How many times can I fail CFA level 1?

You can fail the CFA Level 1 exam a maximum of six times in total, with a limit of two attempts per calendar year and a mandatory six-month waiting period between consecutive attempts, after which you lose eligibility for that exam level. If you fail after six attempts, you can no longer register for that specific level, but results don't expire, and there's no overall time limit to complete the entire program.

How many times can you fail CFA level 1?

Each candidate is allowed up to six total attempts per exam level. Candidates who are unsuccessful after six attempts at the same level are no longer eligible to register —this applies to attempts under both existing and newly created accounts.

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.

Should I give another attempt of CFA L1 after failing?

I personally highly recommend you to take the exam again coz this time you're not gonna start from scratch. You just need to figure out your weaknesses areas and improve it. For the other topics, you also don't need to study again.

How many attempts are allowed for CFA?

CFA® Exam Result Validity and Attempt Policy

Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts per exam level. Attending and completing any portion of a scheduled CFA® exam counts as one attempt.

CFA Exam Just Changed - How To Clear CFA in 2026

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. 

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 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 I put passed CFA level 1 on my resume?

Listing CFA Level One in the education section of the resume

Write "Chartered Financial Analyst." Include a hyphen and "Passed Level 1" next to it with the year you earned the qualification.

Can I do CFA at the age of 40?

There is no strict CFA age limit, so people of all ages can join. The CFA age requirement only asks for a degree or relevant work experience. Many individuals who choose to pursue the CFA do so around the age of 40 or later.

Is 70 enough to pass CFA level 1?

The CFA Level 1 passing score is not fixed every year, but it usually stays between 65% and 70%. CFA Institute does not publish an official cut-off, but this range is considered the minimum benchmark to pass.

Which is the hardest topic in CFA level 1?

In-Depth Breakdown of the Most Difficult CFA Level 1 Topics & How to Tackle Them

1. Financial Reporting & Analysis (FRA) (15-20% weight) Why It's Difficult: ...
2. Fixed Income (10-12% weight) ...
3. Ethics (15-20% weight) ...
4. Quantitative Methods (8-12% weight) ...
5. Derivatives (5-8% weight) ...
6. Portfolio Management (5-8% weight)

Can I say I passed CFA level 1?

If you are currently a candidate in the CFA Program:

Include your participation in the CFA Program in the education section of your resume. (For example: “CFA® Program participant, CFA Institute.”) You may also list the levels completed. (For example: “Completed Level I in 2020.”)

What if I don't pass CFA level 1?

Technically speaking, after you fail your level 1 CFA exam, you need to retake the exam (unless you want to drop out of the CFA Program).

Why are CFA level 1 pass rates so low?

Why Is the CFA Pass Rate So Low? CFA pass rates are low due to many factors. Often, a CFA candidate will get in over their heads at the start and never be able to catch up to the study pace the exam demands.

Do internships count for CFA experience?

Can part-time or internship roles count as CFA work experience? Yes. Part-time work, internships, and remote positions may count as qualifying work experience if they involve analyzing financial data, conducting research, preparing valuation work, or supporting the investment decision-making process.

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

The "7-second resume rule" means recruiters often spend only about 7 seconds on an initial scan to decide if a resume warrants a closer look, making it crucial to have a highly scannable, keyword-rich, and accomplishment-focused document to pass both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human eyes quickly. To pass this test, focus on a clear design, use bolded keywords and metrics (numbers/percentages) in concise, action-verb-led bullet points, and tailor everything to the specific job description to highlight your unique value and fit.
 

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. 

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.

Is CFA level 1 very tough?

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. 

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.

How many hours to study for CFA Level 1?

The one thing standing between you and success on the Level I CFA Program exam is hard work. CFA Institute recommends you aim to spend at least 300 hours preparing for the Level I exam.

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.

Do Big 4 accept ACCA?

All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.