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Choose before completing registration
CFA Institute states that the pathway is selected at registration and cannot be changed once registration is completed. The listed exam weighting is 65–70% common core and 30–35% selected pathway. Do not treat the pathway as an optional extra to omit from study.
Use interests and evidence
| Pathway | Question to explore in the official outline |
|---|---|
| Portfolio Management | Do the portfolio construction, strategy and execution tasks fit my intended work? |
| Private Markets | Do private investment structures, valuation and ownership tasks fit my interests? |
| Private Wealth | Do client goals, wealth planning and intergenerational questions fit my intended work? |
Compare outlines rather than a short label
Read the relevant current outline and identify what each path asks you to do. A familiar title does not mean you already know its coverage, and a pathway does not guarantee a particular role or employer preference.
Retain a practical decision record
Write the candidate pathway, the subjects that support your interest and the topics needing preparation. Include common-core time in the same plan. The pathway worksheet helps retain that evidence before an irreversible registration choice.
Check preparation coverage explicitly
Official materials supplied on registration relate to the selected path. Before relying on another preparation source, inspect its actual pathway and cycle coverage; do not infer complete coverage from a general CFA label.