Credential type: professional designation earned by examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
The CIPM Level I is a professional certification program administered by the CFA Institute, designed specifically to evaluate and validate professional competency across five distinct domains of investment management, including performance measurement, attribution, appraisal, benchmarking, and Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), ensuring candidates meet the established global benchmarks for ethical and professional practice.
Investment professionals, asset managers, and financial analysts seeking to validate their expertise in performance evaluation and measurement principles. Candidates build skills required for accurate reporting and compliance.
To prepare effectively for this examination, candidates should review the official CFA Institute study documentation and practice questions provided in the curriculum. Focus heavily on understanding calculation methodologies, composite maintenance rules, and Global Investment Performance Standards requirements. Ensure you allocate adequate study time for each of the specific domains based on the official examination weighting percentages to maximize your overall retention and exam readiness.
This domain covers core concepts in performance measurement principles, input data integrity, and quantitative calculation methodologies that form the primary foundation for all subsequent portfolio analysis within the curriculum.
This domain focuses intensively on the advanced methods and analytical tools used for conducting detailed performance attribution analysis within professional portfolio management and asset allocation strategies for clients.
This domain carefully examines advanced performance appraisal techniques, risk-adjusted return measures, and detailed evaluation frameworks necessary for assessing investment manager skill and portfolio outcomes across various market cycles successfully.
This domain addresses benchmarking principles, asset class characteristics, and the careful selection of appropriate comparison standards required to evaluate portfolio manager performance accurately according to established institutional standards.
This domain explores complex Global Investment Performance Standards requirements, compliance fundamentals, ethical considerations, verification guidelines, and detailed report presentation rules for investment firms operating in competitive global markets today.
Arrive at the computer-based testing center early with your required identification documents ready. Complete the 100 questions within the 120 minutes allocated for the linear examination format.
The examination consists of a total of exactly 100 multiple choice questions delivered in a linear, computer-based testing format at authorized testing centers globally for candidates.
CFA Institute does not publish a specific passing score or minimum passing percentage threshold for this professional certification examination under their current grading policies and procedures.
The official exam duration is exactly 120 minutes in total, during which candidates must complete all portions of the computer-based testing requirements successfully to finish.
The program features a one-time CIPM Program enrollment fee of $250 plus a per-exam fee of $625, resulting in a combined total cost of $875 for the standard fee structure.
Verified 2026-08-30
This guide and information page was constructed using official CFA Institute documentation, authorized exam guides, and structured domain weight percentages to ensure complete accuracy for candidates.