Success at CFA exams

HONG KONG - The CFA Institute recently announced that 39 percent of the 28,082 worldwide candidates in the rigorous Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme passed the Level I exam they took in December.

To earn the CFA charter, candidates must sequentially pass three six-hour exams that are widely considered to be the most rigorous in the investment profession. The Level I exam is offered twice a year (June and December), while Level II and Level III exams are offered once each year (June). On average, CFA candidates take four years to pass the three required exams. “Candidates who pass a CFA exam indicate to employers, clients, and their peers that they possess a dedication to the field of investment-decision making, as well as a commitment to high ethical and professional standards,” said Jeff Diermeier, CFA, president and CEO of CFA Institute. “Those who have just passed Level I of the CFA exam are bound to join a distinct network of professionals that is highly regarded in the global investment community.”

By country/region, the pass rates for the Level I exam are:

•United States: 38 percent of the 8,426 total exam candidates
•Canada: 40 percent of the 2,064 total exam candidates
•Europe: 42 percent of the 4,218 total exam candidates
•Asia and Pacific Asia: 39 percent of the 12,048 total exam candidates
•Central and South America: 41 percent of the 170 total exam candidates
•Africa/Middle East: 28 percent of the 1,156 total exam candidates.