Frequently Asked Questions
About CFA Level III
Soo, I’ve heard there is an essay on level 3 — is this true?
Yes, there is an essay. Since many of my candidates are re-takers, learning how to properly write and answer essay questions is an important piece of the puzzle to tackle. I help develop this skill by:
- Implementing mock exam questions right from week one
- Providing candidates in-depth responses to their essays on a weekly basis, including tips on efficiency and techniques.
- The goal is two-fold:
- Get near perfect on essay questions.
- Develop an efficient essay approach to save time.
- Only through weekly essay submissions can candidates build a foundation and continue to strengthen it.
How does level 3 differ from level 1 and level 2?
There’s a significant advantage for candidates to seek out assistance for CFA Level 3 compared to levels 1 and 2. A large exam bank of questions without any on-call instructor access or personalized feedback is enough for most candidates taking CFA Level 1 and 2.
CFA Level 3 is a unique exam where professional guidance will allow a candidate to hold a substantial comparative advantage over those candidates studying on their own. This is evident in those candidates who have been very successful in the past with writing exams to candidates who struggled to pass CFA Level 2. I primarily work with re-takers who have failed using other strategies but have seen the entire spectrum of candidates effectively pass this exam employing Deep 3’s personalized guidance and strategies.
About Deep 3 Prep
Why does Deep 3 primarily work with re-takers who have failed using other study methods?
Candidates who are re-takers listen! Candidates who are sitting for level 3 for the first time are less open to change and tend to stick to their previous study strategies. Unfortunately, this often leads to an unsuccessful result. CFA Level 3 is a unique exam where we need to employ a different strategy compared to level 1 and level 2. Working through exam banks from third party providers is the smart choice for the first two levels but NOT CFA Level 3. I truly believe any candidate who passes CFA Level 2 can pass CFA Level 3 but adjustments to our strategy must be implemented.
In summary, re-takers are more willing to “Trust the process,” and deviate from their past strategies which prove to be ineffective for Level 3. From one class alone, candidates are encouraged to note the difference in their previous attempts to learn the material versus how they are learning now. With this process, candidates begin to build confidence. To further build confidence, I connect candidates to past re-takers who passed by trusting the process.
The experience of failing only makes passing CFA Level 3 that much sweeter!
Why choose Deep 3?
- Candidates are offered an extended trial period from day one allowing CFA candidates to really see if this course is exceptional. This is more than other prep course will allow. Choosing a prep provider is an important decision for CFA Level III and my goal is to minimize this additional stress. I could only afford to offer this extended trial incentive if this course was truly unique.
- By extended period, I mean two-months and not a few days as most prep providers do. Not only this, you will have access to all the material as a student. There is yet to be a single student to enroll in this class and then later decide it is not for them. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving this course a try.
I offer these incentives because I have the utmost confidence in this course due to the success and positive feedback from past candidates. Does any prep provider offer this level of confidence in their program?
How does Deep 3’s material differ from the competitors?
Unlike competitors, at Deep 3 the material has been written solely by one author allowing for a cohesive presentation and a fluid course. With several instructors or authors, the continuity of various topics is lost where as since I have developed all the material for CFA Level III, I am able to develop it efficiently and effectively all while keeping the continuity. How else does it differ at Deep 3?
- Limited class sizes are ensured to provide on-call access by phone or email.
- In-depth essay feedback to candidates on a weekly basis.
- With one instructor marking all essays, it’s easy to identify any problem areas with the essay and quickly work on this with candidates.
- We only work with the official CFAI curriculum’s blue box and end of chapter questions. Unlike CFA Level 1 and Level 2 where an exam bank of questions from other providers is beneficial, for CFA Level 3, it is imperative the candidate attacks the official curriculum.
- Unlike other providers we don’t skim material to reduce video time and attack the ENTIRE curriculum. The class notes are effectively detailed and in-depth to efficiently complete all blue box and end of chapter questions.
About The Program
How is the course laid out and what is the focus?
Trusting the process consists of several interconnected strategies beginning from week one. We continually focus on retention as a weekly basis to activate the long-term memory of the cortex. Unlike previous levels of the exam, candidates will know the entire curriculum well – not skipping anything means less risk on exam day). To go over the entire curriculum, we work on building a foundation and continually coming back to further strengthen these ideas. There’s no point in mastering one topic in November, leaving it and then re-learning it in April. This is a very difficult task to do with other providers or independently but with Deep 3 laying out the course, your job is only to “Trust the Process,” learn and review.
Will you have time for individual candidates?
This question is most commonly asked. I quickly identify candidates problems due to the weekly essay marking. In the past, I’ve pulled candidates aside and spent hours of one-on-one time to resolve any issues. My goal is to simplify the complicated and then take the necessary time until the candidate fully understands.
Aside from personally identifying any problem areas for candidates, I quickly respond to candidates when they have issues during studying. I encourage you to reach out to past candidates and they will confirm that I respond within hours and with helpful information to help solve their obstacle
What Our Candidates Say

I urge all CFA Level 3 candidates to try this process, and give Gurmeet a shot. Make no mistake - this is a hard exam. But it is made much easier with Gurmeet's know-how and attention to your specific needs and weaknesses, so that you can be setup for success. Once you give Gurmeet and his process a shot, you'll see right away - as I did - that it just makes sense. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have been able to pass without him.
Daniel Perlin