Data Analytics Background
Data & Trends

Historical
Pass Rates

Understanding the difficulty curve is the first step to conquering the exam. Visualizing the data from the past decade to gauge the trend.

Level I Avg.

38% 2%

Last 10-year Average

1

Level II Avg.

44% Stable

The "Filter" Exam

2

Level III Avg.

52% High

Final Hurdle

3

Recent Trend Visualization

Level I
Level II
L1: 26%
L2: 40%
2021
2022
2023
41%
2024
39%
2025

Detailed Statistics

Exam Window Level I Level II Level III
Nov 2024 35% 48% -
Aug 2024 37% 47% 48%
May 2024 42% 59% High -
Feb 2024 44% - 49%
Nov 2023 35% 44% -
Average (Hist.) ~40% ~45% ~52%

* Data sourced from CFA Institute official releases.

Analysis: Why the Fluctuation?

Pass rates hit a historic low in 2021 due to pandemic-related deferrals (the "stop-start" study effect). However, 2024 data suggests a return to the long-term mean. Level II remains the "filter", requiring the biggest jump in depth of understanding.