• new
  • save 15%

CFA® Level 1 Online Course

The CFA designation is the highest distinction in the investment management industry, opening doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide. Backed by BPP’s 20+ years of experience in CFA® exam preparation, StaySharp’s flexible, on-demand online CFA Level 1 course is designed to help you succeed in the first step on the CFA® Program and build a strong foundation in investment analysis to develop into an effective investment professional.

Includes:

100% syllabus coverage

BPP learning resources

BPP's Achievement Ladder

Expert tutor support

Mock Exam

Course Overview

Empower your investment career and achieve the CFA designation with StaySharp's proven online courses. Designed by industry experts, designed to work around your schedule and needs. We equip you with the in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and practical insights to excel in all three program levels.

StaySharp gives you unlimited access to the full CFA level one programme from day one, so you’re in control of what you study and when – all in one simple subscription. Plus, with BBP’s step-by-step Achievement Ladder, revision notes practice questions and mock exams, you’ll have everything you need to excel at your exam.

Course Structure

The programe takes your through the 10 topic areas of CFA Level 1 starting off with the essential investment tools of an analyst including Quantitative Methods and Financial Statement Analysis before then looking at individual investment assets such as Equity or Fixed Income and the complexities around overall portfolio construction. Ethics, as with all 3 levels of CFA, is also an important area.

  • Ethical and Professional Standards
    Quantitative Methods
    Economics
    Financial Reporting and Analysis
    Corporate Finance
    Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning
    Equity Investments
    Fixed Income
    Derivatives
    Alternative Investments
    Mock Exam

Pick your payment plan

Commit for as long as you need to,
study whenever you want to.

With StaySharp, you only pay for as long as it takes you to pass. If you’re a fast learner or want the flexibility to hit pause and restart at any time, go for our pay-as-you-go plans. In it for the long run? Pay for 6 months upfront and save 16% compared to a pay-monthly subscription.
*The 14-day free trial only works the first time you sign up for this subscription plan for this specific qualification.
  • Pay monthly
    15% off
    £110 £125
    £110/month billed monthly

    Pay for your course monthly, with no tie-in or contract.

    14-day FREE trial and then monthly payments. Cancel anytime.

  • Prepaid
    20% off
    £500 £625
    £83.33/month billed upfront

    One-off payment. 6 months access.

    6 months access - save 16%

testimonials

What our students say

Ellen Sheehan
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

Discover how StaySharp helped Ellen find her feet in HR after switching from a career in law.

Billy Bellion
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

Studying CIPD with StaySharp helped Billy to feel more confident in his abilities to take on strategic responsibilities in his role.

Henry Wright
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

Hear from Henry – who’s been able to balance studying for his CIPD Level 3 around full-time work.

Katy Baetjer
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

Find out how Katy has broadened her HR skills while working full-time as a line manager in the NHS.

Michael Reid
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

Discover how Michael used StaySharp’s online CIPD Level 3 course as a pathway to a degree. 

1 of 5

How it works

  • Step 1
    Start your 14-day free trial
    Your first two weeks are on us. No credit checks, no cancellation fees, no catch.
  • Step 2
    Study anytime, anywhere
    Get unlimited access to all your learning materials and resources from day one.
  • Step 3
    Stop and restart at any time
    Progress at your own pace. You'll only pay for as long as it takes you to pass.

Why StaySharp?

Anytime access to accredited online courses. All yours, from day one, for as long as you need them.

StaySharp puts you in control of how, where and when you study for your professional qualifications – all without the price tag of traditional learning providers. It’s studying that works around you, not the other way around. And it’s studying that works.

  • 14-day free trial

    Unlimited access from day one

  • +2,200

    Currently studying with StaySharp

StaySharp blog

Career advice, industry insights, and more.

From CV writing tips and interview prep to the latest industry insights, find all of this and more on the StaySharp blog.
See all resources
Which Accountancy Qualification Is Best For Me?

Which Accountancy Qualification Is Best For Me?

There are a few different prestigious accountancy qualifications that will give your career prospects a boost. But, you might be wondering which accountancy qualification is best. With an increase in demand for accounting professionals, undertakin...
How To Change Career

How To Change Career

Whilst this isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly, a carefully considered career change can change your life. You might have reached a point in your career where you feel like you need a change, or perhaps that some personal circumstances ...
A Guide To HR Processes

A Guide To HR Processes

In any company, HR processes exist to make sure that core HR work is done correctly. The operational performance of every business rests on HR functioning effectively, and having proper HR processes in place play a role in making excellence a real...
1 of 3
See all resources

Frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Get in touch with our team today.
  • In general, it is required to have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or to have completed 4,000 hours of professional work experience. The CFA Institute also requires that candidates hold a valid passport to be able to sit the exam. Full details on enrolment requirements to register for the CFA Level I exam can be found on the CFA website.

  • All CFA Level 1 exams take the form of a computer-based test taken at designated test centers.  

    The exam consists of 180 questions spread over two sessions. The total test time is four and a half hours and there is an optional 30-minute break.

  • The CFA Program offers four windows to complete the Level I exam each year: February, May, August, and November. Head over to the Exam Information, Dates and Fees page for the full breakdown of specific dates and deadlines.

  • While individual needs vary, most candidates dedicate around 300 hours to mastering the material. You will also need to spend an additional 10-15 hours working through the Practical Skills Module, where you'll learn about either Python programming or Financial modelling

    Remember, effective study habits and a personalized approach are key to maximizing your time. Our flexible learning options and expert support allow you to tailor your preparation to your unique schedule and learning style. 

  • If you were to fail the CFA Level 1 exam then you would have to wait at least 6 months to able to resit it. There is a maximum of six attempts per level.

    Remember, preparation is key. StaySharp's comprehensive courses and expert support are here to help you maximize your potential. 

  • Widely considered the benchmark for career advancement in investment management, the CFA designation is valued by employers for roles and functions in every sector of the global finance industry, including portfolio management, analysis, private wealth, and consulting. But the CFA charter also equips professionals with the versatility to take their career paths in different directions.

  • The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) charter is a professional designation administered by CFA Institute. It's considered the gold standard in the industry, widely recognized as a symbol of expertise, ethics, and commitment to excellence.

  • Our monthly subscription cost includes access to all the learning resources you will need, but you will book and pay for your CFA exams separately with. Information about exams and how to book them can be found on the CFA website

  • Due to intellectual property laws, it’s not possible to download the majority of course materials. You’ll need an active internet connection to authenticate your account and access your learning content. However, some course videos are available to download and watch later.

  • The 14-day free trial is limited to one per course, per customer. If you want to re-subscribe to a course you have subscribed to previously, please purchase it as normal. You’ll be automatically moved to the paid subscription within three working days.

Our zero-catch price match promise.

When it comes to comparing prices, we’ve already done the legwork. But if you find an equivalent course for a lower price, let us know – we’ll happily refund you the difference.
approved partners