What is the easiest level of the CFA exam?

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 41%. For Level 2, you're looking at a passage rate of 45%. And Level 3 is not much easier at 52%.

Which level of CFA is most difficult?

Level I of the CFA Program usually has the lowest pass rate which could imply it's the most difficult exam in the program. However, this will not apply to every candidate because each person has different strengths and weaknesses.

Is CFA Level 2 easier than Level 1?

Yes, CFA Level 2 is generally considered more challenging than CFA Level 1. This is due to its emphasis on application, analysis, and the introduction of item set questions, which demand a deeper understanding of concepts compared to the predominantly knowledge-based questions in Level 1.

Is CFA Level 3 the easiest?

Is the CFA Level III Exam Harder than Level II? Yes, the Level III exam is harder than the Level II exam because the Level III exam contains a constructed response section, and your knowledge in Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning makes up 35-40% of your score.

Which part of CFA Level 1 is hardest?

How I Passed the CFA Level 1 Exam [+95th Percentile Scorer?]

Is CFA Level 2 or 3 harder?

For Level 2, you're looking at a passage rate of 45%. And Level 3 is not much easier at 52%. Overall, less than 11% of all candidates pass all three levels of the exam and earn their charter. So, in short, yes, the exam is brutally hard.

Is CFA Level 2 toughest?

Level 2 is harder than Level 1 because it requires a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Level 2 focuses more on applying what you've learned, which means you need to have a more thorough grasp of the material to succeed.

Is Passing CFA Level 2 a big deal?

After removing the effect of work experience, we found that on average: CFA candidates who passed Level 2 saw an increase of 34% in total compensation; CFA candidates who passed Level 3 or Charterholders earned 53% more than those who had yet to pass CFA Level 1 exams.

Is 6 months enough for CFA Level 2?

How long do I need to study for CFA Level II? The CFA Institute reports that it will take around 328 hours spread across at least six months to prepare for the CFA Level II exam.

Why is CFA Level 2 so hard?

Not only are Level II CFA concepts generally more complex, but the questions on the Level II exam also require more concentration. Compared to Level I, a candidate will need a higher level of preparation and skill to select the correct answer to a Level II question.

How many people fail CFA Level 2?

Since 2014, the historical CFA pass rates for: Level 1 ranges from 22%-49%, with a 10-year average of 39%; Level 2 ranges from 29%-55%, with a 10-year average of 45%; Level 3 ranges from 39%-56%, with a 10-year average of 50%.

How many people pass CFA Level 2 first try?

Data from the Institute shows that about 20% of candidates who register for level 1 do not even show up to take it. Many of the candidates who fail level 1 the first time leave the program for good. Level 2: In the ten years ending February 2023, pass rates for the level 2 exam have averaged 45%.

Is it common to fail CFA Level 1?

Very few candidates pass all three CFA exams on their first attempt. CFA Institute estimates it takes the average successful candidate four years to complete the CFA Program. So failing one level, if not two, makes you an average candidate.

Why do most people fail CFA Level 1?

Failed to Study Enough Hours

It is often hard to manage the work, social life, and study balance. And, of course, the discipline needed to maintain your studies is one of the key reasons the CFA charter is so highly valued by employers. Level I is a foundation level based on core finance principles and concepts.

Is CFA harder than the bar?

Considering their pass rates—approximately 50% for the CPA exams, around 13.5% for candidates completing all three levels of the CFA exams, and roughly 70% for the Florida bar—statistics would suggest that the CFA credential is in fact the hardest.

Is CFA the hardest finance exam?

Difficulty Level: 4.4

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam is recognized as one of the most rigorous exams globally.

What is the average age for CFA Level 2?

For Level II, the average age at registration has dropped from 28.6 to 28.1 over the last five years. Meanwhile, the average for Level III has remained very consistent for much of the last half-decade – around 30 years of age – before dropping to 29.7 this past June.

How to cram for CFA Level 2?

1: Take Mock Exams to Learn Which Topics to Focus on

Figure out which curriculum topics you need to focus on during the last few weeks of your Level II prep by taking a CFA mock exam. Make sure the amount you time you use to focus on specific curriculum topics also has heavier topic weights.

Is 200 hours enough for CFA Level 2?

Based on CFA Institute's June 2019 Candidate Survey, the average Level 2 candidate studied for 328 hours. However, based on our experience to increase chances of passing, studying for a minimum of 350 hours over 4-6 months is more common.

Is CFA harder than ACCA?

In conclusion, while both ACCA and CFA exams are challenging in their own right, the CFA is often perceived as more difficult due to its intense focus on investment analysis, the depth of the material, and the rigorous exam format.

Is CFA useful in UK?

Obtaining the CFA designation demonstrates your commitment to learning, ethical conduct, and expertise in financial analysis. It helps enhance your credibility and opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the finance industry in the UK.

Do you need 70% to pass CFA?

CFA Level 1 passing scores 2012-2023 (estimated)

We estimated that CFA Level 1's MPS ranged from 56%-74% from 2012-2024, with an 12 year average of 65%. The latest estimated MPS for CFA Level 1 (i.e. Nov 2023 exams) is estimated to be around 68%. The latest estimated MPS for recent CFA Level 1 exams are: Nov 2023: 68%

What is the hardest finance exam?

According to the Wall Street Journal, the CFA exam is the most difficult exam in the world, with less than 1/5th of candidates clearing it, after repeated attempts, on a yearly basis. To register, candidates must have a bachelor's degree or be enrolled in the last year of an undergraduate program.

Is CFA Level 2 easy?

#1 – CFA Level 2 is more difficult than Level 1

CFA ​Level 1 can be easy for some especially if they have a good grounding in finance back in university, or because of the context of their work. A big mistake would be to assume Level 2 is a continuation of this. It's not.

How many hours does it take to study for CFA Level 2?

The general recommendation is that you spend roughly 300 hours preparing for each level of the CFA exam. According to a 2019 survey, Level II candidates spent an average of 328 hours preparing for the exam.