What are the CFA Level 1 topic weights for 2024?

For the 2024 CFA Level 1 exam, the topic weights were structured with Ethical and Professional Standards (15-20%) and Financial Statement Analysis, Equity, & Fixed Income (each 11-14%) having the highest emphasis, followed by Portfolio Management (8-12%), Alternative Investments (7-10%), and Quantitative Methods, Economics, Corporate Issuers (all 6-9%), with Derivatives (5-8%) having the lowest weight, according to Investopedia and other sources https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionaleducation/12/what-to-expect-on-the-cfa-level-1-exam.asp, https://300hours.com/cfa-curriculum-changes-2025/,.

What are the weights for CFA Level 1 topics?

Level 1 CFA Exam Weightage in Ranges

Level 1 CFA exam topic weights are given in ranges. For the 2026 CFA exams, the weights are: QM (6-9%), ECO (6-9%), FSA (11-14%), CI (6-9%), EI (11-14%), FI (11-14%), DER (5-8%), AI (7-10%), PM (8-12%), and ETH (15-20%).

What is the CFA Level 1 syllabus for 2024?

The 2024 CFA Level 1 curriculum emphasizes practical subjects like Equity, Fixed Income, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management, potentially reducing the emphasis on theoretical topics. This shift prepares candidates for real-world application early in their careers.

What are the changes in CFA Level 1 2024 to 2025?

These chapters are updated to reflect the inclusion of one new standard and revisions to two existing standards. There are 93 Learning Modules in 2025's Level 1 Curriculum, no change from 2024. Overall, there are very minor changes to 2025's CFA Level 1 curriculum, with a few chapters in Ethics updated.

Is 65% enough to pass CFA level 1?

A 65% score on CFA Level 1 is borderline and might pass, but it's not a guarantee, as the Minimum Passing Score (MPS) fluctuates, but generally, aiming for 70% or higher on mocks is a safer bet for passing, as actual passing scores have ranged from the low 60s to over 70% depending on exam difficulty and scoring curves. 

CFA Exam Just Changed - How To Clear CFA in 2026

Is CFA level 1 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.

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'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.

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 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. 

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.

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. 

Do you need to memorize formulas for CFA level 1?

The number can vary, but it's around 50+ formulas you'll need to memorize. Don't worry though, with the CFA Level 1 formula cheat sheet, it'll be easier to keep track. The CFA Level 1 syllabus PDF outlines which formulas are most important. Focus on understanding them, rather than just trying to remember them.

Which CFA level 1 subject is most important?

The 3 most important level 1 CFA exam topics are:

• Financial Statement Analysis (FSA)*,
• Ethical and Professional Standards (Ethics),
• Quantitative Methods (QM).

What are the topic weights for CFA Level 1 2026?

For the 2026 Level I exams, the topics are weighted as follows: Asset Allocation: 15–20% Portfolio Construction: 15–20% Performance Measurement: 5–10%

Which pays more CFA or CPA?

CFAs typically have a higher earning potential than CPAs. CPAs often work with financial decisions that companies have already made, such as preparing tax documents and audits, while a CFA typically helps their clients make these financial decisions and plan for financial success.

Is CFA equivalent to Masters?

Is the CFA Equivalent to a Master's Degree? Since both the CFA Program and an MSFA require an undergraduate degree in most cases and require about the same total amount of study, the CFA is generally considered to be equivalent to a master degree.

Is CFA level 1 enough to get a job?

Yes, you can get a job once you clear CFA Level 1, as it shows your strong financial reporting, quantitative, corporate finance, and income-based skills to employers.

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. 

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

Is CFA harder than medical school?

But obtaining a CFA is no easy feat. CFA exams are considered the most challenging out there—even harder than medical school or law school exams—with pass rates under 50%. The certification process demands years (yes, you read that right) of dedication, time, and effort.

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.