, which is divided into three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level assesses a candidate's knowledge and skills in investment management and financial analysis, with increasing complexity.​

Level I: Foundation of Investment Tools

• Format: 180 multiple-choice questions, split into two 135-minute sessions.
  
   
• Focus: Basic knowledge and comprehension of investment tools and ethical standards.
  
   
• Topics: Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management.​
  
   

Level II: Application of Investment Tools

• Format: 88 multiple-choice questions based on 22 item sets (vignettes), divided into two sessions of 2 hours and 12 minutes each.
  
   
• Focus: Application of investment tools and concepts to real-world scenarios.
  
   
• Topics: Similar to Level I, with a deeper emphasis on asset valuation and financial analysis.
  
   

Level III: Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning

• Format: Combination of constructed response (essay) questions and item set questions, divided into two sessions of 2 hours and 12 minutes each.
  
   
• Focus: Portfolio management and wealth planning, integrating all concepts learned in previous levels.
  
   
• Topics: Emphasis on ethics, behavioral finance, private wealth management, institutional investors, asset allocation, and risk management.​

General Exam Information

• Duration: Each level's exam lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including optional breaks.
  
   
• Delivery: Computer-based testing at authorized centers worldwide.
  
   
• Pass Rates: Vary by level; historically, Level I has a pass rate around 41%, Level II around 45%, and Level III around 52%.

The CFA (General) Training refers to a mandatory training course under the Civil Defence Act in countries like Singapore, which require certain premises to have personnel trained in fire safety and emergency procedures. It is not to be confused with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program in finance.

Here are the full details about CFA (General) Training — often conducted by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or accredited training providers:

Who Needs to Take CFA (General) Training?

1. Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) Members

• Personnel designated to form the CERT in buildings or premises classified under fire safety regulations.
  
   
• Typically required for:
  
  
  • Commercial buildings ≥ 5,000 m².
    
     
  • Industrial premises handling hazardous materials (e.g. petroleum, chemicals).
    
     
  • Premises storing large quantities of combustible materials.
    
     
  • Premises with Fire Safety Manager (FSM) requirements.
    
     

2. Occupiers of Premises Regulated by Fire Safety Requirements

• If your workplace is governed by SCDF’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) requirements, you must have a trained CERT.
  
   
• Common occupiers include:
  
  
  • Factories and warehouses.
    
     
  • Shopping malls.
    
     
  • Hotels and large offices.
    
     
  • Laboratories and manufacturing plants.
    
     

3. Fire Safety Managers and Emergency Planners

• While Fire Safety Managers (FSMs) take specialized FSM courses, some still undergo CFA (General) as part of broader emergency response training.
  
   

What is Covered in CFA (General) Training?

CFA (General) equips participants with basic firefighting, evacuation, and emergency response knowledge.

Key topics:

• Fire chemistry and prevention.
  
   
• Firefighting techniques (use of extinguishers, hoses).
  
   
• Evacuation procedures.
  
   
• Hazardous materials awareness.
  
   
• Basic first aid (in some cases).
  
   
• Hands-on practical scenarios.
  
   

Duration

• Typically 1 to 3 days depending on the training provider and scope.
  
   
• Includes both theory and practical assessments.
  
   

Training Providers

• SCDF-accredited training centres or WSQ-approved providers (e.g., Singapore First Aid Training Centre, Avanta Global, etc.).
  
   

Certification

• Upon successful completion, participants are issued a CFA (General) Certificate, valid for a specific period (commonly 2 years).
  
   
• Renewal is often required via refresher courses.
  
   

Refresher Requirements

• Refresher CFA training may be mandatory every 2 years, or after changes in premises/fire load/risk assessment.
  
   

 Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Failing to comply with SCDF’s regulations (e.g., not having trained CERT members) can result in:
  
  
  • Fines.
    
     
  • Enforcement actions.
    
     
  • Revocation of fire safety approvals.

Master the CFA Journey with Globewarts

Comprehensive Training for Level I, II & III to Build a Strong Investment Career

In the dynamic world of finance and investment management, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation stands as a benchmark of excellence. Globally recognized and highly respected, the CFA credential signals deep expertise in investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical financial practices.

At Globewarts, we provide structured, expert-driven training across all three levels of the CFA Program—empowering aspiring professionals with the tools and insights needed to succeed in the global finance industry.

Why CFA?

The CFA Charter is more than a qualification; it’s a mark of trust and professionalism in global finance. It is often regarded as the gold standard for roles in investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, risk management, and wealth advisory.

Key benefits of becoming a CFA Charterholder:

• Global Recognition: Respected in over 160 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, UAE, and major financial markets.
  
   
• Specialized Knowledge: Deep dives into equity, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, economics, and ethics.
  
   
• Career Edge: Preferred by employers for roles in asset management, hedge funds, and financial consulting.
  
   
• Ethics-Driven: The CFA curriculum is built on a strong foundation of professional integrity and ethical standards.
  
   
• Affordable ROI: Unlike many postgraduate programs, the CFA offers global credibility at a reasonable cost.
  
   

The Globewarts CFA Advantage

The CFA exam journey is rigorous—with each level requiring months of disciplined preparation and a strategic learning approach. At Globewarts, we guide you through this process with a structured curriculum, personalized support, and access to expert faculty who understand the demands of the exam and the expectations of the industry.

Who Should Pursue the CFA Program?

• Commerce or finance graduates
  
   
• MBA students or professionals specializing in finance
  
   
• Working professionals in banking, equity research, or corporate finance
  
   
• CA/CPA/FRM professionals seeking to specialize in investment management
  
   

If you’re aiming for a high-impact role in financial analysis, wealth advisory, or global investment firms, the CFA charter adds immense credibility to your profile.

Chart Your CFA Path with Globewarts

The CFA program is demanding—but with the right support system, it’s absolutely achievable. At Globewarts, we ensure that every candidate not only prepares effectively for the exams but also grows into a confident, ethical, and well-rounded finance professional.

Let’s unlock your future in investment management—one level at a time. Enroll with Globewarts today.