Can I bring my phone to the CFA exam?

No, you cannot bring your phone into the CFA exam room; it's strictly prohibited, along with other tech like smartwatches, tablets, and cameras, for security, so you must store it in a locker or leave it in your car, accessing it only during breaks outside the testing area. You will need to check your phone and all other personal belongings (bags, notes, food, non-water drinks) in a designated area before entering, only keeping your ID, approved calculator, and water in the room with you.

What can I bring to my CFA exam?

CFA Institute Exam Personal Belongings Policy

• Approved calculator (go to the CFA exam calculator policy)
• Calculator cases, keystroke cards, and loose batteries.
• Eyeglasses (without the case)*
• Additional personal items allowed in the test center (PDF)
• Valid international passport.

Can you use your phone during a CFA break?

If you bring your phone into the test center, please be sure to shut it off and put it in your bag before you enter the test room. Your bag will be kept in a designated area outside of the test room. You may turn it back on during the break and when both sessions are completed.

Is 67% enough to pass CFA?

A 67% score is generally considered strong and likely enough to pass a CFA exam, especially if you have strong scores in key weighted topics, but it's not a guarantee as the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies by exam difficulty, with experts recommending aiming for 69% or higher (e.g., 70%+) for a comfortable pass on Level 1 and Level 2 to be safe. While 67% is above the historical average for some levels (like Level 2's 66% average), the MPS can fluctuate, so focus on strong performance across all areas, especially weighted ones like Fixed Income or Ethics. 

Are shoes allowed in the CFA exam?

Dress Comfortably

Wear comfy clothes on exam day. CFA Institute suggests layering for comfort and choosing quiet shoes.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me on the CFA® Exam Day?

Is 60% enough to pass CFA level 1?

Yes, you can potentially pass CFA Level 1 with a 60% score, as the CFA Institute doesn't have a fixed percentage; the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies, sometimes allowing a pass around 60-65% when exams are tough, while other times requiring 70%+ for an easier exam, so aiming higher (68-70%+) is safer, but 60% isn't an automatic fail. 

Is there a dress code for CFA?

The Chick-fil-A dress code for restaurant Team Members involves a standard uniform: a red polo or chef's coat, dark (black/grey) slacks, a black belt, and black, slip-resistant shoes, with a white undershirt and black socks, all kept clean and neat, requiring hair pulled back, minimal jewelry (stud earrings only), and covered tattoos, though corporate offices have a more business casual standard with polos, slacks, and blazers allowed.
 

Is CFA harder than CA?

Is CFA tougher than CA? A: The CFA and CA (Chartered Accountant) qualifications have different focuses and challenges. While both are demanding, many find CA to be more rigorous due to its extensive practical training and exams.

Did CFA remove the 90th percentile?

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.

Is 40 too old for CFA?

Is it too late to pursue a CFA at age 40? Not at all. There is no strict CFA age limit, so anyone can start, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The CFA age requirement is flexible, so it suits people changing careers or with work experience.

How early should I arrive to the CFA exam?

CFA Institute recommends that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Is CFA still relevant in 2025?

Yes, the CFA is still worth it in 2025 for the right person aiming for roles in traditional investment management, portfolio management, and equity research, offering unparalleled global recognition, employer trust, and career advancement in a rigorous, time-intensive program, though its value is less emphasized in fast-evolving areas like fintech; its relevance hinges on aligning it with specific career goals, complementing it with practical skills (Python, modeling), and understanding it's a commitment requiring strategic study alongside work experience. 

Can I pass CFA level 2 in 3 months?

Is 3 months enough to study for CFA Level II exam? Three months can be enough time, but typically it takes a candidate at least six months to prepare for the CFA Level 2 exam.

What to eat before a CFA exam?

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Fuel your brain and body with a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that may cause indigestion or lethargy. Opt for a nutritious meal that provides sustained energy and helps you stay focused throughout the exam.

Is CFA harder than CPA?

While both are tough, the CFA is generally considered harder due to significantly lower pass rates (around 13.5% for all levels) and much greater study time (300+ hrs/level vs. 80-120 hrs/section for CPA), requiring mastery of vast financial concepts, whereas the CPA (around 50% pass rate) focuses more on accounting principles and has fewer, though still demanding, sections (4 parts) with generally higher passing chances. The difficulty depends on your background: the CFA tests new, broad finance topics, while the CPA covers a breadth of accounting areas, making each challenging in different ways. 

Is 1 year enough for CFA level 2?

Yes, it is definitely feasible. I self-studied for all 3 levels of my CFA exams, with a basic study notes package from Kaplan Schweser and tons of practice papers. You'll need to spend time with Level 2 to understand the materials and make time for practice tests.

Is 65% enough to pass CFA level 1?

A 65% score on CFA Level 1 is borderline and might pass, but it's risky, as the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies by exam, often hovering around 70%, though sometimes dipping lower (like 62-65%) when exams are harder; aiming for 70% or higher on mocks gives you a safer buffer, acknowledging that a 65% could pass if the exam was particularly difficult, but it's not a guaranteed pass. 

Does a CFA look good on a resume?

You can include your CFA designation in the certification or education sections of your resume and must include the ® symbol. For example: “CFA® charterholder, CFA Institute.” You may also include the date you earned your CFA designation in the certification or education sections of your resume.

Will CFA become obsolete?

The CFA profession is not becoming outdated. Rather, it's adapting. Although technology, in the form of AI, can help increase efficiency, it can never replace the skills of ethics, experience, or strategy which the CFA charterholder holds.

What is a CFA salary?

CFA salary varies significantly by experience and role, but charterholders see substantial earnings, with total compensation often reaching $100,000 to $180,000+ annually, driven by roles in investment management, asset management, and portfolio management, while entry-level roles might start around $60k–$90k, and senior positions (like CIO/CFO) can exceed $300k total compensation. Bonuses significantly boost total pay, with significant jumps after passing each CFA exam level. 

Is CFA harder than the bar?

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.

Do JP Morgan hire CFA?

The Indian and global financial systems are full of opportunities in 2025 for CFA professionals. If you aspire to be employed by JP Morgan, ICICI Bank, or an international consulting behemoth like EY, the CFA certification provides that competitive advantage.

How much sleep do I need before an exam?

On the final exam, students who slept ≥8.0 hours performed better than students who opted-out or slept ≤7.9 hours, even after controlling for pre-final grades. The Eight Hour Sleep Challenge provides proof of principle that many students can maintain optimal sleep while studying, without sacrificing test performance.

Is CFA better than an MBA?

An MBA program provides a broader education than the CFA program. The CFA focuses more on detailed topics like investment management. Completing both may give you a comprehensive education that could help prepare you for a career in portfolio and corporate management.