CFA ® Core Concepts: Quantitative Methods

Statistical applications are a critical part of the CFA® exam and is an area many candidates struggle with during the preparation process. This class is a perfect introduction to statistics for candidates with a limited statistical background, and is also an ideal refresher for those already familiar with statistics.

The program will cover all the statistics included in the CFA® exam, specifically probability (continuous probability distributions and binomial probability), inferential and descriptive statistics and simple regression analysis. Financial calculator required.

09-Aug-2008 -- 20-Sep-2008New YorkUSD$950
NY Institute of Finance - Midtown9:00am - 12:00pm Instructional Method:
Group-Live
Instructor(s): [ Adam Shrager; ] Sat Level: Basic

Anyone who is taking the CFA Level I exam and is concerned about their readiness for the statistics and quantitative methodology questions – including Time Value of Money questions. To take the CFA® Exam, you must be enrolled with CFA Institute, a global membership association that administers the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) and Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) curriculum and exam programs worldwide. For more information about the exam or how to enroll, call 800-247-8132 or visit www.cfainstitute.org. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, review, or warrant the accuracy of the products or services offered by New York Institute of Finance (NYIF) or verify or endorse the pass rates claimed by NYIF. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.
No advance preparation required.
Students will be able to:
  • Review and Prepare for the quantitative methods questions on the CFA ® level 1 exam.
CFA® candidates must purchase either the HP 12c or the TI BA II Plus calculator for use in class.
"The instructor's knowledge base and teaching ability are a strength of this course."
"Instructor was very lively, which made it easy to follow along."
"Adam is a great teacher who keeps the class very interesting."
"This course is going to make my preparation much more efficient."
"Adam is highly passionate and knowledgeable on the subject matter."
Scheduling Note
There will be no class on Saturday, August 30th due to the Labor Day holiday. Whenever possible, New York Institute of Finance avoids scheduling courses on holidays and religious observances. However, due to the demanding nature of CFA® Exam preparation, review sessions will be held as scheduled. We regret that sessions cannot be rescheduled to accommodate individual delegates.
Week 1

The Time Value of Money

  • Future Value
  • Present Value
  • Annuities
  • Perpetuities
  • Uneven cash flows
  • All required calculator functions reviewed

Week 2

Concepts in Probability

  • Expected Value
  • Independent events and dependent events
  • Conditional Probability
  • Bayes’ Rule

Week 3

Statistical Distributions

  • Variance and Standard Deviations
  • Z-Scores, the empirical rule, & the Normal Distribution
  • T-Tests
  • Chebychev’s Inequality

Week 4

Hypothesis Testing

  • Setting up Hypothesis Tests
  • Identifying Null and Alternate Hypothesis
  • Understanding thresholds for rejecting hypothesis
  • Interpreting test results

Week 5

Regression Analysis

  • Identifying independent and dependent variables
  • Generating models
  • Analyzing models
  • Determining the robustness of a model
  • F-tests

Week 6

Applying Statistical Concepts to the CFA® exam

  • Determining appropriate tool to use
  • Deciphering difficult exam questions
  • Test taking strategies
  • Extensive Question and Answer session

                              Please note: The order in which topics will be covered is subject to change. A finalized topics schedule will be distributed to all delegates at the first class session.

Clients who register for this course will receive a complimentary 6 month subscription to the Financial Times and FT.com. The Financial Times is the world's most respected financial newspaper providing a broad assessment on finance, business and the industrial sector. Subscriptions will start within 6-8 weeks of the application process, and are limited to one per client. For questions about your subscriptions call 800-628-8088 or email uscirculation@ft.com. US and Canada enrollees only.

Lunch included for all students taking day classes.