Practical Skills Modules
The CFA® Program has been expanded to include practical, relevant skills training to provide candidates with on-the-job application of what they are learning in the curriculum.
A Practical Skills Module (PSM) uses a combination of videos, multiple-choice questions, guided practice, and case studies to develop your practical skills. In order to receive your exam result, you will be required to complete at least one PSM at each level. You may begin your PSM topic at any time after registration. Each PSM takes 10-20 hours to complete. Ensure your PSM is completed by clicking the 'Continue' or 'Finish Task' button within the module. Please review the PSM Policy for more details.
PSM availability by level
|
Level I |
Level II |
Level III |
|
| Analyst Skills | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Financial Modeling |
✓ |
✓ | |
| Portfolio Development and Construction | ✓ | ||
| Python, Data Science & AI | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Python Programming Fundamentals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Analyst Skills
Analyze best-in-class practices of successful equity research analysts and apply them to your own practice.
Financial Modeling
Build a three-statement financial model showcasing an understanding of business issues, design best practices, and technical skills.
Portfolio Development and Construction
Develop, implement, and manage an institutional investor portfolio, drawing from lessons learned in the CFA curriculum and using advanced Excel skills.
Python, Data Science, and AI
Develop the skills to execute financial data science workflows using Python by applying advanced machine learning techniques from forecasting EPS changes to sentiment analysis.
Python Programming Fundamentals
Develop fluency in writing Python code for finance-based data science projects using Jupyter Notebooks.
Practical Macro
Learn to analyze macroeconomic trends, market impacts, and policy effects to make informed investment and financial decisions.
Due Diligence
Design, execute, and oversee an institutional portfolio using CFA concepts and advanced Excel techniques to optimize performance.
Managing Private Wealth Clients
Develop private wealth strategies by applying behavioral finance insights, data analysis, and Excel modeling to optimize client portfolios and financial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
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