Since 2014, the historical CFA pass rates for: Level 1 ranges from 22%-49%, with a 12-year average of 41%; Level 2 ranges from 29%-59%, with a 12-year average of 45%; Level 3 ranges from 39%-56%, with a 11-year average of 50%.
The pass rate for the Level II test was 42% in November, down from 44% in August and 54% in May. Candidates who took the Level II test in November after at least one deferral saw a 27% pass rate, compared with 50% for first-time candidates.
Most students aim for 120 to 126 correct answers, which is around 67% to 70%, as this aligns with the general CFA Level 1 pass criteria. Understanding the concept of the CFA Level 1 passing marks helps candidates set realistic targets. Knowing how many questions to get right gives clear goals.
The Chartered Financial Analyst credential is one of the most demanding exams on Earth when it comes to preparation and study time required. The average pass rate for the CFA Level 1 is only 43%. For Level 2, you're looking at a passage rate of 44%. And Level 3 is not much easier at 50%.
CFA Level 1 passing scores 2012-2025 (estimated)
We estimated that CFA Level 1's MPS ranged from 56%-74% from 2012-2025, with an 13 year average of 65%. The latest estimated MPS for CFA Level 1 is estimated to be around 68%.
Or are the CPA exams harder than the CFA exams? As we've established when looking at the differences between the CFA and CPA exams, the breadth, depth and length of the CFA exams combined make the CFA exams a lot more challenging to undertake and pass than the CPA exams.
No, studying for any CFA exam for less than 6 months will not give you enough time to adequately prepare unless you have a relevant background in the curriculum. According to CFA Institute, candidates study on average 348 hours for the Level I exam, 364 hours for the Level II exam, and 365 hours for the Level III exam.
The top 5 toughest exams in the world are generally considered to be:
The CFA may be down, but it's not out, financial advisors say. A total of 116,727 people sat for all three levels of the CFA exam in the first eight months of 2024, down 2,735 from the same period in 2023, according to the CFA Institute.
Three months can be enough time, but typically it takes a candidate at least six months to prepare for the CFA Level 2 exam.
Average Age of CFA Candidates
Although many candidates are in their late twenties or early thirties, the Program has a wide age range. Many begin at 35, 40, or even 50. Some of the most thoughtful, determined candidates are the ones who start later. Experience is not a burden.
The 10th and 90th percentiles were removed from the report because we have added scale scores. Scale scores add more precision to your results interpretation. The 10th and 90th percentiles only provide a comparison of your result against other candidates in the same administration.
In spite of all odds, average students pass CFA exams regularly by: Employing study schedules with an emphasis on key subjects. Focusing on ethics and key notions, which have high exam weighting. Utilising quality preparation materials and practice exams.
The Level II CFA exam is widely considered to be one of the most difficult professional exams. Of the three CFA exams–Level II often claims the title of the most difficult level.
CFA Exams Pass Rates
The CFA exams are perhaps the most challenging exams out there. They are often referred to as “bar none” the toughest exams—even harder than medical school or law school exams—with pass rates that hover around 50% and were much lower during the recent pandemic.
Cfa level ii jobs
CFA charterholders are in demand for executive positions, with 90 percent of hiring managers preferring them for these roles. The CFA credential can help you qualify for senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.
Will AI replace CFA professionals in finance jobs? No. While AI optimises efficiency, it does not replace intelligent decision-making, client engagement, or ethics oversight performed by CFAs.
However, let's put things into perspective: the CFA Level 1 exam is not a math test. The CFA Institute has made it clear that calculations will account for no more than 30% of the questions on the exam. To put it in numbers, that's a maximum of 54 out of the 180 questions.
List of Easiest Exams in the World
What is the hardest bar exam to pass? California has a notoriously hard bar exam, with only 45% of first-time takers passing the Feb 2024 bar exam, and 24% of repeat takers passing the July 2023 exam. However, there are other states with lower pass rates in July 2023, including Maine, Wyoming, and Maryland.
I am writing level 1 in May. I have looked up this questions many times now. In the new readings for statistics in level 1, we are taught to use excel function for coming up with z and t values based off probabilities and degrees of freedom. Obviously, we can't use excel during an exam.
Yes, if you have good resources, discipline, and a structured plan, you can clear the CFA exams on your own. How can I learn CFA by myself? You can use official CFA Institute resources, practice questions, give mock tests, and maintain an in-depth study schedule to follow all on time.