Is 400 hours enough for CFA level 2?

Yes, 400 hours is generally considered a good, even sufficient, amount of time for CFA Level 2, aligning with official recommendations and candidate experiences, though some find the average 300-328 hours insufficient and suggest aiming higher (350-400+) for the deeper, calculation-heavy material, emphasizing the need for a structured plan with significant practice.

Is 7 months enough for CFA level 2?

Starting early to prepare for the Level II CFA Exam means beginning to prepare six-to-nine months before your exam day, and finishing three months out from your exam date. Many successful CFA charterholders credit their study routine for their success in taking the CFA exams.

Is 350 hours enough for CFA level 1?

Successful candidates, averaging 323 hours of preparation, follow the CFA Institute's recommendation. For CFA Level 1, allocate at least 303 hours.

Can CFA level 2 be done in 3 months?

Is 3 months enough to study for CFA Level II exam? Three months can be enough time, but typically it takes a candidate at least six months to prepare for the CFA Level 2 exam.

Is 67% enough to pass CFA?

CFA Institute does not disclose an exact cut-off, but experts and data from previous years suggest that candidates need to answer at least 65% to 70% of the questions correctly to pass. CFA Level 1 has 180 multiple-choice questions divided into two sessions of 2 hours and 15 minutes each.

How to Smash CFA Level 2 (90th Percentile - 2025)

Is CFA L2 the hardest?

Instead, a deep understanding of the principles is necessary to pass this level successfully. It would be safe to generalize that most CFA charterholders would call Level 2 the hardest of the CFA Exams. However, with patience, dedication, and practice, candidates can conquer the Level 2 Exam.

Is 65% enough to pass CFA level 1?

Is 65 enough to pass CFA? To pass the exam, aiming for 70% proficiency in as many topics as possible is advisable. In essence, one doesn't need to surpass the 70% threshold in all areas to pass; some argue that scores as low as 65% or even 63% are acceptable.

Is CFA harder than CA?

Is CFA tougher than CA? A: The CFA and CA (Chartered Accountant) qualifications have different focuses and challenges. While both are demanding, many find CA to be more rigorous due to its extensive practical training and exams.

How many hours for level 3?

Recommended study time for Level III is at least 344 hours (compared to 303 hours for Level I and 328 for Level II).

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.

Is CFA level 3 very hard?

How hard is the CFA Level III exam? Due to the difficulty of the essay format of the CFA Level III exam, it's deemed the most challenging CFA exam to pass although it has a higher pass rate than the Level II exam.

Can you pass CFA level 2 in 1 month?

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.

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.

What's the hardest topic on the CFA exam?

Generally, our research shows that candidates' CFA Level 1 hardest topics are Financial Statement Analysis, Fixed Income, Quantitative Methods, Derivatives and Economics. Meanwhile, CFA Level 2 most difficult topics are typically Financial Statement Analysis, Portfolio Management, Ethics and Derivatives.

What's the CFA Level 2 pass rate?

CFA Level II Pass Rate Falls to 44%

First-time Level II candidates scored significantly above the average pass rate, with 52% succeeding, while those with at least one deferral had a 28% pass rate, the institute said.

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.

What is the average MPS for CFA Level 2?

CFA Level 2 passing scores 2012-2024 (estimated)

We estimated that CFA Level 2's MPS ranged from 60%-71% from 2012-2024, with an 10-year average of 66%. The latest estimated MPSs for CFA Level 2 are: Aug 2025 = 70% May 2025 = 68%

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.

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.

How many people fail CFA level 2?

CFA Institute Reports Results for CFA Program Level II Testing in August 2025. CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, announces that of the 9,898 candidates worldwide who sat for the Level II CFA® Program exam in August 2025, 44 percent have passed.