To ensure transparency, CFI courses are categorized into six difficulty levels based on depth of topic, technical details, and complexity of tasks or cases involved.
See CFI’s full course development and editorial standards
Level 1
- Requires no specific knowledge or skills prior to taking the course
- High-level introduction to a topic with no technical details
- Only applies simple calculations
- Only applies basic functions in common tools
- Technical terms that are introduced are well-defined in the course
Level 2
Meets one or more of the following:
- Touches some depth of a subject and discusses some technical details
- Complete tasks that require multi-step calculation or analysis
- Applies less common functions or uses less common tools
- Creates a simple product to solve a problem or answer business questions
Level 3
Meets one or more of the following:
- Dives deep into certain subjects and explore different aspects of the topic in detailed examples
- Applies intermediate level math or stats concepts to solve problems
- Uses advanced functions of a tool or basic programming language
- Creates a relatively complex final product from scratch
Level 4
Meets one or more of the following:
- Builds up concepts learned in multiple level 2 or 3 courses
- Applies advanced math or stats concepts to solve problems
- Uses advanced functions, multiple tools, or robust programming language
- The final product applies knowledge and skills from different courses and reflects the complexity of a unique business scenario
Level 5
Meets two or more of the following:
- Builds up concepts learned in level 2, 3, or 4 courses
- Assumes understanding of advanced math or stat concepts
- Assumes proficiency in advanced tools or a programming language
- The final product is significantly more complex than level 4 products
Level 5+
Meets two or more of the following:
- Course targets practiced experts in the field (e.g., experienced roles or specialists)
- Assumes a practiced familiarity with concepts learned in 2, 3, or 4 courses
- Assumes experience with best-in-class technical tools
- Final products or skills use expert-level practices or concepts
