Is CFA level 2 possible in 3 months?

Yes, passing CFA Level 2 in 3 months is possible but extremely challenging, requiring intense, consistent study (350+ hours, around 20-25 hrs/week), a strong finance background, and a highly efficient, integrated study plan, as most candidates need 4-6 months to cover the complex, integrated curriculum, so it's best for those with prior CFA success or significant free time.

Is 5 months enough to study for CFA level 2?

Most of the level 2 CFA candidates start their exam preparation approx. 5 months before the exam. Some will think that 6 months is a safer prep time and some will wait just a bit longer only to get down to intensive work when it's 4 months to the 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 90 days enough for CFA level 1?

Yes, it is entirely possible. Thousands of candidates have passed CFA Level 1 in 90 days by following a structured plan, solving daily practice questions, and benchmarking progress with mock exams. With the right materials and consistent effort, this timeline is not only realistic but also effective.

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. 

CFA Level 2 November 2025: Last 3 Months Checklist | Tips | Scoring Subjects & Revision Period

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 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 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. 

How many hours do you need for CFA Level 2?

Level II exam format

The CFA Level II exam consists of 22 item sets comprised of vignettes with 88 accompanying multiple-choice questions. The Level II exam will be 4 hours and 24 minutes, split into two equal sessions of 2 hours and 12 minutes, with an optional break in-between.

Can I do CFA level 2 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 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 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 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 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.

Can I move my CFA exam from August to November?

No, if you need to reschedule your exam appointment within your testing window you will be charged a non-refundable fee of USD250. This policy does not apply to a change of testing windows, from August to November, for example. A deferral is required to move your exam to a future testing window.

Is 67% 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.

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.

How does the CFA compare to an MBA?

Compared to the chartered financial analyst (CFA), a master of business administration (MBA) provides a broader study of business principles. An MBA teaches students valuable analytical and leadership skills that prepare them for opportunities across a number of sectors and careers in finance.

Is CFA math heavy?

Hardest Topics on CFA Level 1

Here are the hardest CFA Level 1 topics to watch out for: Fixed Income (FI): Think bond pricing, yield curves and duration. It's math-heavy, formula-rich and conceptually dense.

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The top 3 toughest exams globally consistently include China's Gaokao (college entrance), India's IIT-JEE Advanced (engineering), and India's UPSC Civil Services Exam (government jobs), due to their extreme competition, vast syllabi, and life-altering consequences, though other candidates like the All Souls Prize or Master Sommelier Diploma are also noted for extreme difficulty. These exams demand immense knowledge, analytical skills, and endurance, with failure often meaning significant setbacks, making them notoriously difficult.
 

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.

How many people fail the CFA?

Since 2014, the historical CFA pass rates for: Level 1 ranges from 22%-49%, with a 11-year average of 41%; Level 2 ranges from 29%-59%, with a 11-year average of 45%; Level 3 ranges from 39%-56%, with a 11-year average of 50%.