Are there practical exercises included?

<text variant="body1"> Yes, the specialization includes quizzes and case-based questions designed to simulate real exam scenarios.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Investment & Financial Basics Specialization

5 days left! Grow your skills with Coursera Plus for $239/year (usually $399). Save now.

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Investment & Financial Basics Specialization

Master CFA Level 1 Investment Foundations.

Build strong foundations in ethics, finance, economics, and corporate finance for CFA Level 1.

Instructor: Board Infinity

Included with

Learn more

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 months to complete

at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 months to complete

at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Build strong foundations in ethics, finance, economics, and corporate finance
Master financial analysis, ethics, and core investment concepts
Develop quantitative, economic, and financial reporting skills
Strengthen investment fundamentals and real-world decision-making skills

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Board Infinity

Specialization - 5 course series

This specialization is designed to help aspiring finance professionals build a strong foundation required to clear the CFA Level 1 exam. Covering key domains such as Ethics, Financial Reporting, Quantitative Methods, Economics, and Corporate Finance, learners will gain both conceptual clarity and practical problem-solving skills aligned with CFA standards.

Through structured lessons, real-world examples, and exam-focused assessments, this program ensures you not only understand core financial concepts but also learn how to apply them effectively in exam scenarios. Whether you are a student, finance professional, or career switcher, this specialization provides a comprehensive pathway to CFA Level 1 readiness.

Applied Learning Project

Learners will work on practical case-based quizzes and financial analysis exercises that simulate real CFA exam scenarios. These projects will help reinforce key concepts, improve analytical thinking, and build confidence in solving exam-style questions under timed conditions and realistic constraints.

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Ethics and Professional Standards

Course 1, 21 hours

What you'll learn

Apply the CFA code of ethics and standards of practice to evaluate ethical decisions in investment roles.
Identify conflicts of interest and apply professional code of conduct to protect client interests.
Analyze real financial scenarios using CFA standards to prevent misconduct and ethical violations.
Build ethical decision frameworks to handle compliance, transparency, and client responsibilities.

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Financial Statements and Reporting

Course 2, 19 hours

What you'll learn

Analyze financial statements for valuation and investment decisions
Build DCF models and financial modeling frameworks
Apply ratio analysis and forecasting techniques
Evaluate financial reporting quality and detect risks

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Economics and Global Markets

Course 3, 20 hours

What you'll learn

Apply microeconomics concepts to pricing and production decisions
Analyze economic cycles and interpret key market indicators
Evaluate fiscal and monetary policies in real-world scenarios
Assess global trade systems and foreign exchange markets

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Corporate Finance and Governance

Course 4, 0 minutes

What you'll learn

Evaluate corporate ownership structures and stakeholder relationships in firms
Apply capital budgeting techniques such as NPV, IRR, and ROIC for investment decisions
Analyze capital structure choices and compute weighted average cost of capital
Assess governance frameworks, ESG factors, and working capital efficiency

Prepare for CFA Level 1: Quantitative Methods and Returns

Course 5, 0 minutes

What you'll learn

Apply quantitative finance models to real-world financial data
Build statistical and probability frameworks for analysis
Perform regression, simulation, and hypothesis testing
Develop portfolio risk and return strategies

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Board Infinity

246 Courses404,729 learners

Offered by

Board Infinity

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

This specialization builds strong conceptual foundations and provides practice aligned with CFA Level 1 topics, but additional revision and mock exams are recommended.

No prior expertise is required, but basic familiarity with finance concepts can be helpful.

Students, finance professionals, and anyone preparing for CFA Level 1 or looking to build a career in finance.