What is the pass rate for CFA over the years?

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%.

What is the passing rate for CFA?

Level 1 pass rates have hovered around 37% Level 2 pass rates have been around 45% Level 3 pass rates have been better around 52% COVID had an impact on the CFA exam pass rates.

Has the CFA gotten harder?

The CFA Institute reports that historical pass rates for Level I and Level II of the exams are typically between 40% and 50% with Level III having a slightly higher pass rate. However, pass rates were much higher when the exams were first initiated in 1963 and have been trending downward since then.

Why is the CFA pass rate so low?

The CFA exam pass rate is low because it is a challenging exam with three levels. The percentage of people who pass all the levels is small, especially when you consider that the passing rate for Level 1 is less than half.

What is the average time passing CFA?

The CFA^® Institute says that it takes the average candidate four years to finally become a licensed CFA^®. However, some people have said it took them up to seven years to finally pass all three levels. On the other hand, the most accomplished CFA ^®candidates have passed all three exams in 18 months.

Pass Rate Explained | Inside the CFA Program

Is CFA harder than CPA?

As clearly seen in the passing rates CFA is more difficult in comparison to CPA. On an average about 50% of the registered candidates clear CPA exam whereas about 7% of the candidates clear all the 3 levels of CFA. In terms of course also, the course of CFA is much more lengthy and detailed in comparison to CPA.

Is CFA the hardest exam?

Difficulty Level: 4.4

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

Is passing CFA Level 2 a big deal?

There are three tests to take before you become a charter member. The Level II test is the second, so when you complete it, you only have one more to go. Passing the Level II exam also demonstrates your dedication to your career and learning and can result in increased opportunities in your professional life.

Can you pass CFA with 50%?

To pass CFA Level I, you probably need to target 70% in as many topics as possible... In other words, you don't have to get more than 70% in everything to pass. Some say you can get as low as 65%, or even 63%. You don't even need to get more than 51% in everything to pass.

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 still prestigious?

The CFA charter is one of the most respected designations in finance and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis. To become a charter holder, candidates must pass three difficult exams, have a bachelors degree, and have at least four years of relevant professional experience.

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 harder than MCAT?

Scoring high enough on the MCAT to gain admission to a U.S. medical school (MD program not DO) is more difficult than passing the CFA. For some candidates not schooled in finance, passing the CFA could be more difficult than a respectable MCAT score.

Can you pass CFA with 65%?

Passing Scores

Candidates must get a minimum passing score (MPS) of 70% on the multiple-choice questions on the CFA Level I exam, a minimum score of 65% to 70% on the multiple-choice questions on the CFA Level II exam, and a minimum passing score (MPS) of 60% on the multiple-choice questions on the CFA Level III exam.

Is passing CFA Level 1 a big deal?

It all depends on the company you keep. If you work with a bunch of people that failed the level one and never retried, it's a big deal. If you work someplace where most employees are charterholders it's not a big deal. To HR managers who don't fully grasp the CFA program passing any level is insignificant.

Is 65 enough 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%

How many times can I fail CFA?

Candidates are permitted to take the exam a maximum of two times per calendar year (when applicable), but not in consecutive windows or windows that are six months or less apart. Candidates will have a total of six maximum attempts per exam level.

Which CFA level is the hardest?

Many CFA charterholders consider the Level 3 CFA Exam the most difficult because of the time and thought needed to answer the constructed responses successfully. While the typical Level 3 CFA Exam pass rates are the highest of the CFA Exams, only around 56% of CFA candidates pass the exam.

What is the hardest CFA level to pass?

CFA Level II vs Level III Difficulty

Candidates should expect the Level III exam to be more difficult than the Level II exam. The primary reasons Level III is more difficult than Level II are: Level III covers fewer topics which increases the weight of each topic, especially Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning.

Is a CFA better than an MBA?

Career aspirations: While there is certainly overlap in how business school graduates and charterholders apply their expertise, MBA programs are generally ideal for professionals who want to pursue management positions in any industry. A CFA designation suits professionals dedicated to working in the finance industry.

Is CFA worth it in USA?

The CFA charter is relevant in a variety of careers including investment management, risk management, private wealth, banking, and consulting, just to name a few. Furthermore, the prospects for career advancement and increases in total compensation may be expected for candidates who ultimately earn the CFA marks.

Is CFA Level 2 or 3 harder?

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 is the No 1 toughest exam in the world?

1. Gaokao. The Gaokao is a college admission exam in China that is famed for being one of the top ten most difficult exams in the world. Due to the difficulty of the exam, some European and American colleges have begun to accept Gaokao marks.

Which is toughest exam in world?

In general, the Gaokao Exam is considered as the toughest exam in the world. It is a national-level examination conducted by China for its undergraduate admissions. The Gaokao is known for its comprehensive coverage, level of difficulty, and intense competition.

Does CFA have a lot of math?

The first two CFA exam levels are significantly quantitative - there is literally a topic area called Quantitative Methods. This topic area covers subjects like time value of money, discounted cash flow, and lots of statistical concepts, probability distributions and hypothesis testing.