Do I need to bring a pencil to CFA?

No, you do not bring your own pencils to the CFA exam; the institute provides you with an erasable writing tablet or laminated sheet and markers, as you are not allowed to bring personal writing utensils or scratch paper into the exam room, only your passport, approved calculator, and admission ticket.

Do I need to bring pencils to CFA?

Items NOT allowed in the CFA exam room (computer-based test)

Writing utensils, scratch paper, or calculator manuals. Candidates will be provided with a laminated sheet OR erasable writing tablet for use during the exam. With computer based exams, pencils are now not allowed (nor necessary).

What to carry to the CFA exam?

Items to bring

• Valid international travel passport. Learn more about exam ID requirements.
• Approved calculator. Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional), or. ...
• Face mask. ...
• Additional layers of clothing. ...
• Water. ...
• Additional personal care items.

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 needed to take the CFA exam?

Each year of education counts for 1,000 hours of experience. CFA candidates must either hold a bachelor's degree (or be close to completing one) or 4,000 hours of professional experience completed over a three-year period. To become a CFA charterholder, you must then pass three exams divided into levels.

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. 

Can you chew gum in the CFA exam?

Water in a clear glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking (including electronic cigarettes,) and chewing gum are prohibited.

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.

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 CFA level 1 actually hard?

CFA Level 1 is considered challenging due to its broad curriculum, requiring significant study time (often 300-400+ hours), low historical pass rates (around 40-50%), and the need for strong conceptual understanding and application, especially in areas like Ethics and Finance. While it's the foundational level, its breadth and depth of material, often compared to multiple college exams, demand discipline and effective study habits, but it's achievable with consistent effort. 

Is a water bottle allowed in CFA?

**At most test centers, candidates may bring water into the testing room during their exam. No other beverages are permitted. Water must be in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other test aids.

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.

How to dress for the CFA exam?

Dress for comfort

There's no official dress code, but dressing in layers will allow you to adjust to the room temperature and remain comfortable during the exam.

Can you eat during a CFA break?

CFA Exam Breaks

Go to your locker and grab your snack and drink. You will not be allowed to eat or drink in the testing center. Take this period to decompress and visit the restroom. CFA Expert Tip: Try to reduce your anxiety during your break and avoid studying or looking up questions from the morning session.

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 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 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. 

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.

Can a CPA make 300k a year?

Yes, a CPA can absolutely make $300k, especially in senior leadership roles like Partner, CFO, or Director in large firms or corporations, or by owning a successful practice, though it typically requires significant experience (10+ years), specialization, business development, and working in high-cost areas like major cities, with partners at large firms often earning well over $300k. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

What is the 7 3 2 rule?

The 7 3 2 rule is a financial strategy focused on wealth accumulation. The theme suggests saving your first "crore" (ten million) in seven years, then accelerating the savings to achieve the second crore in three years, and the third crore in just two years.

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 wear a hoodie to Prometric?

Examinees may wear light outerwear (e.g., sweaters, hooded sweatshirts, jackets, sport jackets) inside the test room and place them on their chair if they remove them from their body. Heavy coats are not permitted in the test room and must be stored in the locker.

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.