The CFA UK Launches a new Certificate in Impact Investing

There are no entry criteria. However, it is advised that candidates possess an understanding of the investment process acquired through formal education or practical experience prior to embarking on this course of study.

No. The program does not have specific entry requirements. Applicants are not obligated to hold previous CFA certifications, possess a particular degree, or meet a minimum threshold of work experience.

Although crafted for investment professionals, this certification is also appropriate for individuals engaged in various roles within both front and back-office settings, such as wealth management, risk management, sales, distribution, product development, financial advisory services, and consultancy.

The registration cost of the certificate is £495. The certificate registration includes the following:

• The Registration Fee
• The Certificate in Impact Investing Training Manual in digital format; and
• Access to the CFA UK Candidate Area

While registering for the course, you will have the option to include printed learning materials with your order. Should you wish to acquire physical study materials after completing your registration, they are available for purchase via the CFA UK Candidate Area at any time.

Upon registration/payment, candidates have 12 months to do the exam.

No. Candidates have the flexibility to set their own exam date, which is a notable benefit of this certification. Once registered, you will have a 12-month period in which to organize your study schedule and select the optimal time to sit for your exam. The only constraint candidates may encounter is the availability of exam slots on particular dates. It is recommended that candidates schedule their exams at least two to three weeks prior to their desired date to circumvent the possibility of exams being fully booked.

The book comprises six chapters, with chapters 2, 3, and 5 being of particular significance due to their comprehensive coverage and the greater number of exam questions related to their content.

The exam is based on the book’s content, covering the topics below.

To maintain uniformity in exam difficulty, CFA UK employs a standardized procedure. For the CFA IIC, the passing threshold ranges from 60% to 70%. Accordingly, exams that feature more challenging questions will be assigned a lower passing score, while those with easier questions will require a higher score to pass.
The Pass Rate is Between 65 and 80%.

The suggested study duration is approximately 130 hours, although this may vary based on an individual’s prior experience. This estimate encompasses structured coursework, independent study, and time spent on assessments.

Comparing the CFA IIC with other certifications, we can say that it is as tricky as the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and more accessible than the CFA 1.
Compared with the CFA 1, the CFA IIC certification requires less reading, and no calculations are needed to answer the 65 questions in the exam. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the CFA IIC certification still follows the CFA’s high standards; therefore, it requires a study plan, commitment, and practice.

The exam comprises 65 questions. It is built based on standard multiple-choice questions, and its time of completion is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Every exam question is derived from the material presented in the CFA IIC book, and since the exam does not require any computational answers, the use of calculators is not permitted.

For those who are native or fluent in English, time typically doesn’t pose a challenge during the exam. However, non-native speakers or those less proficient in English may find timing to be a constraint. To prepare effectively, candidates should focus on enhancing their impact investing knowledge while also honing their time management skills and stamina within an exam setting. One effective method is to practice with batches of 65 questions or take Mock Exams that simulate the actual exam conditions.

Upon registration, the candidates have access to the study materials provided by the CFA UK, which include:

• The CFA IIC book in digital format (the book includes self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter)
• One Mock Exam

The CFA UK is introducing CFA IIC Certification on a market-by-market basis. Candidates will need to check if their country is included.
Candidates have two options to do their exam:

• CFA CII Test Center (In-Person Testing)
• CFA CII Remotely Exam Testing

Candidates can book their exams right after they receive their registration confirmation. As mentioned before, candidates have two options to do their exam:

• In-person, through Person VUE testing centers, based on availability, every working day.
• Remotely, through OnVue, remote-proctored exams, based on the “seats” available from Monday to Saturday.