Exam Differences: CFA Level II vs. Level III

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve successfully passed (or at least sat for) Level II of the CFA® exam. Congratulations on making it this far! You’ve probably heard Level III is quite different from Levels I and II.

This article will break down how Level III is different and how you will need to modify your approach to be successful.

Table of Contents

• CFA Level II vs III: Multiple-Choice Section Differences

• CFA Level II vs III: Constructed Response Section

• CFA Level II vs III: Exam Curriculum

• CFA Level II vs III: The Number of Reading and Study Sessions

• CFA Level II vs III: Pass Rates

• CFA Level II vs III: Topic Weights

• CFA Level II vs III: Hours of Studying

Top 10 differences between Level I and Level II >>

CFA Level III Exam's Multiple Choice Question Section is More Difficult than Level II

For the Level II CFA exam, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can learn, recall, and apply long deterministic processes through a set number of vignettes, each followed by 4–6 multiple-choice questions. For the Level III CFA exam, you’ll need to apply the skills you learned from the Level II exam, plus the ability to apply judgment skills and writing skills.

CFA Level III Exam's Constructed Response Question Section

The constructed-response section of the Level III CFA exam is the biggest difference from the Level II CFA exam. These response questions are open-ended, which require constructed answers without multiple choices to pick from.

According to most candidates, it’s also the hardest part of the Level III exam. That feeling is reflected in the lower scores of this section compared to the multiple-choice section of the exam. The constructed-response section requires new skills, which can be learned with practice in a Kaplan Schweser essay review workshop.

The CFA Level III Exam Curriculum can be More Difficult

Level III of the CFA exam has more integration of topics in a single question. For example, a constructed response question or item set question may combine the concepts from Ethical and Professional Standards with Asset Allocation.

The curriculum on the CFA Level III exam can also be more subjective than the Level II exam. For example:

• The curriculum doesn’t state what an “average” rate of return is for an investor, yet the candidate must be able to calculate and interpret the required return with the investor’s level of risk tolerance.

• The curriculum doesn’t state what asset class weights are considered “normal,” yet the candidate is expected to pick out the best portfolio from a group of portfolios.

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More Readings and Study Sessions are Required for CFA Level II than Level III

The curriculum for Level II is contains readings and study sessions than Level III because Level III is focused more on applying the leanings from Level II into real word practical applications.

Differing Pass Rates Between CFA Level II and Level III Exams

The 10-year average pass rate for the Level II CFA exam is 45%. The 10-year average pass rate for the Level III CFA exam is 52%. At first glance, this seems reasonable until you factor in that the Level III exam is easier and has a more qualified group of candidates.

So why isn’t the pass rate even higher? Simply put, the constructed response morning section of the Level III exam makes it difficult to pass. You don’t get to Level III without having already passed the first two levels. But even for that more qualified candidate pool, there’s no guarantee of success. Nearly half still fail the Level III CFA exam.

Differing Exam Topic Weights Between CFA Level II and CFA Level III

The CFA exam topics and weights are different between Level II and Level III exams because in Level II you are tested on 10 topics whereas in Level III you are tested on 6 topics.

Latest CFA Curriculum Updates >>

Is the CFA Level III Exam Harder than Level II?

Yes, the Level III exam is harder than the Level II exam because the Level III exam contains a constructed response section, and your knowledge in Portfolio Construction and Asset Allocation makes up 30-40% of your Level III exam score.

CFA Level II Exam Quiz

Answer these five questions to test your readiness for the Level II Exam

CFA Level III Exam Quiz

Answer these five questions to test your readiness for the Level III Exam

CFA Level III Exam Requires More Studying & Prep than Level II

The average candidate for the Level II exam reports spending an average of 328 hours of studying. The average Level III candidate reports spending 344 hours preparing for the exam, which means you should expect to study on average an extra 16 hours for the Level III CFA exam.

Next Steps for Level II & Level III Candidates

As you get ready for your next exam, consider making Kaplan Schweser's CFA study materials—complete with classes, practice exams, and mock exams—the centerpiece of your mission to earn a passing grade.