DSF

Decision Science Foundation

The foundational certification for quantitative capital allocation. Validates mastery of valuation, portfolio construction, and risk measurement frameworks.

4 Hours Exam Duration
120 Questions Assessment
70% Passing Score
3 Years Validity
DSF
Decision Science Foundation
Professional Certification
[Your Name]
Certified · 2025

Exam Domains

DOMAIN I
Valuation Fundamentals
  • Time value of money calculations
  • DCF model construction
  • Relative valuation multiples
  • Cost of capital estimation
  • Terminal value approaches
25% of exam
DOMAIN II
Portfolio Theory
  • Mean-variance optimization
  • Efficient frontier construction
  • Capital Market Line
  • Risk budgeting
  • Rebalancing strategies
25% of exam
DOMAIN III
Risk & Return
  • CAPM and factor models
  • Beta estimation
  • Risk measures (VaR, ES)
  • Performance attribution
  • Risk-adjusted returns
25% of exam
DOMAIN IV
Fixed Income
  • Bond pricing and yields
  • Duration and convexity
  • Yield curve analysis
  • Credit spreads
  • Interest rate risk
25% of exam

Exam Format

Multiple Choice
80 questions testing conceptual understanding
Calculation
30 quantitative problems
Case Analysis
10 scenario-based questions
Proctored
Remote or testing center

Prerequisites

Volume I Completion: Full completion of From Equations to Capital Volume I (Chapters 1-14) or equivalent knowledge demonstrated through diagnostic assessment.
Quantitative Skills: Undergraduate-level statistics and linear algebra. Comfort with mathematical notation and financial calculations.
Decision Lab Access: Hands-on experience with valuation and portfolio modules. Recommended: complete at least 10 BUILD exercises.

Validate Your Foundation

The DSF certification demonstrates rigorous understanding of quantitative finance fundamentals. Recognized by institutional employers.

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