Sophie Macon 
[Updated for the Aug’21 CFA exams] CFA pass rates are a factor in most candidates’ consideration on whether to sign up for the CFA exams. If pass rates are too high, it lacks prestigiousness. If it is too low, it is too difficult and may not be worth the effort. Tricky, eh? Often branded the …
Speed and accuracy matter for the CFA, FRM and CAIA exams. It is worth investing some time to learn how to use your calculator more effectively. Our BA II Plus guide is the ultimate list of some lesser-known, time-saving BA II Plus functions that you need to know for your CFA exam preparations, regardless of level. …
Are you considering CAIA certification? We often get asked how difficult the CAIA exams actually are. While CAIA pass rates and its historical trend is one way to judge this, it can be tricky to compare difficulty between designations such as CAIA vs. CFA as well. CAIA exams are tough in the sense that you’ll …
Despite more frequent exam slots per year with computer based exams, it still takes 7-8 weeks for CFA Level 1 results to be announced. Combine this with the fact that there needs to be a minimum of ~6 months gap between CFA exams taken, many candidates – in particular CFA Level 2 candidates – find …
It’s easy to get discouraged by the recent unexpected trends in CFA minimum passing scores and pass rates. While there are a few reasons for the recent low CFA pass rates, the implications for CFA candidates are clear: the guidance on CFA mock exam target scores has to change to improve pass chances. In this …
It can be a nail-biting experience waiting for your CAIA exam results, and even more so if you don’t know when results are announced. While CAIA Association provides reasonably accurate time guidance of results release, the wait has been longer due to the pandemic’s disruptions. To be helpful, here are our predicted CAIA exam results …
Not to be confused with pass rates, GARP does not release FRM minimum passing score information to candidates. We understand GARP’s reasons for doing this, as FRM candidates should aim to acquire the necessary knowledge as a competent finance professional, rather than aiming for a specific score to beat since an exam’s difficulty can vary. …
Considering the CAIA designation? It’s a pretty good choice if you plan to build a career in growing alternative investments sector. In response to the pandemic, CAIA has expanded its in-person computer-based testing (CBT) exams to accommodate online proctoring (OP) as well, so you can now take the CAIA exams remotely too. Whether you are …
The Ethical and Professional Standards section is challenging for most CFA candidates given the more subjective nature of the topic and questions (vs. the rest of the curriculum), and the sheer amount of readings to go through. Regardless whether you’re new to CFA exams or a seasoned CFA Level 3 candidate, CFA Ethics section plays …
CFA and CAIA designations can appear very similar at first sight, as they both target investment and financial professionals. However, there are differences in global recognition, breadth and depth of topics studied, career focus and exam difficulty. They could even be a complementary set of finance certifications to go for, depending on career goals. For …