How to Clear CFA All Levels in First Attempt?
Chartered Financial Analyst Exam 2026 ( CFA Exam )
Registration - 12 Aug '25 - 12 Feb '26
The path to gain the CFA charter is through passing all three levels of CFA exam. Read the article below to know how to clear all levels of CFA exam in first attempt.
Passing every level of CFA exam is an important milestone in CFA journey of finance professionals. To clear CFA exam in first attempt, first important thing is to commit 300+ study hours over a period of four to six months. Students need to have a strong and smart study plan in place to make dream of passing CFA exam in first attempt true. CFA exam is known to be most difficult finance exams, and many falter on their first attempt. But, that does not mean clearing CFA exam in first attempt is unachievable. With right mindset and resources, one can pass CFA 2026 exam easily.
CFA program is recognised globally as a prestigious financial certification. There are three levels in the CFA exam which students need to clear to get the CFA charter. Each level of the CFA exam tests understanding of financial concepts, analytical ability and ethical judgement of students. The overall CFA pass rate is 41% on an average for CFA Level 1 exams. Read below to know how to clear all levels of CFA exam in first attempt.
CFA Exam Structure
Knowing the exam pattern of CFA exam is important so that students know how to approach CFA exam and what to expect. Check below level wise CFA exam structures:
CFA Level 1 Exam Structure 2026
Check the table below to know the CFA level 1 exam structure and pattern:
Each level of the CFA exam has its own criteria and passing score. CFA institute sets a MPS which changes with each cycle for the newly registered candidates. Some years test takers will receive an overall CFA score of 65% and fail, and in some years they may receieve a score of 62% and pass. The scoring plays a role in deciding the overall pass score in CFA exam. In general, an overall score of 70% and above will help you pass the CFA exam.
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Session 1: 135 minutes Session 2: 135 minutes |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Number of questions | 180 questions |
| Topics | Ethics and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, Alternative Investments, Derivatives, Equity, Fixed Income |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Angoff Method is used by subject matter experts to decide probability of a student answering each question correctly in CFA exam. These probabilities range from 0 to 100 and are then averaged for each question. Then the averages are added to find the final cutoff or minimum passing score in CFA exam
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Name of Books | Authors |
|---|---|
Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions | Pearl and Rosenbaum |
2021 CFA Level I | Kaplan Schweser |
Strategic Value Investing: Practical Techniques of Leading Value Investors | Stephen M. Horan, Robert R. Johnson and Thomas R. Robinson |
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management | Roger Lowenstein |
The Cartoon Guide to Statistics | Larry Gonick and Woollcott Smith |
CFA Level I | Bhupesh Ananad |
The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities | Frank J. Fabozzi |
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
CFA programme is a rigorous one. Students should have a good preparation plan to clear CFA Level 2 exam. Students should devote at least 300 hours on an average for each level of the CFA exam
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
- Open CFA website
- Login to CFA account
- Select CFA program
- Proceed past initial scheduling tools
- Search by preferred city.
- Select a date range. Students should choose a wide date range
M
Beginner-Level 5
CFA programme is a rigorous one. Students should have a good preparation plan to clear CFA Level 2 exam. Students should devote at least 300 hours on an average for each level of the CFA exam