Can I push my CFA exam?

To reschedule a CFA exam, log into your CFA Institute account, find your appointment, and use the link to change your date/location within the same exam window for a $250 fee, adhering to the published deadline; moving to a future window requires a separate, costly deferral process (paid for $399 or emergency for $100).

Can you delay your CFA exam?

CFA Exam Deferral Types

When you purchase a deferral, you may postpone your exam appointment for up to 12 months, depending on your exam level and appointment availability.

Is 67% enough to pass CFA?

A 67% score on a CFA exam is a strong performance, potentially enough to pass, but it's not a guarantee, as the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) varies by exam, and you need strong performance across topics, with some experts recommending 70%+ in mock exams for a safer bet. While 67% might be above the MPS for some levels or sessions (estimated MPS often hovers around 65-70% for Level 2), it's close to the threshold where a few points make a difference, especially if you scored poorly in heavily weighted areas like Financial Statement Analysis or Fixed Income. 

How much does it cost to reschedule the CFA exam?

What if I need to change my scheduled appointment? If you need to reschedule your exam appointment in your exam window, you will be charged a non-refundable USD 250 fee and any applicable taxes. You may not use this change to move to a new testing window.

What reasons qualify for a CFA exam deferral?

CFA Institute® will consider Emergency Deferrals if a candidate or a candidate's immediate family member suffers from a life- threatening illness or injury on the date of a candidate's scheduled examination. “Life-threatening illness or injury” means an illness or injury capable of causing imminent death.

Failing a CFA Exam (What I Did Next)

How much does a CFA deferral cost?

Deferral Fee: Generally USD 200–250 (varies yearly). Refunds: Only granted in exceptional cases where the CFA Institute cancels the exam. Re-registration: If you pass the deferral for the CFA exam, then you get automatically registered for the next window that you choose without having to register again fully.

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. 

Is 4 months enough for CFA level 1?

No, studying for any CFA exam in 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.

Can I cancel my CFA exam and get a refund?

Exam Cancellation and Withdrawal

If a candidate is unable to attend their upcoming CFA® exam, CFA Institute can cancel the exam registration upon request. Please note that canceling an exam registration does not provide a refund or financial credit.

What is the CFA exam pass rate?

CFA Level II Pass Rate Falls to 42%

As with other levels of the CFA exam, figures show that candidates who put off taking the test have a lower likelihood of success.

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 many people fail CFA level 1?

CFA Level I Pass Rate Stays at 43% for November Test

Candidates who put off taking the test have a smaller likelihood of success. Those who took the Level I exam in November with at least one deferral saw a 29% pass rate, compared with 49% for first-time candidates, the CFA Institute said.

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.

How many times can you fail CFA?

CFA® Exam Result Validity and Attempt Policy

Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts per exam level.

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 we defer 1 week before CFA?

Deferral Policy (Paid and Emergency Options)

The deferral window opens approximately 1–2 weeks before the start of each exam cycle. Exact dates are announced on the CFA Institute website.

Do CFA results expire?

No. Your results do not expire.

How much does it cost to postpone a CFA exam?

Rescheduling is the process of changing your scheduled CFA® exam appointment to a different date, time, or location within your currently registered exam window. A US250 fee applies to any change to your exam appointment. Rescheduling your exam does not defer your registration to a future exam window.

How much does it cost to retake a CFA exam?

Retake Fees

If you retake any level of the CFA exam, you will be charged the same examination fee. The fee will range from $700 to $1,450, depending on when you register to retake the exam.

Is 60% enough to pass CFA level 1?

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%. The latest estimated MPS for recent CFA Level 1 exams are: Nov 2025: 69%

Is CFA level 1 actually hard?

CFA Level 1 is widely considered a very difficult exam due to its broad curriculum, demanding study commitment (often 300+ hours), challenging technical content, and typical ~40% pass rates, requiring strong discipline to learn and recall foundational finance concepts, though it's often seen as the most manageable of the three levels because it focuses on learning and describing rather than deep analysis. Success hinges on consistent study, mastering core topics like Ethics, FSA, and Investments, and effective exam technique, making it a significant hurdle for many. 

Is it possible to clear CFA level 1 in 2 months?

Yes, many candidates pass CFA Level 1 with just 2 months of preparation, especially if they have a strong background in finance or accounting. Success depends on consistency, structured study plans, and focused revision using practice questions and mock exams.

Is CFA harder than a master's degree?

While both CFA and a master's are equally challenging, the only differences come in when CFA is said to be more rigorous due to its specialised contents and demanding exam structure.

Is it normal to fail CFA level 1?

You're not alone, and this definitely isn't the end of your CFA journey. In fact, many candidates don't pass on their first try. According to historical data, the CFA Level 1 pass rate has hovered around 40%, meaning more than half of all test-takers have faced this exact same disappointment.

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.