What to carry to the CFA exam?

For the CFA exam, you must carry your valid international passport (or approved ID) and an approved calculator (TI BA II Plus or HP 12C). You can also bring water in a clear bottle, a light jacket/sweater, and pre-approved personal items like eyeglasses (without the case) for comfort, but keep all bags, notes, phones, and other electronics in your locker.

What should I bring to my 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.

What do you need to take the CFA test?

There are a number of items you should bring to your CFA exam. These include a valid international travel passport and an approved calculator. You are allowed to bring water, but it should be in a clear bottle with no labels, images or writing.

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. 

Can I bring my phone to the CFA exam?

If you bring your phone into the test center, please be sure to shut it off and put it in your bag before you enter the test room. Your bag will be kept in a designated area outside of the test room. You may turn it back on during the break and when both sessions are completed.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me on the CFA® Exam Day?

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. 

Is there any dress code 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.

Is CFA harder than CPA?

CFA vs CPA difficulty

Or are the CPA exams harder than the CFA exams? As we've established when looking at the differences between the CFA and CPA exams, the breadth, depth and length of the CFA exams combined make the CFA exams a lot more challenging to undertake and pass than the CPA exams.

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 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.

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 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 to eat before a CFA exam?

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Fuel your brain and body with a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that may cause indigestion or lethargy. Opt for a nutritious meal that provides sustained energy and helps you stay focused throughout the exam.

Is CFA tougher 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 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 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. 

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.

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 you make 300k as a CPA?

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. 

Is 7 months enough for CFA level 3?

Three months can be enough time, but usually, it takes a candidate at least six months to prepare for the CFA Level III exam. UWorld's course is designed to be used for a more traditional six-month timetable but can be adjusted to meet everyone's needs.

Is CFA harder than 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.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the 3-3-3 Styling Method, choosing 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes for versatile outfits, and Project 333, a larger challenge to wear only 33 items (clothes, accessories, shoes, outerwear) for 3 months. The smaller 3-3-3 method focuses on creating many combinations from few items to simplify dressing, while Project 333 is a broader minimalist lifestyle challenge to reduce wardrobe size. 

Does CFA provide pencils?

NO PENCILS, PENS, PAPER

Now, for the computer-based CFA exam, no writing tools nor your own scratch paper are allowed in the testing room. Instead, you will be provided with scratch paper or an erasable writing tablet or whiteboard for use during your exam.

What to do if you panic during an exam?

To help you stay calm and confident right before and during the test, do relaxation techniques. These include deep breathing, tensing then relaxing your muscles one at a time, or closing your eyes and imagining a positive outcome. Practice these methods daily so they feel like a habit when test day comes.