Finance Exam Prep

Finance Exam Prep

By Ran Chen, EA, CFP®BusinessEducationCoursesCareers
Download on the App Store

Finance Exam Prep episodes

  • [CFA Level I] 6, Fair Dealing When Recommendations Change
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - How Standard III(B) Fair Dealing governs material changes in investment recommendations.
    - Why fair dealing requires equal opportunity to act rather than identical individual service.
    - The requirements for disclosing tiered or premium services to current and prospective clients.
    - The duty to notify clients of updated ratings before executing trades based on outdated research.
    - Practical decision rules to avoid selective disclosure traps under Standard III(B).
    This independent prep lesson is designed to supplement your study routine. For additional practice questions, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and view video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/standards/professionals/code-ethics-standards
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/sites/default/files/2027levelitopicoutline_online.pdf
    5 min
  • [CFA Level I] 5, Misrepresentation and Crediting Other Analysts
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    * The core scope of Standard I(C) Misrepresentation under the CFA Level I curriculum.
    * How to distinguish recognized statistical reporting from third-party analytical research.
    * Why research developed within a firm remains firm property when colleagues depart.
    * How misrepresenting risks or guaranteeing investment returns violates professional conduct.
    * Practical decision rules to prevent plagiarism and proper crediting practices in equity research.
    This independent educational episode provides supplementary preparation for candidates studying for the CFA Level I examination. Practice additional questions at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    * https://www.cfainstitute.org/standards/professionals/code-ethics-standards
    * https://www.cfainstitute.org/sites/default/files/2027levelitopicoutline_online.pdf
    5 min
  • [CFA Level I] 4, Material Nonpublic Information and the Mosaic Approach
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    • The criteria for material nonpublic information under Standard II(A).
    • How the mosaic approach permits combining public data and nonmaterial nonpublic clues.
    • Why material nonpublic information cannot be sanitized by blending it into research reports.
    • The distinction between broad public dissemination and selective insider disclosure.
    • A two-step decision rule evaluating materiality and nonpublic status independently.
    This independent study resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by CFA Institute. Explore more study material at https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/standards/professionals/code-ethics-standards
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/sites/default/files/2027levelitopicoutline_online.pdf
    5 min
  • [CFA Level I] 3, Professional Independence Under Gifts and Pressure
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - How to distinguish modest gifts from third-party benefits that impair independence under Standard I(B)
    - Standard practices for issuer-paid travel and when corporate transportation is permissible
    - Why disclosure alone does not cure compromised research or non-independent recommendations
    - The key procedural differences between handling client gifts and third-party benefits
    - How flat-fee arrangements protect research independence in issuer-paid coverage
    For independent study resources, practice tools, and video explanations, explore https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/standards/professionals/code-ethics-standards
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/sites/default/files/2027levelitopicoutline_online.pdf
    5 min
  • [CFA Level I] 2, Ethical Decisions When the Legal Minimum Is Not Enough
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    * How ethical expectations differ from mere legal compliance in investment decision making
    * The core principle of Standard I(A) Knowledge of the Law regarding conflicting requirements
    * Why members and candidates must always adhere to the stricter law, rule, or regulation
    * Common exam traps involving rationalizations, disclosure limits, and local custom arguments
    * A practical decision framework for identifying stakeholders and taking appropriate action including dissociation
    This independent study resource is designed to supplement your candidate preparation for professional exams. For practice modules, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and subscribe to our video channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    * https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa-program/candidate-resources/level-i-exam
    * https://www.cfainstitute.org/standards/professionals/code-ethics-standards
    5 min
  • [CFA Level I] 1, The Ten Topic Areas and Your Study Plan
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    * The ten official 2027 CFA Level I topic names and weight ranges.
    * How to construct a flexible study schedule based on topic weighting and spaced practice.
    * Exam-relevant traps regarding topic pass thresholds and overall scoring.
    * The distinction between core exam topics and required Practical Skills Modules.
    * The Weight First Rule as flexible editorial guidance for allocating preparation time.
    For independent practice questions and video prep tools, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/cfa-level1 and https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep .
    Sources checked: October 12, 2026
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/cfa-program/candidate-resources/level-i-exam
    https://www.cfainstitute.org/sites/default/files/2027levelitopicoutline_online.pdf
    5 min
  • Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 3] 75, Final Review and Representation Strategy
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - To differentiate Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) from Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) to avoid common exam traps.
    - To master critical deadlines, especially the 90-day period to petition the Tax Court after a Notice of Deficiency.
    - How to analyze taxpayer scenarios to select the most appropriate collection alternative: Installment Agreement, Currently Not Collectible, or Offer in Compromise.
    - That Circular 230 duties, like obtaining a proper Power of Attorney, are the mandatory first steps in taxpayer representation.
    - To implement an effective time-management strategy for the EA exam by answering easy questions first and flagging harder ones for review.
    For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
    4 min
  • Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 3] 74, E-File Acknowledgments Rejects and Post-Filing Corrections
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - The three e-file acknowledgment statuses and what an "Accepted" status truly means.
    - How to use the "perfection period" to correct and retransmit rejected returns to preserve the original filing date.
    - The critical difference between correcting a rejected return (never filed) and amending an accepted return with Form 1040-X.
    - Common e-file rejection codes, such as a mismatched SSN/name or an incorrect prior-year AGI.
    - The proper procedure and 60-day response window for taxpayers who receive an IRS math error notice.
    For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
    4 min
  • Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 3] 73, Electronic Signatures PINs and Form 8879
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - The crucial difference between the Practitioner PIN and Self-Select PIN methods for e-filing authorization.
    - Why Form 8879 must be signed and dated by the taxpayer *before* the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) can transmit the return.
    - The mandatory procedure for handling changes to a tax return *after* Form 8879 has already been signed.
    - The specific record retention requirement for Form 8879, which is three years from the return's due date or filing date, whichever is later.
    - Key ERO responsibilities, including identity verification and ensuring the taxpayer has reviewed the return's contents.
    For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
    4 min
  • Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 3] 72, E-File Mandate EFIN and Authorized Providers
    This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams.
    In this episode you will learn:
    - The specific '11 or more' aggregate filing threshold that triggers the mandatory e-file requirement for a preparer or firm.
    - Key exceptions to the e-file mandate, such as taxpayer choice to file on paper and how to document it with Form 8948.
    - The components of the IRS suitability check for an EFIN application, including tax compliance, criminal background, and credit history.
    - The distinct roles of an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) versus a Transmitter in the e-filing process.
    - Critical responsibilities for EFIN holders, including the absolute prohibition on sharing credentials and the requirement to monitor account activity.
    For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
    4 min

About Finance Exam Prep

From the publisher's feed

Finance Exam Prep is a daily podcast designed to help future tax and finance professionals pass their certification and licensing exams with clarity and confidence.

Best of Finance Exam Prep

Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

  1. Number 1: Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 1] 58, Recovering Refunds and Amended Returns
    4 min
  2. Number 2: Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 1] 57, Underpayment Penalties and Exceptions
    3 min
  3. Number 3: Enrolled Agent Exam [Part 1] 56, Estimated Tax Requirements
    4 min