How to Balance a Full-Time Job with CFA Exam Preparation

Introduction

Preparing for the CFA exam is already a big challenge. Add a full-time job to the equation, and it becomes even tougher. Most CFA candidates are working professionals, trying to manage work deadlines, personal commitments, and 300+ hours of study required for each CFA level.

The good news? With the right time management, study plan, and discipline, you can successfully balance both. In this guide, we’ll share practical strategies, study tips, and mistakes to avoid while preparing for CFA alongside a full-time job.

Why Balancing CFA with a Full-Time Job Is Hard

• Time Constraints: 8–9 hours at work leaves little study time.
• Mental Fatigue: After a long day, focusing on formulas and ethics can feel overwhelming.
• Weekend Sacrifice: Weekends often become the only time for mock exams and long study sessions.
• Work Travel or Deadlines: Sudden office work can disrupt your study routine.

👉 Despite these challenges, thousands of professionals clear the CFA exams every year while working full time. The key lies in smart preparation.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Balance Work and CFA Prep

1. Create a Realistic Study Plan (3–6 Months)

• Aim for 300–350 hours of preparation spread over 3–6 months.
• If you have 6 months, target 1–2 hours daily on weekdays and 3–4 hours on weekends.
• If you only have 3 months, you’ll need 2–3 hours daily and longer weekend sessions.

📌 Pro Tip: Use your office commute (if not driving) to revise notes or listen to CFA podcasts.

2. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics

The CFA exam is not about studying everything equally but studying smart. Focus first on subjects with the highest weightage:

• Ethics (15–20%)
• Financial Reporting & Analysis (13–17%)
• Equity Investments (10–12%)

Low-weight subjects (like Alternative Investments or Derivatives) should not be ignored but can be studied later.

3. Use Early Mornings or Lunch Breaks

Many working professionals find that early morning study works best:

• Fresh mind, fewer distractions.
• Even 60–90 minutes daily adds up to 30–40 hours per month.

Alternatively, use lunch breaks for quick revision, formula practice, or CFA flashcards.

4. Break Study Sessions into Small Chunks

Instead of trying to study 3–4 hours straight after work, split into smaller sessions:

• Morning: 1 hour (new topics).
• Evening: 1 hour (practice questions).
• Weekend: 3–5 hours (mock tests, revisions).

This reduces burnout and ensures consistency.

5. Leverage Technology and Study Aids

• Use CFA apps for formulas & quick quizzes.
• Watch short video lectures on mobile during breaks.
• Use flashcards for formulas and Ethics standards.

At FinHub Academy, we provide recorded CFA classes so working professionals can study at their own pace after office hours.

6. Take Mock Tests Early

Many candidates wait until the last 2 weeks — that’s a mistake.

• Start with topic-wise practice tests from month 2.
• Take at least 5–6 full mock exams under timed conditions before the actual exam.
• Analyze mistakes instead of just checking scores.

 

7. Communicate at Work (If Possible)

If your company supports CFA studies, inform your manager. Some firms even provide study leave or flexible schedules before exams. Don’t hesitate to ask for lighter workloads closer to exam dates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Waiting until weekends to study — leads to overload.
• ❌ Ignoring Ethics (can make or break your result).
• ❌ Over-studying one subject while neglecting others.
• ❌ Studying passively (just reading instead of solving questions).
• ❌ Skipping mocks until the final weeks.

 

Sample Weekly Study Schedule for Working Professionals

Day	Study Time	Focus Area
Monday	1 hr (morning) + 1 hr (evening)	Ethics + Quant formulas
Tuesday	1.5 hrs evening	FRA (chapter + practice)
Wednesday	1 hr morning + 1 hr evening	Equity Investments
Thursday	1.5 hrs evening	Fixed Income
Friday	1 hr evening	Quick revision + flashcards
Saturday	3–4 hrs	Mock test or 2 subjects
Sunday	3–4 hrs	Full revision + weak areas

👉 Adjust this plan based on your exam date and work routine.

 

Resources That Help Working Professionals

1. CFA Institute Materials – Curriculum + practice questions.
2. FinHub Academy CFA Coaching
   • Lite: Recorded lectures (perfect for after-office study).
   • Pro: Live + recorded classes.
   • Elite: Live + recordings + 1:1 mentorship.
3. Kaplan Schweser Notes – Condensed summaries.
4. Formula Sheets & CFA Apps – Great for quick reviews.

 

Conclusion

Balancing a full-time job with CFA exam preparation is not easy, but it is absolutely possible with the right plan, discipline, and support. Start early, study smart (not just hard), and focus on consistent daily practice rather than last-minute cramming.

At FinHub Academy, we understand the struggles of working professionals. That’s why we offer flexible CFA coaching options — including recorded lectures, live sessions, and personalized mentorship — so you can prepare effectively without quitting your job.

👉 Ready to balance your CFA prep with work?

Check out FinHub Academy’s CFA courses today and start your journey towards becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.

FAQs 

1. Can I clear CFA while working full-time?

Yes, thousands of professionals clear CFA while working. The key is to follow a structured study plan, focus on high-weightage topics, and practice mock exams.

2. How many hours should a working professional study for CFA?

Working candidates should aim for 1–2 hours daily on weekdays and 3–5 hours on weekends. Over 3–6 months, this adds up to the recommended 300+ hours.

3. Is it better to study CFA in the morning or evening?

Most candidates prefer early mornings when the mind is fresh. However, evenings also work if you dedicate time consistently. Choose based on your energy levels.

4. How do working professionals manage CFA preparation?

They use time-blocking, short study sessions, weekend mock exams, and mobile learning tools. Many also enroll in recorded or live online classes for flexibility.

5. What is the best CFA coaching option for working professionals?

For those with busy schedules, recorded classes + doubt-solving support work best. At FinHub Academy, our Lite, Pro, and Elite CFA courses are designed to fit working professionals’ needs.