Three candidates boost their study prep with a combination of mindset coaching and a private tutor for curriculum.
If the CFA exams are the “hardest in the world”, then prepping for these exams have the well-deserved reputation of being grueling, draining, and disruptive to normal life. Not only is the process difficult but the light at the end of the tunnel is truly an oncoming train with the chances of passing average around 45%.
Despite reading mounds of materials, reviewing notes, and testing knowledge through quizzes and mock exams, despite diligently going through all the necessary steps, candidates are more likely to fail than to pass.
A small group of suppliers that offer study materials and classes have stepped up to support candidates. Deciding how to select the right study materials and construct a plan to master those materials is a pressured process, even for directed and very ambitious CFA candidates. The candidate is left to select a materials that can instruct on the content that will be tested, and then also find support to help keep focused, attentive, and motivated.
At our firm we believe that every candidate who registers can pass the exam. So we offer a series of programs that support the mental game of CFA exam prep (as I write for the curriculum). This last exam cycle we had several clients with specific tutoring needs beyond their study materials. We create a hub for candidates to organize their individual study materials that reduces cognitive load. We share their journeys to inform other candidates’ study plans.
(Want to know how effective your current study approach is? Take a 2-minute survey and get your score.)
Mindset Coaching + the Dome + Targeted Tutoring
Our clients come to us to improve their chances of passing this level this time. We offer coaching on mindset and the innovative Dome app that supports candidates every day in every way.
Our approach evolved from the first two candidates who asked for help to pass. Our first attempts were adaptations of our career coaching — a basic program of 13 weekly sessions with an arc that takes the client through a learning process. We developed a proprietary personality assessment which became a very compelling measure. As it turned out, personalities of investment people differ in important ways from the world at large and guide behavior changes including studying many more hours than average.
When 100% of the 13-week program candidates passed their next level, we set out to expand the program and offer the same services to a broader audience. We found that the assessment became more and more predictive. We now pair the measurement with an hour of coaching and a weekly schedule that is monitored. Hundreds of candidates have used the Candidate Success Package with pass rates at least double the average from the program.
But we have clients who need targeted tutoring on curriculum topics. Our Candidate Success tutors are current investment professionals and highly skilled at getting you over any obstacles — fast.
Our clients had targeted specific concepts, formulas or topics that needed individual explanation. Each candidate’s needs were different and unique to them. Two of the three took advantage of individual tutoring and the third found what they needed through the videotaped lectures.
The approach was reported to be a success by those clients. To read how each of them approached their exam prep and how the individual tutoring improved their process, check in with case studies of their experiences in our blog over the next few days.
Want more tips? Follow us on Facebook and twitter for up to the minute ideas on improving your study prep.
Want to know how effective your current study approach is? Take a 30-second survey and get your score.
If you want an app that moves you into a focused study place, get the Dome. We created this app to get you to You Passed.
We will send you all three case studies direct if you’d like. Just tell us where to send the info.
Case Study #1 Beating Fear of the 3rd Attempt
Case Study #2 Sixth Time’s the Charm
Case Study #3 Help I’m Already too Busy
(Want to know how effective your current study approach is? Take a 2-minute survey and get your score.)
(Candidates who study together pass together. Try our free matching service to find your passing partner.)
