Can you put a CFA level 2 candidate on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can and should put your CFA Level 2 candidacy on LinkedIn, but you must follow strict CFA Institute guidelines: use the "Courses" section for "Level II CFA exam candidate" or the "Test Scores" section for "Passed Level I," not the headline or "Certifications" for partial status, to avoid misrepresenting yourself and violating Code & Standards. The key is accuracy: state "CFA Level II Candidate" or "Passed Level I" (with exam date) in the correct sections, but never "CFA Level II" or imply charterholder status.

How to put CFA level 2 candidate on LinkedIn?

Add to the Test Score section of your profile

1. Log in to LinkedIn and view your profile.
2. Select “Add Profile” section.
3. Under “Add to Profile” select “Additional” and then "Add test scores" Title: Enter either "Level [I, II, or III] CFA exam" Associated With: Leave this field blank. ...
4. Select Save.

Can I say I am a CFA level 2 candidate?

For example: “CFA® Program participant, CFA Institute.” In the education section of your resume, you can also include which level you can complete and the date of completion. For example: “Completed Level II in 20XX.” You may only use the term “candidate” if you are actively registered for an upcoming CFA exam.

Can I put a CFA level 2 candidate on my resume?

You can state that you passed Level II, but you can't use the word “candidate” until you've registered for the next exam.

How to put CFA after name on LinkedIn?

1) Indicate that you have Passed CFA Exam Level I / II / III under “Test Scores” section

1. In your LinkedIn profile, select “Add Profile Section”.
2. Under Accomplishments, select “Test Scores”. Fill the form as follows and then click “Save”.

Navigating CFA exams in a world of AI - good news and bad news

Can you call yourself a CFA after level 1?

For example, once you have earned your CFA Level I and are preparing for the Level II exam, you should state, "Earned CFA Level I; CFA Level II Candidate (Exam Date: Dec. 2023)." You may not use the CFA letters after your name until you have passed all three exams and have earned official CFA Charterholder status.

Can I say I am a CFA charterholder?

CFA Marks can only be used by charterholders who are dues paying members of CFA Institute not subject to certain Professional Conduct violations and whose rights to use the CFA designation have not been suspended or revoked. Use of the CFA Marks signifies that you have earned the prestigious CFA charter.

Is CFA level 2 impressive?

The Level II CFA exam is widely considered to be one of the most difficult professional exams. Of the three CFA exams–Level II often claims the title of the most difficult level.

What is the average age of CFA Level 2 candidates?

(Though this only includes the June exam for 2018; the average age for December test takers ticked slightly higher – between 0.2 and 0.3 years – from 2013 through 2017). For Level II, the average age at registration has dropped from 28.6 to 28.1 over the last five years.

Is CFA higher than MBA?

Neither the CFA nor the MBA is universally "better"; their value depends on your career goals, with the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) being superior for deep, technical investment roles like portfolio management and research, while an MBA offers broader business skills for general management, leadership, and pivoting industries, also providing a strong network. The CFA is highly respected for specialized finance expertise and often leads to higher pay in specific analyst roles, whereas an MBA's value is tied to the prestige of the issuing school and opens doors to diverse leadership positions. 

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. 

Is CFA level 2 very hard?

The CFA Level 2 exam has a reputation for being the trickiest stage. Only about half the candidates pass, which says a lot about how tough it is. The questions feel longer, the topics go deeper, and the pressure is real.

What percent of people pass CFA level 2?

CFA Institute Reports Results for CFA® Program Level II Testing in November 2025. CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, announces that of the 15,003 candidates worldwide who sat for the Level II CFA® Program exam in November 2025, 42 percent have passed.

What's the best way to showcase my certificate?

Let's start with a few certificate display ideas to exhibit your achievement:

1. #1. Let It Join the Group Display at Your Office. ...
2. #2. Over Your Desk. ...
3. #3. With Other Awards. ...
4. #4. Above the Shelf. ...
5. #5. On A Wall. ...
6. #10. Special Wall of Honor.

How prestigious is CFA level 1?

The Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 Exam is recognised worldwide as a qualification specifically for finance and investment management. It is the entry point to the prestigious CFA charter. This charter is widely considered the golden benchmark in the finance industry worldwide.

Can you see who passed CFA level 1?

Individual candidate results are released only to the candidate and are never released to a third party; however, lists of passing candidates are provided to societies for membership purposes.

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 CFA tougher than CA?

Both CA and CFA are challenging yet rewarding credentials that offer great career progress. Being an elite accounting qualification, CA is a better option for students wanting to build a career in accounting and taxation. For students interested in finance, CFA is a better choice.

Is CFA level 2 doable in 3 months?

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 does Warren Buffett think of CFA?

No Substitute for Independent Thinking: Buffett believes a CFA doesn't make someone a great investor. He values traits like temperament, patience, and independent thought over formal credentials. “It's not necessary to have a high IQ or an #MBA or a CFA.

Does JP Morgan hire CFA level 1?

For investment banks like JPMorgan or Morgan Stanley, CFA charterholders can leverage analytical prowess, particularly in client-facing positions where technical precision matters. In firms like EY and PwC, CFA can make professionals stand out in valuation, due diligence, and merger advisory engagements.

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.

Is CFA or MBA better?

Neither the CFA nor MBA is universally "better"; the choice depends on your career goals: choose the CFA for deep, technical expertise in investment management (equity research, portfolio management) at a lower cost, ideal for specialized roles; choose an MBA for broad business leadership, management, and networking, offering flexibility to pivot industries, but at a much higher cost and time commitment, with top-tier school prestige being key. 

Is CFA considered a master's?

UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) The UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) has benchmarked the CFA Program and the CFA charter as comparable to a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Master's Level 7.

What country has the most CFAS?

The Vatican has the highest CFA charterholders per capita, followed by Cayman.