Can you chew gum in the CFA exam?

No, you generally cannot chew gum during the CFA exam; the CFA Institute policies prohibit chewing gum and all other food/drinks (except water in a clear container) inside the testing room to maintain a consistent environment for all candidates, though some forums mention potential leniency if quiet, it's best to avoid it and rely on water and permitted items like earplugs.

Can I bring gum to the CFA exam?

Chew gum during the actual exam

If you've had a look at our CFA exam day checklist, you'll see that although the CFA Institute is pretty strict on items allowed into the exam hall, you can bring sweets and chewing gum with you. Use this to your advantage!

Am I allowed to chew gum in an exam?

You must remove bottle labels before entering. Any bottles containing anything other than water or with labels on will be taken away from you. Chewing gum and sweets (including cough sweets) are not allowed. If the alarm sounds, remain silent and listen to the instructions given to you by the invigilator.

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. 

What is allowed during the CFA exam?

The following items are permitted in the testing room but must be kept in full view on your desk when not in use: Approved calculator (go to the CFA exam calculator policy) Calculator cases, keystroke cards, and loose batteries. Eyeglasses (without the case)*

Your Key To Success: How Chewing Gums Helps

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. 

Can I bring a pen to the CFA exam?

The CFA Institute and Prometric provide a laminated sheet or whiteboard for you to use during the exam. You will not be allowed to bring your own writing utensils, eraser, or scratch paper into the exam room. You also cannot bring your calculator manual.

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. 

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.

Does chewing gum affect test scores?

Chewing gum can boost your test scores? Although it's definitely not the only factor in success, research has found that chewing some gum while studying can boost performances during exams.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in her most recent attempt (July 2025), though she shared that she came very close and vowed to keep studying, sharing her disappointment and determination to pass in future attempts on her show and social media, as revealed in late 2025. She stated she's "not a lawyer yet" but is dedicated to her law journey, viewing the setback as motivation, per reports from November 2025.
 

Can chewing gum lower test?

Regular chewing gum, especially sugar-free types, can significantly impact salivary testosterone readings, often appearing to increase levels by stimulating saliva flow, though it might also attenuate (reduce the apparent concentration of) other hormones like cortisol, making its effect complex and highly dependent on the gum's ingredients (like mint) and study conditions, with some studies suggesting mint might lower testosterone, but human evidence is inconsistent. 

Is the CFA exam harder than the bar exam?

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.

Are you allowed to chew gum in an exam?

You must not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or make noise that disturbs other candidates during the assessment.

Can I push back my 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 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. 

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.

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.

What is a CFA salary?

CFA salaries vary significantly by experience and role, but generally show substantial growth, with averages from around $80,000 for early career to over $180,000 for experienced charterholders, according to sources like the CFA Institute, ZipRecruiter, and Payscale. Early career might see $60K-$90K base, while mid-career can hit $90K-$150K, and senior roles $150K-$300K+, with significant bonuses, especially in investment/asset management.
 

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. 

Is a 75% on the CPA Exam passing?

Yes, a score of 75 or above on a CPA exam section is a passing score, but it's crucial to understand it's not a literal 75% of questions answered correctly; the score is on a 0-99 scale, reflecting sufficient knowledge to protect the public interest, based on weighted question difficulty and performance.
 

Can AI pass the CFA exam?

AI Can Pass the CFA® Exam, But It Cannot Replace Analysts. Recent headlines have highlighted how large language models (LLMs) perform well and quickly on the CFA® exam.

Can I bring a cheat sheet to CFA?

Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management round out the Level I topics. You won't be able to bring the sheet on exam day, but it's an incredibly valuable resource during your season of preparation, and UWorld's Formula Sheet is the best you'll find. Get access to our Level I CFA Formula Sheets now.

Is 35 too late for CFA?

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.